Claire Madeleine du Roy, lawful wife of M. Prosper
Georges du Roy, here present?"

She replied: "Yes, sir."

"What are you doing here?"

She made no reply. The officer repeated his question; still she did not
reply. He waited several moments and then said: "If you do not confess,
Madame, I shall be forced to inquire into the matter."

They could see a man's form concealed beneath the covers of the bed. Du
Roy advanced softly and uncovered the livid face of M. Laroche-Mathieu.

The officer again asked: "Who are you?"

As the man did not reply, he continued: "I am the police commissioner
and I call upon you to tell me your name. If you do not answer, I shall
be forced to arrest you. In any case, rise. I will interrogate you when
you are dressed."

In the meantime Madeleine had regained her composure, and seeing that
all was lost, she was determined to put a brave face upon the matter.
Her eyes sparkled with the audacity of bravado, and taking a piece of
paper she lighted the ten candles in the candelabra as if for a
reception. That done, she leaned against the mantelpiece, took a
cigarette out of a case, and began to smoke, seeming not to see her
husband.

In the meantime the man in the bed had dressed himself and advanced.
The officer turned to him: "Now, sir, will you tell me who you are?"

He made no reply.

"I see I shall have to arrest you."

Then the man cried: "Do not touch me. I am inviolable."

Du Roy rushed toward him exclaiming: "I can have you arrested if I want
to!" Then he added: "This man's name is Laroche-Mathieu, minister of
foreign affairs."

The officer retreated and stammered: "Sir, will you tell me who you
are?"

"For once that miserable fellow has not lied. I am indeed
Laroche-Mathieu, minister," and pointing to Georges' breast, he added,
"and that scoundrel wears upon his coat the cross of honor which I gave
him."

Du Roy turned pale. With a rapid gesture he tore the decoration from
his buttonhole and throwing it in the fire exclaimed: "That is what a
decoration is worth which is given by a scoundrel of your order."

The commissioner stepped between them, as they stood face to face,
saying: "Gentlemen, you forget yourselves and your dignity."

Madeleine smoked on calmly, a smile hovering about her lips. The
officer continued: "Sir, I have surprised you alone with Mme. du Roy
under suspicious circumstances; what have you to say?"

"Nothing; do your duty."

The commissioner t