“She was out driving. She did not return till about five minutes after we had made the terrible discovery.”
“And how did madame act?”
“She ordered us to carry poor mademoiselle to her room. Poor madame! She bore the blow with wonderful fortitude.”
That remark caused me to prick up my ears.
“I don’t quite understand,” I said. “Did she not give way to tears?”
“No, m’sieur; she shed no tears, but sat erect, motionless as a statue. She appeared unable to realise that poor mademoiselle was actually dead. At last she rang, and sent Jean to you.”
“You are absolutely certain that mademoiselle had no visit or after I left?”
“Absolutely.”
“It would, moreover, not be possible for anyone to enter or leave without your knowledge?” I suggested.