“There, madame, on the ground floor. But the hall is full. You can’t get in.”
“But we must go in,” Jeanne Sassenay interrupted, with great assurance. “We have a letter, a very important one, to give to the lawyer for the defence, A very important document.”
“Impossible, ladies. The argument is going on. It’s too late. Who are you?”
The sister of the accused raised her veil.
“Miss Roquevillard.”
“Oh, very good. Follow me.”
Impressed by this name, he led them as far as the door reserved for the use of witnesses.
“You can just open the door, miss. The lawyer’s bench will be before you, a little to the left. Afterwards you can go out that way, or maybe you can find a seat.”
And being a prudent and timid functionary, he added, as he left the two girls:
“But be sure and don’t say it was me who let you in.”