As he reëntered his house, longing to embrace his wife and child even more tenderly than usual, he was accosted by a servant, who said:
"There is a man in your office who wants to see you. His business is urgent, he says."
"Very well. My wife did not ask for me after I went out, did she?"
"No, monsieur, she gave Dame Roberts orders that she was not to be disturbed until she rang, as she wanted to sleep a little later than usual this morning."
"Then take care that she is not disturbed on my account," said Cloarek, as he entered his office.
The person who was waiting for him was a tall, stout man about forty years of age, of herculean stature, with a coarse face, and clad in countrified garments. Bowing awkwardly to Yvon, he asked:
"Are you Judge Cloarek?"
"Yes, monsieur."
"I am a friend of Father Leblanc, at Gien. You remember him, don't you?"
"Yes, and a very worthy man he is. How is his health?"