our very good friend; he knows that Pierre is looking out for a medical
partnership and Jean for a lawyer's office, and he has found something
to suit one of you."

This was so obvious and likely that every one accepted it.

"Dinner is ready," said the maid. And they all hurried off to their
rooms to wash their hands before sitting down to table.

Ten minutes later they were at dinner in the little dining-room on the
ground-floor.

At first they were silent; but presently Roland began again in amazement
at this lawyer's visit.

"For after all, why did he not write? Why should he have sent his clerk
three times? Why is he coming himself?"

Pierre thought it quite natural.

"An immediate decision is required, no doubt; and perhaps there are
certain confidential conditions which it does not do to put into
writing."

Still, they were all puzzled, and all four a little annoyed at having
invited a stranger, who would be in the way of their discussing and
deciding on what should be done.

They had just gone upstairs again when the lawyer was announced. Roland
flew to meet him.