Bartot took a quick step backwards.
"It is a long story," I said softly, "and I doubt whether it would interest you, Monsieur Bartot.

Still, if you are really curious, mademoiselle will satisfy you later." I saw a look pass between the two, and I no longer had any doubt whatever.

I knew that they were in collusion, that I had been brought here to be pumped by mademoiselle.
"Monsieur," Bartot said, "you are apparently armed, and you can leave this room if you will, but I warn you that you will not leave Paris so easily." The situation was quite plain to me.

However little flattering it might be to my vanity, I should not have been in the least surprised if Monsieur Bartot had held out his hands, begged my pardon, and ordered a bottle of wine.
"Be reasonable, monsieur," I begged.

"It is open to every one, surely, to admire mademoiselle?
For the rest, I have been here only a few moments.