“No,” said Eve.
“But you have a brother there,” observed Courtois.
“Take care lest he should have anything to say about old Sechard’s estate,” said Cachan. “He had his finger in some very queer concerns, worthy man!”
Corentin and Derville, on entering the room, after bowing to the company, and giving their names, begged to have a private interview with Monsieur and Madame Sechard.
“By all means,” said Sechard. “But is it a matter of business?”
“Solely a matter regarding your father’s property,” said Corentin.
“Then I beg you will allow monsieur—the Maire, a lawyer formerly at Angouleme—to be present also.”
“Are you Monsieur Derville?” said Cachan, addressing Corentin.
“No, monsieur, this is Monsieur Derville,” replied Corentin, introducing the lawyer, who bowed.
“But,” said Sechard, “we are, so to speak, a family party; we have no secrets from our neighbors; there is no need to retire to my study, where there is no fire—our life is in the sight of all men——”