I will say to him, 'Sir, I am exceedingly sorry to have interrupted you so unfortunately in your learned studies! 'Learned studies' will tickle his vanity, and should go far to appease him." I was on the point of rising.

M.Charnot anticipated me.
Grief is not always keenest when most recent.

As he approached I saw he was more irritated and upset than at the moment of the accident.

Above his pinched, cleanshaven chin his lips shot out with an angry twitch.
The portfolio shook under his arm.

He flung me a look full of tragedy and went on his way.
Well, well; go your way, M.Charnot! One doesn't offer apologies to a man in his wrath.