“Ah, Monsignor,” she said lightly, as she stepped into the room. “You are exclusive. Why have you avoided me since your return to America?”
“Madam,” replied Lafelle, in some confusion, “no one regrets more than I the press of business which necessitated it. But your little friend has told me I may return.”
“Always welcome, Monsignor,” replied the Beaubien, scanning him narrowly as she accompanied him to the door. “By the way, you forgot our little compact, did you not?” she added coldly.
“Madam, I came out of a sense of duty.”
“Of that I have no doubt, Monsignor. Adieu.”
She returned again to the music room, where Carmen made her acquainted with Father Waite, and related the conversation with Lafelle. While the girl talked the Beaubien’s expression grew serious. Then Carmen launched into her association with the ex-priest, concluding with: “And he must have something to do, right away, to earn his living!”
The Beaubien laughed. She always did when Carmen, no matter how serious the conversation, infused her sparkling animation into it. “That isn’t nearly as important as to know what he thinks about Monsignor’s errand here this afternoon, dearie,” she said.
Father Waite bowed. “Madam,” he said with great seriousness, “I would be very wide awake.”
The Beaubien studied him for a moment. “Why?” she asked.