They had just gone upstairs again when the lawyer was announced. Roland flew to meet him.
“Good-evening, my dear Maître,” said he, giving his visitor the title which in France is the official prefix to the name of every lawyer.
Mme. Rosémilly rose.
“I am going,” she said. “I am very tired.”
A faint attempt was made to detain her; but she would not consent, and went home without either of the three men offering to escort her, as they always had done.
Mme. Roland did the honours eagerly to their visitor.
“A cup of coffee, monsieur?”
“No, thank you. I have just had dinner.”
“A cup of tea, then?”
“Thank you, I will accept one later. First we must attend to business.”