“Yes, madame, but I do not understand—-”
“The gate was not locked,” she explained.
“But the vestibule door?”
She did not reply, and it occurred to me that she had used the servants’ entrance. How did she know the way? Then there was a silence that was quite embarrassing. She looked at Daspry, and I was obliged to introduce him. I asked her to be seated and explain the object of her visit. She raised her veil, and I saw that she was a brunette with regular features and, though not handsome, she was attractive—principally, on account of her sad, dark eyes.
“I am Madame Andermatt,” she said.
“Madame Andermatt!” I repeated, with astonishment.
After a brief pause, she continued with a voice and manner that were quite easy and natural:
“I have come to see you about that affair—you know. I thought I might be able to obtain some information—-”
“Mon Dieu, madame, I know nothing but what has already appeared in the papers. But if you will point out in what way I can help you....”
“I do not know....I do not know.”