’The disappearance of the courier Ferrari is, in itself, unquestionably a suspicious circumstance.  Neither her ladyship nor the Baron can explain it; and no investigation that we could make has thrown the smallest light on this event, or has justified us in associating it, directly or indirectly, with the object of our inquiry.  We have even gone the length of examining the portmanteau which Ferrari left behind him.  It contains nothing but clothes and linen—­ no money, and not even a scrap of paper in the pockets of the clothes.  The portmanteau remains in charge of the police.

’We have also found opportunities of speaking privately to the old woman who attends to the rooms occupied by her ladyship and the Baron.  She was recommended to fill this situation by the keeper of the restaurant who has supplied the meals to the family throughout the period of their residence at the palace.  Her character is most favourably spoken of.  Unfortunately, her limited intelligence makes her of no value as a witness.  We were patient and careful in questioning her, and we found her perfectly willing to answer us; but we could elicit nothing which is worth including in the present report.

’On the second day of our inquiries, we had the honour of an interview with Lady Montbarry.  Her ladyship looked miserably worn and ill, and seemed to be quite at a loss to understand what we wanted with her.  Baron Rivar, who introduced us, explained the nature of our errand in Venice, and took pains to assure her that it was a purely formal duty on which we were engaged.  Having satisfied her ladyship on this point, he discreetly left the room.

’The questions which we addressed to Lady Montbarry related mainly, of course, to his lordship’s illness.  The answers, given with great nervousness of manner, but without the slightest appearance of reserve, informed us of the facts that follow: 

’Lord Montbarry had been out of order for some time past—­ nervous and irritable.  He first complained of having taken cold on November 13 last; he passed a wakeful and feverish night, and remained in bed the next day.  Her ladyship proposed sending for medical advice.  He refused to allow her to do this, saying that he could quite easily be his own doctor in such a trifling matter as a cold.  Some hot lemonade was made at his request, with a view to producing perspiration.  Lady Montbarry’s maid having left her at that time, the courier Ferrari (then the only servant in the house) went out to buy the lemons.  Her ladyship made the drink with her own hands.  It was successful in producing perspiration—­and Lord Montbarry had some hours of sleep afterwards.  Later in the day, having need of Ferrari’s services, Lady Montbarry rang for him.  The bell was not answered.  Baron Rivar searched for the man, in the palace and out of it, in vain.  From that time forth not a trace of Ferrari could be discovered.  This happened on November 14.