"She's a disreputable person and her testimony has no value," answered the prisoner unconcernedly.
"Did you pay five hundred francs to the woman who left the house with you?"
"Certainly not."
"Do you still maintain that she is a lady whom you know personally?"
"I do."
Again Hauteville touched the bell. "The lady who was brought with this man," he directed.
Outside there sounded a murmur of voices and presently a young woman, handsomely dressed and closely veiled, was led in by a guard. She was almost fainting with fright.
The judge rose courteously and pointed to a chair. "Sit down, madam. Try to control yourself. I shall detain you only a minute. Now—what is your name?"
The woman sat silent, wringing her hands in distress, then she burst out: "It will disgrace me, it will ruin me."
"Not at all," assured Hauteville. "Your name will not go on the records—you need not even speak it aloud. Simply whisper it to me."