"What is your errand now?"
"Madame has left her medicine in the dining-room; I am fetching it for her."
I left her to fulfill her errand, but kept watch on the landing above. Again I intercepted her. In her hands, as I suspected, was the decanter of brandy.
"Is that the medicine you were sent for?"
"I could not find it, monsieur. I thought this would do her good; she is depressed, and needs something strengthening."
There was no sign of confusion on the woman's face; she was calm and composed.
"Go down again and search for the medicine you were sent for," I said, taking the decanter from her.
"But, monsieur, I have already sought for it, and cannot find it."
"To search again, then, would be useless?"
"Quite useless, monsieur."