At that moment he heard Coralie exclaim in accents of terror:
“Oh, my God, it can’t be! . . .”
Two other policemen barred the doorway.
“I am a relation of Mme. Essarès’,” he said, “her only relation. . . .”
“We have our orders, captain . . .”
“I know, of course. Be sure and let no one in! Ya-Bon, stay here.”
And he went in.
But, in the immense room, a group of six or seven gentlemen, no doubt commissaries of police and magistrates, stood in his way, bending over something which he was unable to distinguish. From amidst this group Coralie suddenly appeared and came towards him, tottering and wringing her hands. The housemaid took her round the waist and pressed her into a chair.
“What’s the matter?” asked Patrice.
“Madame is feeling faint,” replied the woman, still quite distraught. “Oh, I’m nearly off my head!”