"They did not answer.

Perhaps they are not in the office.

In any case, it's impossible to find out, for they took the keys with them." "They" were obviously the managers, who had given orders, during the last entr'acte, that they were not to be disturbed on any pretext whatever.

They were not in to anybody.
"All the same," exclaimed Gabriel, "a singer isn't run away with, from the middle of the stage, every day!" "Did you shout that to them ?" asked Mercier, impatiently.
"I'll go back again," said Remy, and disappeared at a run.
Thereupon the stage-manager arrived.
"Well, M.Mercier, are you coming?
What are you two doing here?
You're wanted, Mr.Acting-Manager." "I refuse to know or to do anything before the commissary arrives," declared Mercier.

"I have sent for Mifroid.