When Tata Sous-sus saw the expressions on the faces of the Captain of the Guards and his lackeys, her heart began to beat so rapidly that she found it difficult to draw a breath. Indeed, it felt as though that little pump was beating against her chest. As she rose from her seat, she knocked over the cup of tea. She emitted a little cry, “Oh! Oh, my!”
“You needn’t worry about that. When I leave, I’ll ask your maid to clean that up,” said the Captain, annoyed.
“Murder?” Replied Tata. “What would I know about any murder?”
“It has come to our attention that the Baroness was in possession of some information that could seriously damage your standing at court.
“N-n-n-no!” Sputtered Tata. “I’ve no idea of what you are talking about. Information? What kind of information?”
“Come now, your ladyship. I needn’t remind you of that melancholy day from the past. Hm?” His eyes narrowed to veritable slits. “You know exactly what I’m talking about! I already know the answer, but I want to hear it from your mouth. Out with it!”
“What is the question? I’ll be happy to answer anything.” She clasped her hands together as if in prayer.
“Very well,” said the Captain. With his snub nose, and rather pointy ears, poking out from his plumed helmet, he looked very much like a pig. Tata was alarmed at how quickly his face turned turned a crimson shade of red. “Did you or did you not know that the Baroness was well aware of the fact that you gave birth to an illegitimate child- a child that was immediately taken away from you and put up for adoption?”
Tata was shocked speechless. She bit the back of her hand in an effort to suppress a scream.
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