"Yes, it is from Starling that I wish to hear."
"Well, Starling has said—— Monsieur, why repeat the man's gossip?"
"Go on, Dubisson."
"After all, it is only what the Englishman has said. Madame, so far as I know, has said nothing. But Starling has told us that yours was a marriage of form only,—that the woman consented under stress, and now"——
"And now regretted it?"
"I am only quoting Starling. Monsieur, would you like to see your wife?"
I rose. "Yes. Will you send word and see if I may?"
Dubisson bowed and left me with a speed that gave me a wry smile. The laughter-loving lieutenant hated embarrassment as he did fast-days, and I had given him a bad hour.
He was back before I thought it possible.
"She will see you at once in the commandant's waiting-room." He looked at me oddly.