every lady whose husband lives to enjoy himself
were to commit suicide, there would be very few women left in our Paris
world."

"I agree with you, Monsieur le Prefet, in thinking Mrs. Pargeter was the
last woman in the world to commit suicide," said Vanderlyn brusquely,
and then he got up.

There had come over him during the last few moments an inexplicable,
instinctive feeling of dread,--that panting fear which besets the hunted
creature. He was determined to bring to an end the interview. But the
Prefect of Police had no intention of being disposed of so easily. He
remained sitting where he was; and, placing his two fat hands firmly on
his knees, sat looking at the American's tall figure. Slowly his eyes
travelled up till they rested on his host's haggard face.

"Then I am to understand, Mr. Vanderlyn, that you are not in a position
to give me any help? That is your last word?"

Vanderlyn suddenly determined to carry the war into the enemy's country.

"I can only repeat," he said, harshly, "what I said before, Monsieur le
Prefet--namely, that you credit me with a knowledge which I do not
possess. Further, that while, of course, I appreciate the kindly motive
which has inspired your visit, I think I have a right to resent the
suspicions which that visit indicates, I do not say on your part, but on
that of your subordinates. I will not disguise from you my knowledge
that for the last two days every step I have taken has been dogged; I
suspect also, but of that I have no proof, that my servants, and the
concierge of this house, have been questioned as to my movements, as to
my daily life. I cannot help also suspecting--perhaps in this I am
wrong--that the police are inclined to believe that Mrs. Pargeter--a
woman, let me remind you, Monsieur le Prefet, of the highest and most
unspotted character--is hiding here, in my chambers! You speak of having
saved me from a perquisition,--a perquisition in the rooms of a
diplomatist is a serious matter, Monsieur le Prefet, and I tell you
quite frankly that I should have resisted such an outrage in every way
in my power! But now, in the present very peculiar circumstances, I
request,--nay, I demand,--that you should search my rooms. Every
possible facility shall be afforded you." Vanderlyn's voice was shaking
with undisguised anger,--aye, and disgust.

The Prefect of Police rose from his chair.

"I have no wish to subject you to any indignity," he said earnestly, "I
absolut