The Classic Mystery Collection - Arthur Conan Doyle [4161]
"Oh, with all my heart, monsieur," said Sir Charles, cordially. "You saw, or at least know, how this has occurred. I did not begin it, nor was I the most to blame. But I was in the wrong, I admit. What do you wish me to do now?"
"Give me your promise to abide by our rules,—they may be irksome, but we think them necessary,—and hold no further converse with your companions."
"Certainly, certainly, monsieur,—at least after I have said one word more to Madame la Comtesse."
"No, no, I cannot permit even that—"
But Sir Charles, in spite of the warning finger held up by the Judge, insisted upon crying out to her, as she was being led into the other room:
"Courage, dear lady, courage. Don't let them bully you. You have nothing to fear."
Any further defiance of authority was now prevented by her almost forcible removal from the room.
CHAPTER VI
The stormy episode just ended had rather a disturbing effect on M. Floçon, who could scarcely give his full attention to all the points, old and new, that had now arisen in the investigation. But he would have time to go over them at his leisure, while the work of interrogation was undertaken by the Judge.
The latter had taken his seat at a small table, and just opposite was his greffier, or clerk, who was to write down question and answer, verbatim. A little to one side, with the light full on the face, the witness was seated, bearing the scrutiny of three pairs of eyes—the Judge 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. Floçon, 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 might think so, in her own class."
"How