'
'Yes; but a spy is not a dishonourable person--at least, he need not be.
I saw a monument in Westminster Abbey to a man who was hanged as a spy. A
spy must be brave; he must have nerve, caution, and resource. He
sometimes does more for his country than a whole regiment. Oh, there are
worse persons than spies in this world.'
'I suppose there are, still----'
'Yes, I know. It is easy for persons with plenty of money to moralize on
the shortcomings of others. I'll tell you a secret. I'm writing a book,
and if it's a success, then good-bye to journalism. I don't like the spy
business myself any too well; I'm afraid England is contaminating me, and
if I stayed here a few years I might degenerate so far as to think your
newspapers interesting. By the way, have you seen Mr. Wentworth lately?'
Edith hesitated a moment, and at last answered:
'Yes, I saw him a day or two ago.'
'Was he looking well? I think I ought to write him a note of apology for
all the anxiety I caused him on board ship. You may not believe it, but I
have actually had some twinges of conscience over that episode. I suppose
that's why I partially forgave you for stopping the cablegram.'
Edith Longworth was astonished at herself for giving the young woman
information about Wentworth, but she gave it, and the amateur housemaid
departed in peace, saying, by way of farewell:
'I'm not going to write up your household, after all.'
CHAPTER XXVIII.
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