Perceiving that I awaited an explanation of her visit:

“Sir,” she said, “you will perhaps think it rather strange that I should call on you; but you alone can give me the information I seek.”

I bowed assent.

“I am too happy, Madame, to be able to do anything for you.”

“Sir, there was at the milliner's who lives on the ground floor of this house, a young girl who goes by the name of Violette.”

“Just so, Madame.”

“She disappeared three days ago. When I enquired of her young friends and the mistress of the house, they one and all replied that they could not say what had become of her. But when I applied to the master and said that I felt much interested in the child; in fact, to a degree that I should employ the police to look for her, he said that he had good reasons for believing that if I applied to you, I could procure the information I require. I trust therefore, you will kindly inform me of her whereabouts.”

“I have no reason whatever for keeping the child out of the way, especially as you wish her well; but I was wrong no doubt in keeping her from M. Beruchet, who had unscrewed the bolt of her bedroom so as to be able to enter at any time for his own purposes. At two o'clock in the morning the child came here for protection, and I took her in, that's all.”

“What! is she here?” cried the Comtesse.

“Not here, Madame; that was impossible. But I had my own bachelor's rooms where I took her.”

“Will you kindly let me have the address?”

“With the greatest of pleasure, Madame. Violette has often spoken of you.”

“She spoke to you about me?”