The man’s face had gone chalk white, his knees knocked together. Marie dropped the rolling-pin and began to weep.

“But it is impossible⁠—impossible. I thought⁠—”

“Since you stick to your story, there is nothing to be said. I think you are both foolish.”

He was turning towards the door when an agitated voice arrested him.

“Monsieur, Monsieur, just a little moment. I⁠—I had no idea that it was anything of this kind. I⁠—I thought it was just a matter concerning a lady. There have been little awkwardnesses with the police over ladies before. But murder⁠—that is very different.”