At The Villa Rose
Page 10"You remember me, then?" said Wethermill gladly.
"It is my profession to remember people," said Hanaud, with a
laugh. "You were at that amusing dinner-party of Mr. Ricardo's in
Grosvenor Square."
"Monsieur," said Wethermill, "I have come to ask your help."
The note of appeal in his voice was loud. M. Hanaud drew up a
chair by the window and motioned to Wethermill to take it. He
pointed to another, with a bow of invitation to Mr. Ricardo.
"Let me hear," he said gravely.
"It is the murder of Mme. Dauvray," said Wethermill.
Hanaud started.
"And in what way, monsieur," he asked, "are you interested in the
"Her companion," said Wethermill, "the young English girl--she is
a great friend of mine."
Hanaud's face grew stern. Then came a sparkle of anger in his
eyes.
"And what do you wish me to do, monsieur?" he asked coldly.
"You are upon your holiday, M. Hanaud. I wish you--no, I implore
you," Wethermill cried, his voice ringing with passion, "to take
up this case, to discover the truth, to find out what has become
of Celia."
Hanaud leaned back in his chair with his hands upon the arms. He
did not take his eyes from Harry Wethermill, but the anger died
"Monsieur," he said, "I do not know what your procedure is in
England. But in France a detective does not take up a case or
leave it alone according to his pleasure. We are only servants.
This affair is in the hands of M. Fleuriot, the Juge d'lnstruction
of Aix."
"But if you offered him your help it would be welcomed," cried
Wethermill. "And to me that would mean so much. There would be no
bungling. There would be no waste of time. Of that one would be
sure."
Hanaud shook his head gently. His eyes were softened now by a look
of pity. Suddenly he stretched out a forefinger.
case in your breast-pocket."
Wethermill flushed red, and, drawing out the card-case, handed the
portrait to Hanaud. Hanaud looked at it carefully for a few
moments.
"It was taken lately, here?" he asked.
"Yes; for me," replied Wethermill quietly.
"And it is a good likeness?"
"Very."
"How long have you known this Mlle. Celie?" he asked.