“I would merely observe to you, my dear sir,” said Rodin, with that air of perfect good nature which he knew so well how to assume, “that you were standing before the door, which naturally prevented me from going out.”
“Well, now nothing prevents you—so file off!”
“Certainly, I will file off, if you wish it, my dear sir though I think I have some reason to be surprised at such a reception.”
“It is no reception at all—so begone!”
“I had come, my dear sir to speak to you—”
“I have no time for talking.”
“Upon business of great importance.”
“I have no other business of importance than to remain with these children.”
“Very good, my dear sir,” said Rodin, pausing on the threshold. “I will not disturb you any longer; excuse my indiscretion. The bearer of excellent news from Marshal Simon, I came—”
“News from our father!” cried Rose, drawing nearer to Rodin.