He stood aside to allow the butler to pass, then shutting the door again turned resolutely to Thérèse, trying to conceal from her the quandary in which he found himself.
"I'm afraid this requires an explanation," he said to her coldly.
"Please tell me what you were going to do with that water."
She bit her lips and faced him defiantly.
"I shall not answer any question that is put in such a way," she retorted. "Let me pass; I insist on leaving this room."
"Listen to me, Thérèse. A little while ago Miss Rowe made a terrible accusation concerning you and Sartorius. I begin to think her statement has got to be investigated. I am giving you a chance now to explain matters."
"Investigated! Are you serious? Surely you saw for yourself that the girl is out of her senses?"
"In view of what Chalmers has just told me I am not entirely sure."
"Absurd! Why, the doctor said before she left that he considered her abnormal. I am sure I have no idea what mad story she has invented, but as for taking her seriously——!"
"Very well, then, tell me what you were going to do with that water.
Why were you trying to throw it away?"
As he spoke it flashed upon him that on another occasion she had been in his room. He recalled her flimsy excuse, which she had later on contradicted.