However, when he returned to the study he was quite self-possessed and impassive again, and he was pleased to see that on her side the unfortunate girl had, to some extent, at least, recovered her wonted composure. “Let us now discuss the situation calmly,” he began. “I shall convince you that your prospects are not so frightful as you imagine. But before speaking of the future, will you allow me to refer to the past?” The girl bowed her consent. “Let us first of all consider the subject of the missing millions. They were certainly in the escritoire when M. de Chalusse replaced the vial; but now they are not to be found, so that the count must have taken them away with him.”
“That thought occurred to me also.”
“Did the treasure form a large package?”
“Yes, it was large; but it could have been easily concealed under the cloak which M. de Chalusse wore.”
“Very good! What was the time when he left the house?”
“About five o’clock.”
“When was he brought back?”
“At about half-past six.”
“Where did the cabman pick him up?”
“Near the church of Notre Dame de Lorette, so he told me.”