He questioned her as to the period at which Mr. Kesselbach renewed his relations with old Steinweg and as to the length of time for which those relations lasted. But she was so much worn-out that he did not insist.
"Am I to come back to-morrow?" she asked.
"No, it's not necessary. I will let you know all that Steinweg says. May I see you down to your carriage? These three flights are rather steep. . . ."
He opened the door and stood back to let her pass. At that moment shouts were heard in the passage and people came running up, inspectors on duty, office-messengers, clerks:
"Chief! Chief!"
"What's the matter?"
"Dieuzy! . . ."
"But he's just left here. . . ."
"He's been found on the staircase. . . ."
"Not dead? . . ."