As it was, he quietly backed a step or two from the table, and held his tongue.
"Friend Magloire," said Lomaque, winking mildly, "your last remark looks to me like a question in disguise.

I put questions constantly to others; I never answer questions myself.

You want to know, citizen, what our superintendent's secret motive is for denouncing his wife's brother?
Suppose you try and find that out for yourself.

It will be famous practice for you, friend Magloire--famous practice after office hours." "Any further orders ?" inquired Magloire, sulkily.
"None in relation to the reports," returned Lomaque.

"I find nothing to alter or add on a revised hearing.