The door was opened by a neatly dressed woman of about forty. She quietly ushered M. Verduret and Prosper into a neat dining-room with several doors opening into it.
This woman bowed humbly to M. Verduret, as if he were some superior being.
He scarcely noticed her salutation, but questioned her with a look. His look said:
“Well?”
She bowed affirmatively:
“Yes.”
“In there?” asked M. Verduret in a low tone, pointing to one of the doors.
“No,” said the woman in the same tone, “over there, in the little parlor.”
M. Verduret opened the door pointed out, and pushed Prosper into the little parlor, whispering, as he did so:
“Go in, and keep your presence of mind.”