"It is perfectly incomprehensible to me. Not only have I never met him,
but I have never heard the Countess mention his name."

"It will surprise you, then, to be told that he called at her apartment
in the Via Margutta on the very evening of her departure from Rome.
Called, was admitted, was closeted with her for more than an hour."

"I am surprised, astounded. I called there myself about four in the
afternoon to offer my services for the journey, and I too stayed till
after five. I can hardly believe it."

"I have more surprises for you, General. What will you think when I tell
you that this very Quadling--this friend, acquaintance, call him what
you please, but at least intimate enough to pay her a visit on the eve
of a long journey--was the man found murdered in the sleeping-car?"

"Can it be possible? Are you sure?" cried Sir Charles, almost starting
from his chair. "And what do you deduce from all this? What do you
imply? An accusation against that lady? Absurd!"

"I respect your chivalrous desire to stand up for a lady who calls you
her friend, but we are officials first, and sentiment cannot be
permitted to influence us. We have good reasons for suspecting that
lady. I tell you that frankly, and trust to you as a soldier and man of
honour not to abuse the confidence reposed in you."

"May I not know those reasons?"

"Because she was in the car--the only woman, you understand--between
Laroche and Paris."