"None," I repeated.
She hesitated. Then, although the door was fast closed, she dropped her voice.
"You know—who the child is," she said softly.
"Upon my word, I do not," I answered. "I saw the man, under whose care she was, shot, and I brought her here because she was friendless. I know no more about her."
"That," she said quietly, "is hard to believe."
"I have no interest in your belief or disbelief," I answered. "Pardon me if I add, madame, that I have no interest in the continuation of this conversation."
She rose at once.
"You are either a very brave man," she said, "or a very simple one. I shall await further instructions from Madame Richard."
She departed silently and without any leave-taking. We all three looked at one another.
"Now what in thunder did she mean by that!" Arthur exclaimed blankly.