Chapter 20

Virginia admitted the truth of the accusation with a half smile. She was busy trying to find a reason for this extraordinary practical joke. Élise cut forward a suggestion. “_Mon Dieu!_” she cried, clasping her hands. “If it should be the malefactors, the thieves! They send the bogus telegram and get the _domestiques_ all out of the house, and then they rob it.” “I suppose that might be it,” said Virginia doubtfully. “Yes, yes, madame, that is it without a doubt. Every day you read in the papers of such things. Mad…