Jérôme Fandor wanted to interview the Barbey-Nanteuils on the subject of the recent occurrences, which had roused Paris opinion to the highest degree – mysterious occurrences on which no light seemed to have been thrown so far... Not only were the Barbey-Nanteuils the bankers of the Baroness de Vibray, but they had been present at Thomery’s ball, when the attack on Princess Sonia Danidoff had taken place... Would they allow themselves to be interviewed? Fandor decided that they certainly would, for they were businessmen, and was he not going to give them a free advertisement?

The attendant – a stately individual – returned.

“Monsieur Nanteuil is sorry he cannot see you, he is taking the chair at an important committee meeting; but Monsieur Barbey will see you for a few minutes, that is to say, if he will do instead of Monsieur Nanteuil.”

“In that case, I will see Monsieur Barbey,” said Fandor, rising.

Following the attendant, Fandor traversed the whole length of the bank, and passing the half-open door of Monsieur Nanteuil’s office – the name on the door told him this – he noticed that it was empty.

Monsieur Barbey received him coldly and with a solemn bow. Fandor’s reply was a pleasant smile.

“I know,” said he, “that your time is precious, Monsieur Barbey, so I will come straight to the object of my call... You must be aware of the profound impression caused by the double crimes recently committed on the persons of Madame de Vibray and the Princess Sonia Danidoff?”

“It is true, monsieur, that I have followed, in the papers, the account of the investigations regarding them: but, in what way...”

“Does it concern you?” finished Fandor. “Good heavens, monsieur, is it not a fact that the Baroness de Vibray was your client? And were you not present at Monsieur Thomery’s ball?”

“That is so, monsieur; but if you are hoping that I can supply you with further details than those already published, you will be disappointed. I myself have learned a good deal about these crimes only from reading your articles, monsieur.”

“Can you confirm the statement that Madame de Vibray was ruined?”

“I do not think I am betraying a professional secret if I say that Madame de Vibray had suffered very heavy losses quite recently.”

“And Princess Sonia Danidoff?”

“I do not think she is one of our clients.”

“You do not think so?”

“But, monsieur, you cannot suppose that we know all our clients? Our business is a very extensive one, and neither Nanteuil, nor I, could possibly know the names of all those who do business with us.”

“You know the name of Jacques Dollon?”

“Yes. I knew young Dollon. He was introduced to me by Madame de Vibray, who asked me to give him a helping hand, and I willingly did so. I can only regret now that my confidence was so ill placed.”

“Do you believe him guilty then?... Not really?”