"You know very well I do," replied Céleste, blushing in spite of herself.
"Did you notice anything peculiar about Pierre Duval's manner?"
"Let me see," said Céleste, trying to recall the events of the morning. "Yes, I remember seeing him put something in a cup of coffee, I think it was sugar or cream, but I was too excited over the race to notice exactly what it was he did."
"Was he finishing his coffee, or what?" asked Riche, watching her face carefully.
"No, it was not that. I am certain that he was not drinking it, as he certainly did not raise the cup to his lips."
"Are you perfectly sure of that?"
"Certain," said Céleste convincingly, "I told you that I was not observing him very carefully, but I feel sure I should have noticed if he had been drinking it, because he stood right in front of me at the other end of the lawn."
"Oh! Oh!" said Riche, "Please stay here, mademoiselle, I will be back in a few minutes. In the meantime please do not breathe a word of our conversation to anyone."
"Is it so serious then?" asked Céleste.
"I can't say yet, but please do as I ask you."