So he now hastened away, without paying any further attention to Majeste, who remarked, with an amiable smile, that the gentlemen had not had so very long to wait after all.
To reach the table mentioned by the waiter, the architect and Pierre had to cross the dining-room from end to end.

It was a long apartment, painted a light oak colour, an oily yellow, which was already peeling away in places and soiled with stains in others.

You realised that rapid wear and tear went on here amidst the continual scramble of the big eaters who sat down at table.

The only ornaments were a gilt zinc clock and a couple of meagre candelabra on the mantelpiece.

Guipure curtains, moreover, hung at the five large windows looking on to the street, which was flooded with sunshine; some of the fierce arrow-like rays penetrating into the room although the blinds had been lowered.