“There is a man below, sir, who wishes to see you at once on important business. He says he is valet-de-chambre of the Countess de Foville.”
“Of the Countess de Foville!” I echoed, much surprised.
I at once ordered him to be shown upstairs, and a few moments later a tall, thin-faced, clean-shaven Frenchman entered.
“M’sieur Ingram?” he inquired breathlessly in French, evidently in a state of great agitation.
“Yes,” I said. “What is your message?”
“I have been sent by Madame la Comtesse to ask you to be good enough to come to her at once. A most distressing incident has occurred.”
“What has occurred?” I demanded quickly.
“Ah, m’sieur, it is terrible!” he cried with much Gallic gesticulation. “Poor Mademoiselle Yolande! She is asking to see you. She says she must speak with you, m’sieur.”
“With me?”