“Madame, were you alone with M. Halliday during your interview?”

“Yes, monsieur. My two assistants were in the smaller room next door.”

“Could your conversation be overheard⁠—by them or anyone else?”

Madame reflected, then shook her head.

“I do not think so. I am almost sure it could not. The doors were all shut.”

“Could anyone have been concealed in the room?”

“There is the big cupboard in the corner⁠—but the idea is absurd.”