bravely resigned.

"They will refer principally to your maid."

"Ah!" said the Countess, quickly and in a troubled voice, yet she bore
the gaze of the three officials without flinching.

"I want to know a little more about her, if you please."

"Of course. Anything I know I will tell you." She spoke now with perfect
self-possession. "But if I might ask--why this interest?"

"I will tell you frankly. You asked for her, we sent for her, and--"

"Yes?"

"She cannot be found. She is not in the station."

The Countess all but jumped from her chair in her surprise--surprise
that seemed too spontaneous to be feigned.

"Impossible! it cannot be. She would not dare to leave me here like
this, all alone."

"_Parbleu_! she has dared. Most certainly she is not here."

"But what can have become of her?"

"Ah, madame, what indeed? Can you form any idea? We hoped you might have
been able to enlighten us."