Book 3, Chapter 31: An Unwelcome Apparition

⁠​​​‌​​​​​​​‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌⁠A pale winter sun piercing the mists of the Seine, illuminated the dogs painted by Oudry on the doors of the dining room.

Madame Martin had at her right Garain the Deputy, formerly Chancellor, also President of the Council, and at her left Senator Loyer. At Count Martin-Belleme’s right was Monsieur Berthier-d’Eyzelles. It was an intimate and serious business gathering. In conformity with Montessuy’