"Exactly! Exactly! It is most providential!"
It was with the situation thus reasoned out that the defenders of society presented themselves for the second time at the house of M. Floriot, when they were conducted to the garden. M. the President received them with grave courtesy and invited them to take seats. With all three comfortably settled, M. Merivel being a little in the background, he asked:
"What can I do for you, gentlemen?"
"Have I the honor of speaking to President Floriot?" inquired M. Perissard in his most polished manner.
"Yes, monsieur. And your name is——?"
"Perissard! This is M. Merivel, my associate," he added, rising with a bow to that gentleman who also rose and saluted M. the President with a profound obeisance.
"And what business brings you to Bordeaux?" M. Floriot inquired once more when they had all resumed their seats.
"A—a matter of some delicacy, M. the President," began the senior partner, clearing his throat impressively. "A matter which interests you personally."
M. Floriot raised his eyebrows a trifle.
"Well?"