These first questions were broad, plainly intended only to define her character. He asked about her political beliefs and why she had so often been seen in the company of soldiers. Next he asked about her movements since the outbreak of the war, and her apparent fascination with young officers. Then, without changing the pace, he asked about money.

"Tell me, madame, if it is a well-known fact that the Germans generally pay their spies poorly, how do you account for the twenty thousand francs that you collected from Herr Cramer?"

She brushed a stray lock of hair from her eyes, the first of several casual gestures she had actually practiced the evening before. Then, as if the entire subject were beneath her: "Actually I have always been under the impression that Herr Cramer had more in mind than a business relationship."

"Meaning precisely what, madame? That Herr Cramer had hoped the money would cement a romantic relationship?"

"I might have phrased it differently, but essentially that is correct."

"And are you normally in the habit of forming romantic relationships with men who give you money?"

She wanted to smile, but supposed that it might be inappropriate. "No, I wouldn't say that's the only basis—"

"Very well, then why do you suppose that Herr Cramer believed that he could win your affection with twenty thousand francs?"

"I suppose you'll have to ask Herr Cramer that question."

"But I am asking you, madame."

"Well, I am afraid I can't help you."

There was a brief respite while Mornet conferred with an associate and Clunet exchanged encouraging glances with his client. Then without warning it started again: questions concerning the prisoner's career as a dancer—and suddenly Mornet had withdrawn those telegrams.

He faced her now from the prosecutor's bench, leaning on his knuckles. It was said that he never touched spirits, not even wine. He also did not smoke and did not eat meat. There was nothing particularly healthy about his eyes, however, and the skin seemed much too tight around the skull.

As before, the initial questions seemed relatively harmless. He wanted to know why she had chosen to stay at the Palace Hotel in Madrid rather than the Ritz. This was followed by a series of questions concerning her financial status, and specifically her lifestyle in Spain.

She answered cautiously, watching him toy with a pencil. "Actually Madrid is a rather inexpensive city," she said. "One can live very well for next to nothing."

"But you hardly lived for nothing, madame. Your accommodations alone totaled fifteen hundred pesetas. And surely there must have been other expenses. Clothing, perhaps? Jewelry?"

She held his gaze for another moment, then glanced to the jury. "A woman is not expected to buy her own jewelry, monsieur."

"Of course, not. "Only to pawn it." Smiles. "Now tell me, madame. How did you manage financially in Madrid?"

"I had previously received money from a friend in Holland."

"The Baron van der Capellen?"

"Yes."