"But what can have upset Renée so much as to make her cry like that?"
"What time was it when you found her crying?" asked Riche.
"About half-past five in the afternoon."
"Do you know if anyone called to see her before that hour?"
"Yes, her father called. I remember her maid saying that M. Payot had been to see her and had stayed quite a long time."
"Oh! Oh!" exclaimed Riche as a sudden thought flashed through his mind. "Now we are getting at facts. I wonder whether Renée's strange conduct had anything to do with his coming? But no, I confess that for the moment I cannot see any connection. Still, who knows?"
"Oh, please, doctor, do keep an eye on Pierre. I do not really know why I ask this, but I feel sure that he means mischief."
"I can't help thinking that you may be right after all. Let us be allies in ferreting out this mystery. Will you help me, Mademoiselle Céleste? Only mind, you must be very discreet."
"Can I depend on you?" asked Céleste, looking up eagerly into his face.
"Like my own soul, mademoiselle," answered Riche solemnly. "We will both keep a watch on Pierre Duval, and on M. Payot as well."