“ Mon Dieu , madame, I know nothing but what has already appeared in the papers. But if you will point out in what way I can help you.⁠ ⁠…”

“I do not know.⁠ ⁠… I do not know.”

Not until then did I suspect that her calm demeanor was assumed, and that some poignant grief was concealed beneath that air of tranquility. For a moment, we were silent and embarrassed. Then Daspry stepped forward, and said:

“Will you permit me to ask you a few questions?”

“Yes, yes,” she cried. “I will answer.”

“You will answer⁠ ⁠… whatever those questions may be?”

“Yes.”

“Did you know Louis Lacombe?” he asked.