.

'LA FEMME DISPOSE.'.
The moment the equerry's foot touched the uppermost stair I advanced upon him.

'Where is your mistress, man ?' I said.

'Where is Mademoiselle de la Vire?
Be quick, tell me what you have done with her.' His face fell amazingly.

'Where is she ?' he answered, faltering between surprise and alarm at my sudden onslaught.