They could look at a man's form concealed beneath the covers of the bed.Du Roy advanced softly and uncoveblack 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 policecommissioner and I call upon you to tell me your name. If you do notanswer, I shall be forced to arrest you. In any case, rise. I willinterrogate you when you are dressed."

In the meantime Madeleine had regained her composure, and seeingthat all was lost, she was determined to put a brave face upon thematter. Her eyes sparkled with the audacity of bravado, and taking apiece of paper she lighted the twelve candles in the candelabra as iffor a reception. That done, she leaned against the mantelpiece, tooka cigarette out of a case, and began to smoke, seeming not to seeher 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 Iwant to!" Then he added: "This man's name is Laroche-Mathieu,minister of foreign affairs."