"My good man," I said—"are you a member of the suite of the late
Grand Duke?"
"I am, or was, the valet of M. de Stahler, monsieur," he replied.
I showed him my card.
"To me 'M. de Stahler' is the Grand Duke Ivan. What other servants had he with him?" I asked, although I knew very well.
"None, monsieur."
"Where and when was he taken ill?"
"At the Theatre Coquerico. Montmartre, at about a quarter past ten o'clock to-night."
"Who was with him?"
"No one, monsieur. His Highness was alone in a box. I had instructions to call with the car at eleven o'clock."
"Well?"