Fauchery and Daguenet had been driven up together in one carriage, and after them another had arrived with the Count de Vandeuvres, who had followed by the next train.

Georges was the last to come downstairs.

He was looking a little pale, and his eyes were sunken, but in answer to questions he said that he was much better, though he was still somewhat shaken by the violence of the attack.

Mme Hugon looked into his eyes with an anxious smile and adjusted his hair which had been carelessly combed that morning, but he drew back as though embarrassed by this tender little action.

During the meal she chaffed Vandeuvres very pleasantly and declared that she had expected him for five years past.
"Well, here you are at last! How have you managed it ?" Vandeuvres took her remarks with equal pleasantry.