"You were wrong." "Well, well, we shall see." "We know now." Lestaque and Dauras thought little, but at the same time interrupted: "How far have we gotten with the case?" "Well," explained the clerk with an air of importance. "After the petition to the president, a verbal record of non-reconciliation was filed. M. Derize did not appear, and his wife obtained the temporary care of the children, as well as an allowance. We sent the summons last October. M. Derize has not shown his intention and it is now January. The delays for conclusion have expired, and the case is written on the records to go by default. We have evidence which constitutes a written proof. The separation will be given _de plano_." "Has anyone seen that evidence?" asked the junior clerk. "No. Mme. Derize has it. She does not answer our letters, and the delay in the case is due to her silence. I suppose she is bringing it to us. It is high time." Dauras sought the information which Lestaque enjoyed giving. "And what is M. Lagier doing, M. Derize's lawyer?" "What is he doing?" answered Malaunay, expressing envy and admiration on his mobile face. "He is flirting with his lovely enemy. At Uriage they were always together." "Yes, but at Grenoble they never see each other." "They are keeping under cover. And yet you can believe that Mme. Derize is in no hurry to get her separation." "Well, what will she do then?" "Ah well, she will console herself. Once consoled, she will become reconciled to her husband. It will be a household of four. That is the custom in Paris." For the little clerk, dazzled by Paris, was much impressed by its free habits. Always on the lookout for something new, and with his eye fixed on the door, he had only time to whisper "Take care!" to them. The chief entered. M. Tabourin had lunched well--too well, in fact. His face was scarlet, his hair--which he had to dampen a great deal to accomplish such a result--flat. Instead of adopting the new fashion and covering his linen with a high vest, he displayed a shirt front, which he had spotted in many places as a result of his lively excitable gestures. As he was finishing his cigar, he assumed the indifferent air of a man of the world, for the especial benefit of Malaunay, who was watching him carefully; but the first word of the head clerk aroused him. "Madame Albert Derize is waiting for you in your office." "Ah, ah," he said, "she is making up her mind at last. It is time to get a judgment by default." A last hasty puff, and then he disappeared. A few minutes later, someone knocked at the office door. "Maître Lagier," announced the junior clerk jokingly. It was he. They would like to have laughed, but the newcomer knew how to command respect. The clerks restrained their mirth. "M. Tabourin is here?" "Yes, sir," answered Vitrolle. "He is in his office with Mme. Derize. I will tell him you are here." "No need to. I shall come back."