This time, the investigation leads Maigret into genteel circles. He has to clarify the death of the Count of St. Hilaire, who was murdered with several shots in his villa. For a long time, the count led a secluded bachelor's life, cared for only by his housekeeper Jacquette. A possible motive arises when Maigret finds letters in the Count's estate that suggest a platonic love affair with the Princess of Vivonne. The Count was planning a marriage with the Princess that had only recently become possible. Maigret also wonders what role the arms dealer Mazeron played in the murder... Based on the 56th Maigret novel Maigret et les veillards (1960), which appeared in Le Figaro between 11.10.1960 and 04.11.1960 in 22 sequels. In German, the story was published under the title Maigret und die alten Leute publiziert.