"And no one has attempted to force past you?" said Lorin.
"No one," replied Maurice, happy to escape by an evasion, from the way in which the question was put to him. "No one. And what have you done?"
"Why, we have acquired the certainty that the Chevalier entered the house an hour ago, and has not left it since," replied the agent of police.
"Do you know his chamber?" said Lorin.
"His room is only separated from that of Madame Dixmer by a corridor."
"Ah! ah!" said Lorin. "It appears this Chevalier de Maison-Rouge is a gallant."
Maurice felt the hot blood rush to his forehead; he closed his eyes, yet saw a thousand internal lights.
"Well, but Citizen Dixmer, what said he to that?" asked Lorin.
"Why, he thought himself highly honored."