She dragged Louis into the corner, and there they held a whispered conference. I did not seek to overhear them, but I saw that Louis, overcome by fear, was ready, even eager, to unbosom himself. Such opposition as was apparent to me came from her. She was the kind of woman that hates to give in—she and Madame Lourbet would have made a pretty pair—but in the end she allowed herself to be persuaded.
"We will answer your questions, such as we think fit to be answered," she said, "under compulsion. Understand that—under compulsion."
I shook my head and smiled. "That will not do. You will answer all my questions of your own free will, or you will answer none; and your desire is to assist the course of justice."
She shut her mouth with a snap, and I think she would have liked to bite me.
"If you don't answer," cried Louis, "I will."
"Put your questions," she said, frowning at him and us.
"You wish me to do so?" I asked, knowing I had her in my power, and she was forced to answer, "Yes." She did not exactly love me at that moment.
I pointed to the litter of clothing and open trunks.
"You are packing up to go away?"
"Yes—we have a right to go where we please."