“Mesdames,” I said, and was gratified to see that they followed my dramatic exit with eyes of appreciation and of wonder. The proprietor himself offered me my hat, and a moment or two later M. de Firmin-Latour and I were out together in the Rue Lepic.
“My dear Comte,” he said as soon as he had recovered his breath, “how can I think you? . . .”
“Not now, Monsieur, not now,” I replied. “You have only just time to make your way as quickly as you can back to your palace in the Rue de Grammont before our friend the proprietor discovers the several mistakes which he has made in the past few minutes and vents his wrath upon your fair guests.”
“You are right,” he rejoined lightly. “But I will have the pleasure to call on you to-morrow at the Palais du Commissariat.”
“Do no such thing, Monsieur le Marquis,” I retorted with a pleasant laugh. “You would not find me there.”
“But—” he stammered.
“But,” I broke in with my wonted business-like and persuasive manner, “if you think that I have conducted this delicate affair for you with tact and discretion, then, in your own interest I should advise you to call on me at my private office, No. 96 Rue Daunou. Hector Ratichon, at your service.”
He appeared more bewildered than ever.
“Rue Daunou,” he murmured. “Ratichon!”
“Private inquiry and confidential agent,” I rejoined. “My brains are at your service should you desire to extricate yourself from the humiliating financial position in which it has been my good luck to find you, and yours to meet with me.”