on, Dr. Marvier, was doing his
utmost to prevent the crowd from entering the room. The word went round
that a tragedy had taken place--a death! Princess Sonia Danidoff was in
the room lying dead! The words "crime" and "murder" were freely bandied
about: murmurs of "assassin," "robber," "assassination" could be heard.

Some twenty of the guests who had entered the boudoir could give
details. The dreadful rumours were true. Sonia Danidoff, they declared,
was stretched out on the floor covered with blood, her breast bare, her
pearls had vanished--a horrible sight!

The uproar died down; an icy silence reigned. The dancers drew together
in groups discussing the terrifying tragedy.... Several women were still
in a fainting condition; pallid men were opening windows that fresh air
might circulate in the overheated rooms; on all sides they were watching
for the return of their host.

Thomery remained invisible.

General de Rini called his two daughters to his side and spoke words of
affectionate encouragement, for they were much upset. The old soldier
marched off with them in the direction of the grand staircase and
towards the cloak-room on the landing. As he was preparing to take over
his coat and hat, one of the footmen went up to him and said a few words
in a low voice:

"What!... What!" cried the General. "What's the meaning of this?... Not
to leave the house!... But, am I under suspicion then?... It is
shameful!... I never heard of such a thing!"

A butler approached the irate General and said, very respectfully:

"I beg of you, General, to speak lower! A definite order to that effect
was given us ten minutes ago. Directly Monsieur Thomery was aware of the
... accident he had the entrance doors closed and had the house
surrounded by the detectives who were downstairs on duty. The sergeant
is there to see this order carried out: you cannot leave the
premises!... It is not that you are under suspicion, General--of course
not--but perhaps in this way they may succeed in finding the guilty
person who has certainly not left the house, for no one has gone from
the house for at least an hour...."

General Rini had calmed down. He understood why his host had issued the
order. He retired to a corner of the gallery with his daughters, Yvonne
and Marthe: the poor things seemed stunned.

The reception rooms slowly emptied: the guests crowded on to the
verandah and into the smoking-room. There was a buzz of talk--queries,