e first, and behind him, those of the Chief Detective and the
Commissary of Police.

"I trust, madame, that you are equal to answering a few questions?"
began M. le Hardi, blandly.

"Oh, yes, I hope so. Indeed, I have no choice," replied the Countess,
bravely resigned.

"They will refer principally to your maid."

"Ah!" said the Countess, quickly and in a troubled voice, yet she bore
the gaze of the three officials without flinching.

"I want to know a little more about her, if you please."

"Of course. Anything I know I will tell you." She spoke now with perfect
self-possession. "But if I might ask--why this interest?"

"I will tell you frankly. You asked for her, we sent for her, and--"

"Yes?"

"She cannot be found. She is not in the station."

The Countess all but jumped from her chair in her surprise--surprise
that seemed too spontaneous to be feigned.

"Impossible! it cannot be. She would not dare to leave me here like
this, all alone."

"_Parbleu_! she has dared. Most certainly she is not here."

"But what can have become of her?"

"Ah, madame, what indeed? Can you form any idea? We hoped you might have
been able to enlighten us."

"I cannot, monsieur, not in the least."

"Perchance you sent her on to your hotel to warn your friends that you
were detained? To fetch them, perhaps, to you in your trouble?"

The trap was neatly contrived, but she was not deceived.

"How could I? I knew of no trouble when I saw her last."

"Oh, indeed? and when was that?"

"Last night, at Amberieux, as I have already told that gentleman." She
pointed to M. Flocon, who was obliged to nod his head.

"Well, she has gone away somewhere. It does not much matter, still it is
odd, and for your sake we should like to help you to find her, if you
do wish to find her?"

Another little trap which failed.

"Indeed I hardly think she is worth keeping after this barefaced
desertion."

"No, indeed. And she must be held to strict account for it, must justify
it, give her reasons. So we must find her for you--"

"I am not at all anxious, really," the Countess said, quickly, and the
remark told against her.

"Well, now, Madame la Comtesse, as to her description. Will you tell us
what was her height, figure, colour of eyes, hair, general appearance?"

"She was tall, above the middle height, at least; slight, good figure,
black hair and eyes."

"Pretty?"

"That depends upon what you mean by 'pretty.' Some people mig