"We'd better make quite sure she's not in the house somewhere," said
Roger slowly. "And then if we don't find her——"
"What then, sir?"
"Then I think there is nothing for me to do but communicate with the police."
"I see, sir. Then you've talked to Miss Rowe, sir?"
"Yes, Chalmers. I have heard more than enough."
As he spoke he realised suddenly that they were now plunged into the midst of a revolting sensation. In a few hours the newspapers would blazon it to the world, and all Cannes, all France, perhaps, would be searching for the beautiful Lady Clifford, wanted on the charge of murdering her husband.
"Aline," he said as the woman came towards him, "what was Madame wearing? Have you thought to look?"
"Ah, non, monsieur, mais tenez! Je vous dirai toute de suite."
She hurried into Thérèse's room and returned almost at once with a face still more perplexed. There was nothing missing from Madame's wearing apparel, as far as she could see, except the black chiffon gown Madame wore last evening. Madame had not undressed at eleven o'clock, when she desired to be left alone.
"Do you mean to say there is no coat gone? No wrap of any kind, nor a hat?"