I interrupted him impatiently.
"If my wife has fallen asleep she must be awakened."
He did not see the necessity; if I would be patient madame would herself awake when she had slept enough; then all would be well.
"My wife must be awakened," I repeated vehemently.
"Undoubtedly," he then said, falling complacently into my humor. "If you insist, monsieur, madame must be awakened."
"But how?" I cried, in a fever of anxiety, which with every passing moment grew more intense.
"As monsieur says," he replied, with exasperating coolness, "but how?"
"The lock must be forced."
"A million pardons, monsieur. The lock of the door is of a particular kind. It is not a common lock—no, no. It was put on especially for a distinguished visitor, who frequently occupies this apartment. It is what is called a patent lock, and is the property of our distinguished visitor. I cannot consent that it shall be forced."
"Then we will have a piece cut out of the door. By that means we can reach the key, and turn the lock from within."