At last the Baron stepped forward, shook hands, and spoke to him cordially.
And Pierre thereupon related that he had received a letter requesting him to call on the Minister that day.

Why, he could not tell; in fact, he was greatly surprised, he said, putting on a smile in order to conceal his disquietude.

He had been waiting a long time already, and hoped that he would not be forgotten on that bench.
Just then the usher appeared, and hastened up to the banker.

"The Minister," said he, "was at that moment engaged with the President of the Council; but he had orders to admit the Baron as soon as the President withdrew." Almost immediately afterwards Barroux came out, and as Duvillard was about to enter he recognised and detained him.

And he spoke of the denunciations very bitterly, like one indignant with all the slander.