Wallace Intervenes Read Free

firmly, ‘not even my mother and my sister. The guv’nor knew, of course. It was through him, I believe, that I came to your notice.’
    ‘Not exactly,’ smiled Wallace. ‘I had been observing you for some time before he spoke. However, to resume: Whether His Excellency, The Supreme Marshal of State, von Strom, is himself in love with Baroness von Reudath or is merely very friendly with her, I do not know. It is certain, however, that they are on excellent terms, and that she is very much in his confidence. A report received yesterday from Gottfried in Berlin indicates that the Chancellor himself is also known to place some of his problems before her.’ Sir Leonard smiled slightly. ‘It is not necessary for me to explain how Gottfried obtained his information. I will tell you this much, though; the baroness possesses two companions. One is an English girl who was born and has lived most of her life in Germany – her name is Rosemary Meredith – the other is a German, Dora Reinwald. Miss Meredith happened to be at school with the baroness in Hanover. The war more or less ruined her father, and she was forced to seek her own livelihood when she grew old enough. Gottfried knew her well. It was partially through him and partially through Baroness von Reudath’s own affection for her that she obtained the post she now holds. You will gather that she is one of us. You must have nothing to do with her; that is, if you succeed in becoming on intimate enough calling terms with the baroness. Any communication between you may only cause harm to overtake one or both. You will work entirely separately – she has her orders, you are now receiving yours. Of course I don’t mean ignore her altogether. Simply behave towards her in the casual manner usual when meeting the paid companion of a friend.
    ‘Baroness von Reudath arrives in London tomorrow. She will be entertained a great deal by the many friends she has here during her stay of a week or ten days. The day after tomorrow Lady Ashington gives a reception at which she will be present. You will receive a card, and Mrs Manvers-Buller, who has known the baroness almost as long as she has known you, will present you to her. With you it will be a case of love at first sight. For the rest of the baroness’ stay in this country you will never be very far from her, but don’t overdo it. If you gain her interest in you, then go wherever she goes until you have succeeded in becoming thoroughly intimate with her and – in her confidence. If she will have nothing to do with you, we must try other means of finding out what I want to know or else rely entirely on Rosemary Meredith. Presuming that you will succeed in becoming very friendly with the baroness, you will eventually go with her or follow her to Berlin. There you will get in touch with Gottfried, who will convey any future orders to you. As he is the Berlin manager of Lalére et Cie , what more natural than that you should go to him to purchase perfumes for your inamorata? Whatever you learn from the baroness concerning the three things I shall presently enumerate, no matter how trivial it may seem, and even though reported as a rumour, don’t fail to inform Gottfried. But be very careful how you obtain your information. Sophie von Reudath is an exceedingly clever as well as a beautiful woman, and, if you once raise her suspicions against you, you will be done. If she speaks to you of these things, show little or no interest, appear to have one thought in your mind only and that your infatuation for her. Circumstances must guide you in your method of obtaining your facts without causing distrust. She may possibly talk of them to you, though it’s most unlikely; you may overhear or see something, however, that will tell you alot. In any case your job will require infinite patience, tact, and ingenuity. I recognise that I am staking a lot on giving a young, inexperienced man like you such a task, but you are the right type