Then, making his question an excuse for introducing the subject of her visit, she said:-- "I am all upset by the news I have just learned from Yvonne." "Shall we go into the smoking-room?" asked the American, who had trembled at the sound of Madame de Chésy's name. "We shall be able to talk better there." They were in the office where Marsh was busy when Ely arrived. The dry clicking of the typewriter under the fingers of a secretary had not stopped or even slackened a moment upon the entrance of the young woman. Another secretary went on telephoning to the telegraph office, and a third continued arranging documents. The intensity of their industry proved the importance and the pressing nature of the work being done. But the business man left his dictations and his calculations with as little compunction as an infant displays when he casts aside his hoop or ball, to question Yvonne's messenger with a veritable fever of anxiety. "So the bolt has fallen! Are they ruined?" he asked, when they were alone. Then, in reply to Ely's affirmation, he went on: "Was I not right? I have not seen the Vicomtesse for some little time. I have not even tried to see her. I thought Brion was at the bottom of all. I was sure you would make me a sign at the right moment, unless--But no, there is no unless--I was sure the poor child would estimate that man for the abominable cad that he is, and that she would show him the door the first word he uttered." "She came to see me," said Ely, "trembling, and revolted at the ignoble propositions the wretch made to her." "Ah, what 'punishment' he merits!" said Marsh, with an expressive gesture that accentuated the energetic boxing term. "Did you tell her to apply to me? Is her husband willing to work?" "She came to see me to ask for a place for Gontran as superintendent on the Archduke's estate," replied Ely.