Suddenly a woman’s shrieks broke in on the charming harmonies of a slow waltz which the orchestra was rendering at that moment.... There was an irresistible rush towards the boudoir, where two half-fainting women had collapsed on chairs, and the famous surgeon, Dr. Marvier, was doing his utmost to prevent the crowd from entering the room. The word went round that a tragedy had taken place – a death! Princess Sonia Danidoff was in the room lying dead! The words “crime” and “murder” were freely bandied about: murmurs of “assassin”, “robber”, “rape” could be heard.

Some twenty of the guests who had entered the boudoir could confirm details. The dreadful rumours were true. Sonia Danidoff, they declared, was stretched out on the floor covered with blood, her breast bare, her pearls vanished – a horrible sight!

The uproar died down; an icy silence reigned. The dancers drew together in groups discussing the terrifying tragedy.... Several women were still in a fainting condition; pallid men were opening windows so that fresh air might circulate in the overheated rooms... on all sides they were watching for the return of their host.

Thomery remained invisible.

General do Ruil called his two daughters to his side and spoke words of affectionate encouragement, for they were much upset. The old soldier marched off with them in the direction of the grand staircase and towards the cloak-room on the landing. As he was preparing to take his cloak and hat, one of the footmen went up to him and said a few words in a low voice.

“What!... What!” cried the General. “What’s the meaning of this?... Not to leave the house! But, am I under suspicion then?... This is shameful!... I’ve never heard of such a thing!”

A butler approached the irate General and said, very respectfully:

“I beg of you, General, to speak lower! A definite order to that effect was given us ten minutes ago. As soon as Monsieur Thomery was aware of the... accident, he had the entrance doors closed and had the house surrounded by the detectives who were downstairs on duty. The sergeant is there to see this order carried out: you cannot leave the premises!... It is not that you are under suspicion, General – of course not – but perhaps in this way they may succeed in finding the guilty person, who has certainly not left the house, for no one has gone from the premises for at least an hour...”General Ruil had calmed down. He now understood why his host had issued the order. He retired to a corner of the gallery with his daughters, Yvonne and Marthe: the poor things seemed stunned.

The reception rooms slowly emptied: the guests crowded onto the verandah and into the smoking-room.

There was a buzz of talk – queries, comments, conjectures: then it ceased abruptly.