The effect of the whispered words was to put Inspector Michel out of countenance: he looked abashed. He was annoyed: his tone was one of protest.
"I recognise you now, certainly—Monsieur!... But since when have you taken it upon yourself to—to start operations of the kind we have in hand—we, the representatives of Police Headquarters?"
The woman's retort was haughty.
"I belong to the information department of the Second Bureau."
"The Second Bureau does not make arrests—not that I am aware of—Captain!"
The obstreperous mother of the pretended groom was—Captain Loreuil!
Pointing to his young companion, Captain Loreuil announced:
"This gentleman belongs to the secret service department of the Home Office!... But what really matters, Inspector, is that we are losing time! Let us effect a capture—the capture is the thing!"
The distracted Bobinette, still swaying in the doorway, failed to grasp the full meaning of what these intruders were saying. Inspector Michel marched up to the trembling girl.
"Mademoiselle! Are you alone in your room?"