"Is it you, monsieur, who lives here?" she asked.
"Yes, madame, but I do not understand---"
"The gate was not locked," she explained.
"But the vestibule door?"
She did not reply, and it occurred to me that she had used the
servants' entrance. How did she know the way? Then there was a
silence that was quite embarrassing. She looked at Daspry, and I
was obliged to introduce him. I asked her to be seated and explain
the object of her visit. She raised her veil, and I saw that she
was a brunette with regular features and, though not handsome, she
was attractive--principally, on account of her sad, dark eyes.
"I am Madame Andermatt," she said.
"Madame Andermatt!" I repeated, with astonishment.
After a brief pause, she continued with a voice and manner that
were quite easy and natural:
"I have come to see you about that affair--you know. I thought I
might be able to obtain some information---"
"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.
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