M. de Meuze came in again and interrupted her complaints.
“Please excuse me, ladies,” he said. “The journey has tired me out.... I am going to put my old body to bed!”
He went towards M. Raindal to shake hands with him.
“Hush!” he whispered, turning back to the young people. “Science is asleep.... Peace to his rest!... Good night, dear madame!”
Zozé gave him a friendly nod.
“Oh, tha nothing!” Aunt Panhias declared, in a hushed voice. “Our good M. Raindal is caught with that almost every night!”
She went out with the Marquis, having a score of orders to give for the comfort of the new guests, for Chambannes’ return, and for the dispatching of the carriage.
“Alone at last!” Gerald murmured softly, in a tone of banter.
“Not so loud, my darling!” implored Zozé, as she pressed his hand.
“Why?... He is asleep!”