There was a loud knock at the door and the sound of voices outside.

Monsieur Bartot entered, in a frock-coat too small for him and a tie too large.

When he saw us he fell back with a theatrical start.
"Susette!" he exclaimed.

"Susette! And you, sir!" he added, turning to me.
He slammed the door and stood with his back to it.
"What the devil is the meaning of this ?" he asked, looking from one to the other of us.
I shrugged my shoulders.
"You had better ask mademoiselle," I answered.
"She is, I believe, an acquaintance of yours.

As for me--" "My name is Bartot, sir," he cried fiercely.
"An excellent name," I answered, "but unknown to me.