servant； brought out coffee and a choice of liqueurs。 The te selected some very fine old brandy。
As the man…servant was preparing to depart； the te arrested him with a slight gesture。 Hippolyte stood respectfully to attention。
His countenance was hardly a prepossessing one； but the correctitude of his demeanour went far to obliterate the fact。
He was now the picture of respectful attention。
〃It is possible；〃 said the te； 〃that in the course of the next few days various strangers may e to the house。 They will endeavour to scrape acquaintance with you and with Marie。 They will probably ask you various questions concerning me。〃
〃Yes； Monsieur le te。〃
〃Perhaps this has already happened？〃
〃No； Monsieur le te。〃
〃There have been no strangers about the place？ You are certain？〃
〃There has been no one； Monsieur le te。〃
〃That is well；〃 said the te drily； 〃nevertheless they will e … I am sure of it。 They will ask questions。〃
Hippolyte looked at his master in intelligent anticipation。
The te spoke slowly； without looking at Hippolyte。
〃As you know； I arrived here last Tuesday morning。 If the police or any other inquirer should question you； do not forget that fact。 I arrived on Tuesday； the 14th … not Wednesday； the 15th。 You understand？〃
〃Perfectly； Monsieur le te。〃
〃In an affair where a lady is concerned； it is always necessary to be discreet。 I feel certain； Hippolyte； that you can be discreet。〃
〃I can be discreet； Monsieur。〃
〃And Marie？〃
〃Marie also。 I will answer for her。〃
〃That is well then；〃 murmured the te。
When Hippolyte had withdrawn； the te sipped his black coffee with a reflective air。 Occasionally he frowned； once he shook his head