"I must have it—I mean, may I bring it to you?"
"Certainly, if you wish to, doctor."
Dr. Riche on hearing this hastily left the room in a great state of excitement.
"What is the matter with him?" asked Renée, "why is he so eager to get the packet? It is merely a trifle after all."
"I have no idea, but I will go and see for myself."
As Villebois was leaving the room, the servant met him, and whispered something in his ear as he handed him a card.
"Shut the door quickly," said Villebois in a low tone. "We must not on any account let mademoiselle hear about it."
He followed the servant into the library where a gentleman advanced to meet him.
"I am sent from the parquet with orders from the representative of the Procureur de la République to carry out an autopsy on the body of Monsieur le Professor Delapine."
"Good," replied Villebois, "pray step this way."