Michelle started. “And you told him—what?”
“I told him nothing save that you were my mother, Papa Louis your husband, Gerard my brother by marriage. Was not that enough?”
“Enough, and not too much,” said Papa Louis, patting her hand. “Where did you meet him, Gerard?”
“He came up with some visitors from Manhatte.”
“He remains for some time?”
“But so long as it suits him.”
“He must not meet you again, Alaine.” Michelle spoke with anxious voice. “Avoid him. He may have recognized you as it is, for he is a friend of your cousin Étienne’s.”
“And what of that? I am far removed from my cousin Étienne, and beyond his anger, thanks to you, good mother.”
“You cannot be sure of that.”
“Ah, foolish one,” said Papa Louis, “how can he reach her here in a free country? You are right, Alaine; you need not fear.”