De Naarboveck, smiling that ironical smile, bowed.
"It carries with it some advantages, certainly."
"Among them, Baron, the privilege of inviolability—ah, that famous inviolability!"
Juve laid stress on the word inviolability.
De Naarboveck did not seem to understand the insinuation conveyed.
"It is quite true, Monsieur," he said in a matter-of-fact manner: "I do enjoy the right of inviolability; it is one of the privileges attached to my office." On a bantering note he added:
"An appreciable advantage, is it not?"
"Appreciable indeed!" was Juve's reply.
A wave of fresh arrivals surged up the grand staircase and separated the speakers. The master of the house stepped forward to greet them, whilst Fandor drew Juve by the sleeve into the corner of a window recess. Speaking low, he asked:
"Juve! what is the meaning of this comedy?"