“Courage, dear lady, courage. Don’t let them bully you. You have nothing to fear.”
Any further defiance of authority was now prevented by her almost forcible removal from the room.
CHAPTER VI
The stormy episode just ended had rather a disturbing effect on M. Floçon, who could scarcely give his full attention to all the points, old and new, that had now arisen in the investigation. But he would have time to go over them at his leisure, while the work of interrogation was undertaken by the Judge.
The latter had taken his seat at a small table, and just opposite was his greffier, or clerk, who was to write down question and answer, verbatim. A little to one side, with the light full on the face, the witness was seated, bearing the scrutiny of three pairs of eyes—the Judge first, and behind him, those of the Chief Detective and the Commissary of Police.
“I trust, madame, that you are equal to answering a few questions?” began M. le Hardi, blandly.
“Oh, yes, I hope so. Indeed, I have no choice,” replied the Countess, bravely resigned.
“They will refer principally to your maid.”
“Ah!” said the Countess, quickly and in a troubled voice, yet she bore the gaze of the three officials without flinching.
“I want to know a little more about her, if you please.”