“How do you mean?”
“I want to know not, of course, if you are empowered to settle this business here and now, but if, in dealing with me, you represent the views of those who know the business and who are qualified to settle it.”
“Yes,” declared Prasville, forcibly.
“So that I can have your answer within an hour after I have told you my conditions?”
“Yes.”
“Will the answer be that of the government?”
“Yes.”
Clarisse bent forward and, sinking her voice:
“Will the answer be that of the Élysée?”
Prasville appeared surprised. He reflected for a moment and then said: