The police were there not to protect, but to attack.

This amazing complication in the plot concentrated all the girl's sympathies on the unfortunate man who was messenger between two great personages, even though he travelled apparently under the protection of the British Embassy at St.
Petersburg.

The fact, to put it baldly, that she had intended to rob him herself, if opportunity occurred, rose before her like an accusing ghost.

"I shall never undertake anything like this again," she cried to herself, "never, never," and now she resolved to make reparation to the man she had intended to injure.

She would watch for him until he came down the passage, and then warn him by relating what she had heard.
She had taken off her hat on entering the room; now she put it on hurriedly, thrusting a long pin through it.