She was aware of statements being made in language which rang familiarly in her ears, but they had no more coherence in her clogged understanding than the gabble of dementia.
Steingall was the least surprised of the five people who listened to the clerk's words.

The notion that de Courtois might be close at hand had dawned on him already; still, he was not prepared to hear that the man was actually a resident in the hotel.
"Has Monsieur de Courtois lived here some time ?" he asked, not without a sharp glance at Curtis to see how the suspect was taking this new phase in his adventure.
"About a month," said the clerk.
"Has he received many visitors ?" "A few, mostly foreigners.

A Mr.Hunter called here occasionally, and they dined together last evening.

I believe Mr.Hunter is connected with the press." The clerk wondered why he was being catechized about the Frenchman.

He had no more notion that de Courtois and Hunter were connected with the tragedy than the man in the moon.
"Take me to Monsieur de Courtois's room," Said Steingall, after a momentary pause.
"May I come with you ?" inquired Curtis.
"Why ?" "I am deeply interested in de Courtois, and I may be able to help you in questioning him.