"It sounded like Adele." The irrepressible Mr.Ricardo was impelled to intervene.
"What Monsieur Hanaud means," he explained, with the pleasant air of a man happy to illuminate the dark intelligence of a child, "is that Adele was probably a pseudonym." Hanaud turned to him with a savage grin.
"Now that is sure to help her!" he cried.

"A pseudonym! Helene Vauquier is sure to understand that simple and elementary word.

How bright this M.Ricardo is! Where shall we find a new pin more bright?
I ask you," and he spread out his hands in a despairing admiration.
Mr.Ricardo flushed red, but he answered never a word.

He must endure gibes and humiliations like a schoolboy in a class.

His one constant fear was lest he should be turned out of the room.