M. Tabourin, bristling, with his heart in his mouth, rushed forward:
"Good morning, Chief."
He was willing to flatter those who could help him in his work. Philippe Lagier in accordance with his method, went straight to the point:
"I have just met my colleague, Salvage. He has sent you the Derize petition:—although the parties are really residents of Paris, we have agreed to ask for the recognition of the Grenoble court."
"Thank you," said the lawyer, as if they had taken this step for his especial benefit, rather than, as was the case, to avoid the publicity of the newspapers.
Lagier screwed the monocle into his eye to mark the importance of this reply. It was a joke which he would add to his court anecdotes.
"Will you show me the rough draft?"
"It is being copied."
"I have serious reasons for wishing to see it. It is not a matter of inquisitiveness, since it will be placed in my client's hands to-morrow—I have informed M. Salvage about it."
"Vitrolle, give me the petition."