In Secret

A novel written during the early 20th century, set against the backdrop of World War I. The story centers around the efforts of Evelyn Erith and Clifford Vaux, who are involved in intercepting and deciphering coded letters pertinent to enemy activities, particularly concerning a man named Herman Lauffer, linked to a dangerous conspiracy. The novel explores themes of espionage, duty, and personal sacrifice amidst a tumultuous war environment. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to a cryptic yellow envelope containing a coded letter, which Evelyn finds while working at the Bureau of P.C. (its meaning is unclear). Identifying it as a code-cipher, she engages with her superior, Vaux, who agrees to let her pursue its origin. Evelyn's determination to decode the letter leads her to Herman Lauffer's shop, but their plans are interrupted by the unexpected involvement of another secret service agent, Cassidy. The opening sets the stage for a tense battle of wits in a world where deciphering critical communications can mean the difference between success and disaster in wartime. The story presents a blend of action, intrigue, and a glimpse into the personal struggles of characters deeply affected by the war, particularly the strong-willed Miss Erith, who seeks to prove her talents in a male-dominated field.