
A seasoned British diplomat finds himself summoned to a shadowy meeting with the ambassador in Paris, where a delicate web of intrigue is unraveling. A mysterious woman named Yolande, newly arrived in the city, has caught the eye of both allies and rivals, and her brief encounter with a foreign officer at an Austrian embassy ball has set off alarm bells. The protagonist, a second‑secretary, must navigate whispers of betrayal while keeping the fragile peace that hangs over Europe.
The narrative immerses listeners in the tense world of early‑20th‑century diplomacy, where secret messages, covert meetings, and the ever‑looming threat of war shape every decision. As the ambassador’s suspicion deepens, the diplomat is forced to weigh loyalty against the possibility that a single misstep could ignite a continental conflict. The story captures the quiet heroism of those who work behind closed doors to keep the continent from slipping into chaos.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (529K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2012-10-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1864–1927
A hugely popular early master of spy fiction, he turned fears of invasion and international intrigue into fast-moving stories that gripped readers before the First World War. His books helped shape the mood of his age, mixing journalism, suspense, and a flair for dramatic danger.
View all books