existence of collusion, of some secret relations, some secret
understanding between her and the others.

He could not entirely conceal the trouble that now overcame him;
it certainly did not escape so shrewd an observer as M. Floçon,
who promptly tried to turn it to good account.

"Come, M. le Général," he said, with much assumed _bonhomie_. "I
can see how it is with you, and you have my sincere sympathy. We
are all of us liable to be carried away, and there is much excuse
for you in this. But now--believe me, I am justified in saying it
--now I tell you that our case is strong against her, that it is
not mere speculation, but supported by facts. Now surely you will
come over to our side?"

"In what way?"

"Tell us frankly all you know--where that lady has gone, help us
to lay our hands on her."

"Your own people will do that. I heard you order that man to
follow her."

"Probably; still I would rather have the information from you. It
would satisfy me of your good-will. I need not then proceed to
extremities--"

"I certainly shall not give it you," said the General, hotly.
"Anything I know about or have heard from the Contessa Castagneto
is sacred; besides, I still believe in her--thoroughly. Nothing