
FOREWORD
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER IX
Set against the smoky backdrops of post‑War‑I London, a small but eclectic group of expatriates gathers in the lobby of a fashionable restaurant. An American socialite, a stoic English captain, a German‑American financier, and a Japanese diplomat each proclaim unwavering loyalty to their homelands, while the murmurs of secret warnings—“Méfiez‑vous! Taisez‑vous!”—loom over their conversation. The opening scene crackles with cultural clashes, flirtations, and the uneasy feeling that every polite exchange may conceal a hidden agenda.
When a poised newcomer—an enigmatic young woman with a bright smile—enters the room, the delicate balance shifts, drawing the group’s attention to the subtle power plays beneath the surface. As alliances are tested and whispered rumors of espionage swirl, the characters must decide whether to protect their own interests or to confront the looming threats that threaten both personal loyalties and the fragile peace of the city. The narrative promises a tense, character‑driven exploration of wartime intrigue, humor, and the absurdity of national pride.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (397K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1866–1946
A master of early suspense fiction, he helped shape the modern spy thriller with fast-moving stories of glamour, danger, and international intrigue. In his lifetime he was hugely popular, writing fiction built for readers who wanted plot, pace, and high-stakes secrets.
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