"Or accessory——" put in Monsieur Matthieu sharply.
"That is absurd——" broke in Moira with some spirit, "and you know it."
Monsieur Simon nodded approval.
"I am glad you have made that point, Madame. It is our trade to make our witnesses uncomfortable that they may controvert themselves. But you have probed quite straight. And instead of answering your question, permit me to ask you another. Did you send a Petit Bleu to Monsieur Horton requesting him to come to your studio last night at eight o'clock?"
The expression upon Moira's face showed so genuine an astonishment that there could be no doubting the sincerity of her reply.
"I? No, Monsieur Simon. I was at Fontainebleau. Why should I ask him to come to the studio when I was not there?"
The two men exchanged glances of new interest.
"Both Monsieur Horton and Madame Morin testify that Monsieur Horton received such a message."
Moira started forward in her chair.
"What did that message say, Messieurs?"