"Why do you laugh, M. de Lourtier? You seem pleased."
"Pleased, no. But this letter is signed by my wife."
"And you were afraid of finding something else?"
"Oh no! But since it's my wife…."
He did not finish his sentence and said to Rénine:
"Come this way."
He led him through a passage to a little drawing–room where a fair–haired lady, with a happy and tender expression on her comely face, was sitting in the midst of three children and helping them with their lessons.
She rose. M. de Lourtier briefly presented his visitor and asked his wife:
"Suzanne, is this express message from you?"
"To Mlle. Herminie, Boulevard Haussmann? Yes," she said, "I sent it. As you know, our parlour–maid's leaving and I'm looking out for a new one."
Rénine interrupted her:
"Excuse me, madame. Just on
