“Of course, during the day.” Her eyes flashed, as though the question was another offence.
“Have you known them long?”
“The General I met in Roman society last winter. It was he who introduced his brother.”
“Very good, so far. The General knew you, took an interest in you. That explains his strange, unjustifiable conduct just now—”
“I do not think it was either strange or unjustifiable,” interrupted the Countess, hotly. “He is a gentleman.”
“Quite a preux cavalier, of course. But we will pass on. You are not a good sleeper, I believe, madame?”
“Indeed no, I sleep badly, as a rule.”
“Then you would be easily disturbed. Now, last night, did you hear anything strange in the car, more particularly in the adjoining compartment?”
“Nothing.”
“No sound of voices raised high, no noise of a conflict, a struggle?”