“M. Hardy?” said Rodin, bowing respectfully to the two friends, and looking from one to the other with an air of inquiry.
“That is my name, sir; what can I do to serve you?” answered the manufacturer, kindly; for, at first sight of the humble and ill-dressed old man, he expected an application for assistance.
“M. Francois Hardy,” repeated Rodin, as if he wished to make sure of the identity of the person.
“I have had the honor to tell you that I am he.”
“I have a private communication to make to you, sir,” said Rodin.
“You may speak, sir. This gentleman is my friend,” said M. Hardy, pointing to M. de Blessac.
“But I wish to speak to you alone, sir,” resumed Rodin.
M. de Blessac was again about to withdraw, when M. Hardy retained him with a glance, and said to Rodin kindly, for he thought his feelings might be hurt by asking a favor in presence of a third party: “Permit me to inquire if it is on your account or on mine, that you wish this interview to be secret?”
“On your account entirely, sir,” answered Rodin.
“Then, sir,” said M. Hardy, with some surprise, “you may speak out. I have no secrets from this gentleman.”