"M. Delcassé," he said, "it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you a gentleman whom I know you will be most glad to meet——Ignace Vard."
CHAPTER XXXI
THE ALLIANCE ENDS
Delcassé's nostrils were distended and his eyes were glowing like those of a war-horse scenting battle as he invited his visitors to be seated. Only his iron self-control, tested on I know not how many hard-fought fields of diplomacy, enabled him to speak coherently; never had it been strained as at that moment.
He sat down at his desk, and glanced from one face to the other.
"I am indeed glad to meet M. Vard," he said, with a calmness that was no less than a triumph; "and to see you again, M. Crochard. I had but this moment charged M. Lépine to bring you to me."
"Is it so serious as that?" asked Crochard, with a little smile.
"The situation could not well be more serious."