However, just then Duthil abruptly reappeared, darting along bareheaded, hastening from lobby to lobby to recruit absent members, particularly those who were interested in the grave debate at that moment beginning.

"What, Fonsegue!" he cried, "are you still here?
Go, go to your seat at once, it's serious!" And thereupon he disappeared.
His colleague evinced no haste, however.

It was as if the suspicious affair which was impassioning the Chamber had no concern for him.

And he still smiled, although a slight feverish quiver made him blink.

"Excuse me, Monsieur l'Abbe," he said at last.