"I have also learnt," continued the Chef, "that this man Markworth, whom you accuse, was a gentleman, English, and has lived with a lady whom he called his wife, and who was of delicate health for more than three months past at the house of Madame Cliquelle, commonly called _la Mere Cliquelle_, at the house _Numero_ 7, _Rue Montmartre_; that this man Markworth has been in the habit of quitting his apartments for short intervals, leaving _madame sa femme_ behind him, and crossing over to England, from whence he has generally returned after an absence of two or three days. That, after one of these short absences, he came back yesterday--Mademoiselle probably crossed the channel in the same boat with Monsieur?" "I did." "This man Markworth, after coming back remained in his apartments all day until the evening. The Mere Cliquelle says that she heard no high words (_grosses paroles_) between Monsieur Markworth and his wife. She has observed that Madame was very delicate and very fond of Monsieur, and that he was always very gentle and kind to her--in fact that they were an attached couple. Well, this Monsieur Markworth remained in all day until the evening, he gave orders to the Mere Cliquelle to admit nobody to see him. One person called and enquired particularly to see him in the afternoon--perhaps that was Mademoiselle?" "It was," answered Miss Kingscott. "You were not admitted to see Monsieur?" "I was not admitted," she answered, sententiously. The Chef went on. "So says the Mere Cliquelle. In the evening about seven o'clock she and her husband also both declare that Monsieur et Madame Markworth went out apparently for a walk. Shortly after they went out a big stout English gentleman called and enquired for them; he was told they were out, and said he would return again at nine o'clock. About that time, as near as the Mere Cliquelle and her husband could judge, Markworth came back alone without his wife. Monsieur Cliquelle, who saw him, says he looked pale, and was out of breath, as if from running; and he told him that Madame Markworth was unwell, that he had taken her to see some friends at Lugonville, that he only came back to fetch some things for her, and would bring her home in the morning. Monsieur Markworth after remaining in his apartments perhaps half an hour or more went out, as the husband of the Mere Cliquelle supposed to Lugonville and his wife, taking a small travelling portmanteau with him; nothing further has been seen of Markworth or his wife, or of the fat Englishman who said he would return to the house in question at nine o'clock last night. Does Mademoiselle follow me? She will see that her story is partly confirmed by other circumstances." "I told you nearly all that myself, before!" she observed, angrily. "Certainly, Mademoiselle! But your statement had to be confirmed." "And now, what are you going to do?"