It seems evident that Jacques Dollon will abandon the line of defence he has adopted: it can hardly be described as rational.

There is little doubt but that we shall have sensational revelations regarding the crime of the rue Norvins.

Last Hour

Mademoiselle Elizabeth Dollon, to whom Police Headquarters has telegraphed that a serious accident has happened to her brother, has sent a reply telegram from Lausanne to the effect that she will return tonight.

The unfortunate girl is probably ignorant of all that has occurred. Nevertheless, we believe that two detectives have left at once for the border, where they will meet her, and shadow her as far as Paris, in case she should get news on the way of what had occurred, and should either attempt to escape, or make an attempt on her own life.

Decidedly, tomorrow promises to be a day full of twists.”

This article, published on the first page of La Capitale, was signed: JÉRÔME FANDOR.

CHAPTER TWO : THOMERY’S TWO LOVES

Two days before the sinister drama, details of which Jérôme Fandor had given in La Capitale, the smart little town house inhabited by the Baroness do Vibray, in the Avenue Henri-Martin, assumed a festive appearance.

This did not surprise her neighbours, for they knew the owner of this charming residence was very much a woman of the world, whose reception-rooms were constantly opened to the many distinguished Parisians forming her circle of acquaintances.

It was seven in the evening when the Baroness, dressed for dinner, passed from her own room into the small drawing-room adjoining. Crossing a carpet so thick and soft that it deadened the sound of footsteps, she pressed the button of an electric bell beside the fireplace. A major-domo, of the most correct appearance, presented himself.

“The Baroness rang for me?”

Madame do Vibray, who had instinctively sought the flattering approval of her mirror, half turned:

“I wish to know if anyone called this afternoon, Antoine.”

“For the Baroness?”

“Of course! “she replied, a note of impatience in her voice: “I want to know if anyone called to see me this afternoon?”

“No, madame.”

“No one has telephoned from the Barbey-Nanteuil Bank?”

“No, madame.”

Repressing a slight feeling of annoyance, Madame de Vibray changed the subject:

“You will have dinner served as soon as the guests arrive. They will not be later than half-past seven, I suppose.”

Antoine bowed solemnly, vanished into the ante-room, and from there entered the servants’ hall.

Madame de Vibray left the small drawing-room.

Traversing the great gallery with its glass roof, encircling the staircase, she entered the dining-room. Covers were laid for three.