And then, in fierce determination, I went along the hall, and, opening the study door, entered, closing it behind me, and as I stood with my back to it I turned the key and removed it.
“Well, M’sieur Guertin,” I exclaimed, addressing the stout man in gold pince-nez in rather a severe tone, “and what, pray, do you want with me?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
A CONTRETEMPS
The stout, round-faced Frenchman rose, and, bowing with his irritating politeness, answered—
“I wish to consult you, Monsieur Biddulph, upon a confidential matter concerning your wife.”
“What does my wife concern you, pray, sir?” I asked angrily.
“Ah! calm yourself, m’sieur,” he said suddenly, dropping into French; “I am here as your friend.”