"I cannot understand it at all," said Chicot.
"Well," resumed Ernanton, after a moment's silence, "what did you want with that man, my dear Monsieur l'Ombre?"
Chicot was on the point of acknowledging what had just happened; suddenly, however, the mystery of the surprise which Ernanton had exhibited, reminded him of a certain proverb very dear to all discreet people.
"I wished to pay him a neighborly visit," he said, "that is all."
In this way, Chicot did not tell a falsehood, and yet admitted nothing.
"My dear monsieur," said Ernanton politely, but reducing considerably the opening of the door which he held half-closed, "I regret I am unable to give you more precise information."
"Thank you, monsieur," said Chicot, "I must look elsewhere, then."
"But," continued Ernanton, as he gradually closed the door, "that does not interfere with my congratulating myself upon the chance which has brought me again into personal communication with you."
"You would like to see me at the devil, I believe," murmured Chicot, as he returned bow for bow.
However, as, notwithstanding this mental reply, Chicot, in his preoccupation, forgot to withdraw, Ernanton, shutting his face between the door and the doorway, said to him: