Moreover, Bertheroy, with his position as an official _savant_ and member of the Institute, showed some courage in thus venturing to call on one whom so-called respectable folks regarded with contumely.

And on this occasion, Guillaume at once understood that it was some feeling of curiosity that had brought him.
And so he was greatly embarrassed, for he hardly dared to remove the papers and plans which were lying on the table.
"Oh, don't be frightened," gaily exclaimed Bertheroy, who, despite his careless and abrupt ways, was really very shrewd.

"I haven't come to pry into your secrets....

Leave your papers there, I promise you that I won't read anything." Then, in all frankness, he turned the conversation on the subject of explosives, which he was still studying, he said, with passionate interest.

He had made some new discoveries which he did not conceal.
Incidentally, too, he spoke of the opinion he had given in Salvat's affair.