And he knocked at the door of the Square Tower before which we were standing as he spoke. I asked him whether he did not wish me to leave him alone with his mother. But, to my great surprise, he begged me not to abandon him “for anything in the world—so that the circle should not be closed.” And he added mournfully. “Perhaps it may never be!”
The door of the Tower remained closed. He knocked again; then it was opened and we saw Bernier’s face appear. He seemed embarrassed at the sight of us.
“What do you want? What are you doing here again?” he demanded. “Speak low. Madame is in Old Bob’s sitting room. And the old man has not come in yet.”
“Let us enter, Bernier!” said Rouletabille. And he pushed the door further open.
“But whatever you do, don’t let Madame suspect——”
“No, no!” replied Rouletabille, impatiently.
We were in the vestibule of the Tower. The darkness was almost impenetrable.
“What is Madame doing in Old Bob’s sitting room?” asked the reporter in a low voice.
“She is waiting—waiting for the return of M. Darzac. She dare not reënter the room until he comes—nor I, either!”
“Well, go back into your lodge, Bernier!” ordered Rouletabille. “And wait until I call you.”