Wallace of the Secret Service by Alexander Wilson Page B

to dissuade him from them. But she dreaded the necessity which so often compelled him to risk his life. Proud of him, as she was, and of his position as the head of a department upon which the well-being and welfare of the British Empire so greatly depended, she yet prayed for the time to come, when she would have him entirely to herself, and no longer be subject to the heartache and trepidation she felt when he was away from her.
    It was a glorious day in September, and the sun was sinking gradually behind the great trees that stood like sentinels to the west of their domain, as they sat on the terrace of their beautiful home. They had been playing tennis together, and were resting after their exertions. Everything was peaceful and quiet with that languid stillness which is the country’s greatest charm. A feeling of contentment was in Molly’s heart; she had entirely forgotten for the time being the existence of a Secret Service; was, in fact, livingin the present and treasuring up every moment of the delight she felt at having her husband with her.
    ‘Visitors,’ grunted Sir Leonard suddenly.
    In the distance could be seen a motor car coming rapidly along the winding drive towards the house, and they watched it casually as it approached.
    ‘It’s old Humphrey’s car from the station,’ decided Sir Leonard presently. ‘Now who can have come by train to visit us?’
    As he spoke a premonition that her happiness was about to be interrupted came over Molly, and she sighed. Somehow the beauty seemed to have gone out of the day, she even felt a little chilly, and involuntarily shivered. Sir Leonard glanced at her, but asked no questions. He understood quite well what she was thinking.
    The car swung round the last bend, and drew up in front of the terrace. A small keen-eyed man stepped briskly from it, and approached the two who now awaited him with the certain knowledge that their idyll was to be shattered. He raised his hat and bowed to Molly, disclosing the fact that his hair was grey.
    ‘As a rule,’ remarked Sir Leonard by way of greeting, ‘I rather like you, Maddison, but just now I think you’re a most unpleasant person to know.’
    The visitor smiled slightly. He had noted the strained look in Molly’s face, and addressed himself to her.
    ‘My apologies are due to you, Lady Wallace, I’m afraid,’ he said.
    ‘You mean,’ she responded quietly, ‘that you are going to take my husband away?’
    ‘That, of course, is for Sir Leonard to decide himself.’
    ‘I understand.’ She rose. ‘I will leave you to discuss your business here.’
    Wallace, who had risen with her, hastily interposed.
    ‘Not on your life, Molly,’ he protested. ‘My study is the only place possible for the proper consideration of whatever Maddison has to tell me. I couldn’t be serious with all those flowers round me.’
    ‘Go along then,’ she smiled, sinking back into her chair. ‘You’ll stay the night, Mr Maddison?’
    ‘I’m afraid I cannot,’ he murmured regretfully.
    Her eyebrows were slightly raised.
    ‘As urgent as all that? At least you’ll dine with us?’
    He thanked her, and followed Sir Leonard into the house. Molly sat for some time staring straight before her and occasionally a sigh escaped from her. The appearance of Adrian, who had been out to tea, relieved her mind temporarily, and she played with him until his bed time. But her heart was heavy as she went to dress for dinner.
    In the meantime Sir Leonard had taken Maddison into his comfortably appointed study and, closing the door, he nodded towards one of the large leather upholstered armchairs, dropping himself into another. His demeanour had changed entirely. No longer indolent or perfunctory in his manner, he had the alert air one would expect in the head of such a department as his. Maddison had a feeling that the clear grey eyes were delving into the inner recesses of his brain.
    ‘Serious?’ was Wallace’s pithy question.
    ‘The Prince