We were still under the spell of this strained silence when a maid servant scared and white of face rushed in.
“The police are here, madame, and ask for you,” she cried.
An officer followed the girl, and out in the hallway I saw a file of men drawn up.
“Madame Drakona?” he asked.
“I am Madame Drakona. What do you want with me?” asked the old lady, rising.
I noticed that Paul instead of stepping forward to the mother’s side remained by his sister.
“I have to ask you to accompany me to the offices of the Department, madame,” said the agent.
“To ask me? I don’t understand,” she replied feebly. “Katinka, Paul, what can this mean? When do you wish me to go, sir?”
“My instructions are that you accompany me immediately.”
“But there must be a mistake. I am sure there must be. I cannot go until I have seen my daughter. She is out. Can I not wait until she returns?”