Jérôme Fandor had just rung the bell at the garden gate of Madame Bourrat's private boarding-house in Auteuil.
Jules hastened to answer this ring, and was met by the question:
"Is Mademoiselle Elizabeth Dollon at home?"
"No, monsieur. She went out not an hour ago!"
"And you are certain she has not returned?"
"Absolutely, monsieur.... There are two visitors waiting for her already."
"She will be in soon, then?"
"Certainly, monsieur: she will not be long...."
Fandor looked at his watch.
"A quarter past ten!... Very well, I will wait for her."