She was no longer there.
"Where is she ?" I demanded angrily.
"Gone," he answered; and when I protested that I had not met her, "You would not have a lady go by way of the public room, would you ?" he demanded insolently.

"She left by the side door into the courtyard." "That being so, Monsieur le Comte," said I quietly, "I will have a little talk with you before going after her." And I carefully closed the door..