Read Online Wallace Intervenes by Alexander Wilson - Free Book Online Page A

fulfilled. Gradually she had become stronger, though subject, from time to time, to fainting fits, especially when in a crowd. It was for that reason that she invariably took her maid, who was a trained nurse among other things – one of which Foster knew, and she did not, was membership of the German Espionage Department – to receptions, balls and theatres with her. She had come to London partially to consult a famous specialist in order to obtain a final opinion on the condition of her heart. Her doctor in Vienna had told her thatshe was now quite cured, a specialist in Paris had agreed with him. She pinned all her hopes on the diagnosis of the famous man in Wimpole Street. Foster and her maid Hanni accompanied her on the eventful visit, waiting anxiously in an anteroom. She came to them at last, her eyes sparkling, her cheeks glowing.
    â€˜It is true – there is no doubt!’ she cried joyfully. ‘He was very careful, very thorough, and he says I am in perfect health – my heart is now as sound as a bell. How I love your English idioms, Bernard.’ She threw her arms round the maid’s neck. ‘How relieved you will be, my Hanni,’ she laughed. ‘No more need you accompany me to the receptions and fetes which must have bored you so much. I will not faint again – that is certain.’
    â€˜It a long time is since you did zat,’ remarked Hanni in laboured English.
    â€˜I know, but there was always the doubt. You will be glad to be relieved of that irksome duty – yes?’
    â€˜Never am I tired of mine duty doing.’
    â€˜Noble Hanni,’ applauded Sophie.
    Foster felt he could apply another and far more deserved, as well as descriptive, adjective to the woman’s name, but for obvious reasons refrained. He told Sophie with simple sincerity of his great delight at the doctor’s verdict. She took his arm happily.
    â€˜Come!’ she bade him. ‘We will go and celebrate.’
    Foster met the two companions, of course, and liked them both. It was not long before he found that they were entirely devoted to the baroness. Once, when he looked up from some snapshots the latter was showing him, he found Rosemary’s gaze fixed on him. In her eyes he read sorrow and compunction; guessed that she found the task set her by the department she served as distasteful as he was doing. He wished he could have talked the matter over with her,but that was forbidden. He had been instructed to hold nothing but the most casual intercourse with her. She and Dora Reinwald presented a great contrast. Rosemary had beautifully waved brown hair, grey eyes, a slightly retroussé nose, and naturally scarlet lips that were most attractive in their shapeliness. She was, as a rule, vivacious, merry, and bright. Dora was of the pure Hebrew type. She had black hair parted in the middle and drawn back from her tiny ears. Her face was pale and serene, oval in shape, and perfect in every feature. Her eyes were large and dark containing in their depths that suggestion of remoteness which is so typical of her race. In her figure and all her movements she was amazingly graceful. Knowing of the unpopularity of Jews in Germany, Foster wondered how it was that Sophie retained in her service, apparently without question, a girl who was so obviously Hebrew. The three women were great friends – not once did her attitude towards the other two suggest that the baroness was mistress, they her paid companions, and Foster liked her all the better for it.
    Without going near headquarters the Secret Service man daily reported to either Sir Leonard or Major Brien. There was never anything of much importance to tell them, but the chief insisted on his carrying out the routine. He was certainly interested in the baroness’ announcement to Foster that she was in danger, though she apparently did not know exactly what it was she feared. Her statement that perhaps she would one day tell