Father Bisset recoiled. “My dear sir, I am not versed in the art of selecting toilettes for a lady; I pray you commission some one else.”
François tossed the purse from one hand to the other. “Then hand it over to the good sisters and let them attend to it. I may count on your return, Father Bisset. You will give me your word that when you leave mademoiselle at the convent you will return to the ship.”
“I do not know why I should,” returned the old man, reflectively. “I do not know on what grounds you have a right to exact it from me.”
“Only because of mademoiselle; if she is assured that you accompany me on my search for her father she will feel more content.”
“You are suddenly very considerate.” Father Bisset’s lip curled slightly.
“It is circumstance that has made me ever seem otherwise, and in this instance, if I have not your promise, I must feel compelled to detain you and send mademoiselle under other escort.”
“I promise you that when I leave mademoiselle it will be to return to you.”
“Good; that is sufficient.”
“But I shall take a little time to examine the city, and if I am not back at once——”
“I will wait for you; we understood that before.”