"Probably he visits people in the neighbourhood," I tried again.
"I cannot say," was the reply, still more absently given.
"Or lives at the inn," I pursued.
"It may be so." The young fellow was now glancing about the kitchen, as if to rid himself of this talk.
"Or perhaps he dwells in private lodgings when he is at Montoire," I went on resolutely.
"It might well be. There are private lodgings to be had there."
"Do you know much of this Monsieur de Merri?" I asked pointblank, in desperation.
"I have seen him two or three times."
"Where?"
"Where? At Montoire, of course." The speaker, in surprise, scrutinized me again with the keen look he had shown before.