“Monsieur,” said she, stammering, “I came—I sought——”
“Allow me, madame, to inquire which of my servants was guilty of the rudeness of letting you come up unattended?”
Jeanne trembled.
“You must have fallen to the lot of my stupid German porter, who is always tipsy.”
“Do not scold him, I beg you, sir,” replied Jeanne, who could hardly speak.
“But was it he?”
“I believe so. But you promise me not to scold him?”
“I will not; only, madame, will you now explain to me——”
Jeanne began to gather courage.
“I came to consult you, sir, about certain reports.”