"I have something to say to you now."
"Oh! In that case, come along with me. Yes, you can give me a hand, instead of Victor, who is out."
And, laughing, he went to his room.
Marthe involuntarily took a few steps, as though she proposed to be present at the conversation. Philippe experienced a momentary embarrassment. Then he quickly made up his mind:
"No, Marthe, you had better stay."
"But ..."
"No, once more, no. Excuse me. I will explain later...."
And he followed his father.
***
As soon as they were alone, Morestal, who was thinking much more about his evidence than about Philippe's words, asked, casually: