The cardinal examined the box with minute attention.
“There were two ladies,” continued Jeanne.
“And one of them gave you this box?” said he, with evident suspicion.
“No; she dropped it here.”
The cardinal remained thoughtful for some time, and then said, “What was the name of this lady? I beg pardon for being inquisitive.”
“Indeed, it is a somewhat strange question.”
“Indiscreet, perhaps, but not strange.”
“Yes, very strange; for if I had known her name, I should have returned it long before this.”
“Then, you know not who she is?”
“I only know she is the head of some charitable house.”