"That is useless now," said M. de Mornand. Then, turning to Ravil, he added:
"Come with me. I must have an explanation with M. de Maillefort. He is waiting for me in the gallery."
"I, too, will accompany you," added the baron.
As the three gentlemen approached the hunchback, they saw Messrs. de Morainville and d'Hauterive standing beside him, as well as five or six other men who had been assembled at the request of the marquis.
"M. de Maillefort, I have a few words of explanation to ask of you," said M. de Mornand, in coldly polite tones.
"I am at your service, monsieur."
"Then, if agreeable to you, you and I will go to the picture-gallery. Ask one of your friends to accompany you."
"I am not disposed to comply with your request, monsieur, for I intend to have our explanation as public as possible."
"Monsieur?"
"I do not see why you should fear publicity if I do not."