“Oh, yes, I am quite sure of it—why should I deceive you, Mr. Inspector?” said Victoire quickly; and the Duke saw the first shadow of uneasiness on her face. “Of course not,” said Guerchard. “And where were you?” “Oh, they put me behind the screen.” “No, no, where were you when you came into the room?” “I was against the door,” said Victoire. “And where was the screen?” said Guerchard. “Was it before the fireplace?” “No; it was on one side—the left-hand side,” said Victoire. “Oh, will you show me exactly where it stood?” said Guerchard. Victoire rose, and, Guerchard aiding her, set the screen on the left-hand side of the fireplace. Guerchard stepped back and looked at it. “Now, this is very important,” he said. “I must have the exact position of the four feet of that screen. Let’s see ... some chalk ... of course.... You do some dressmaking, don’t you, Madame Victoire?” “Oh, yes, I sometimes make a dress for one of the maids in my spare time,” said Victoire. “Then you’ve got a piece of chalk on you,” said Guerchard. “Oh, yes,” said Victoire, putting her hand to the pocket of her dress. She paused, took a step backwards, and looked wildly round the room, while the colour slowly faded in her ruddy cheeks. “What am I talking about?” she said in an uncertain, shaky voice. “I haven’t any chalk—I—ran out of chalk the day before yesterday.” “I think you have, Madame Victoire. Feel in your pocket and see,” said Guerchard sternly. His voice had lost its suavity; his face its smile: his eyes had grown dangerous. “No, no; I have no chalk,” cried Victoire. With a sudden leap Guerchard sprang upon her, caught her in a firm grip with his right arm, and his left hand plunged into her pocket. “Let me go! Let me go! You’re hurting,” she cried. Guerchard loosed her and stepped back. “What’s this?” he said; and he held up between his thumb and forefinger a piece of blue chalk. Victoire drew herself up and faced him gallantly: “Well, what of it?—it is chalk. Mayn’t an honest woman carry chalk in her pockets without being insulted and pulled about by every policeman she comes across?” she cried. “That will be for the examining magistrate to decide,” said Guerchard; and he went to the door and called Bonavent. Bonavent came in, and Guerchard said: “When the prison van comes, put this woman in it; and send her down to the station.” “But what have I done?” cried Victoire. “I’m innocent! I declare I’m innocent. I’ve done nothing at all. It’s not a crime to carry a piece of chalk in one’s pocket.” “Now, that’s a matter for the examining magistrate. You can explain it to him,” said Guerchard. “I’ve got nothing to do with it: so it’s no good making a fuss now. Do go quietly, there’s a good woman.” He spoke in a quiet, business-like tone. Victoire looked him in the eyes, then drew herself up, and went quietly out of the room. CHAPTER XVII SONIA’S ESCAPE “One of M. Formery’s innocents,” said Guerchard, turning to the Duke.