"Did you not see him?"
Aksakoff raised his eyebrows. "But it was impossible, madame," he explained, without even a wink. "Dr. Helfmann took him away in the fiacre and I departed for Havre. I did not return to Paris."
"I see; your business at Havre detained you."
"Longer than I expected," said the diplomatist, taking his cue. "You see, madame, I was forced to repeat my conversation with M. Demetrius to my cousin the Count. I expect that he wrote to Paris, and told M. Demetrius to come to Havre for a conversation."
"Without knowing his address? How clever!"
Aksakoff laughed. "You have me there, madame."
"I really don't know what you mean. How is Katinka?"
"She is at Brussels. In good health, I believe."
"Does she know that M. Demetrius has gone to St. Petersburg?"
"Possibly. He had to write announcing his engagement to you."