"I have not spoken to her," Arthur said. "There was a compact between us that we should not whilst she was under our care."
Monsieur Feurgéres turned to me.
"That sounds like a compact of your making, Arnold Greatson," he said. "What am I to say to your friend?"
"It is surely," I said, "for Isobel to decide. It is only another issue to be placed before her with those others of which you have spoken. You say that you must leave for St. Petersburg to-morrow. Will you see her now?"
He shook his head. I might almost have imagined him indifferent but for the sudden twitching of his lips, the almost pitiful craving which flashed out for a moment from his deep-set eyes. These were signs which came and went so quickly that I doubt if either of the others observed them. But I at least understood.
"I will not see her at all," he said. "It is better that I should not. If she should decide upon Waldenburg, the less she has seen of me the better. I leave it to you, Arnold Greatson, to put these matters faithfully before Isobel. I claim no guardianship over her. Her mother's sole desire was that when she had reached her present age the whole truth should be placed before her, and she should decide exactly as she thought best. That is my charge upon you," he continued, looking me steadfastly in the face, "and I know that you will fulfil it. I shall send you my address in case it is necessary to communicate with me."
He rose to his feet, prepared for departure. Arthur intercepted him.
"If Isobel will have me, then," he said, "you will not object?"
"Isobel shall make her own choice of these various issues," he answered. "I claim no guardianship over her at all. If any further decision has to be given, you must look to Mr. Greatson."
Arthur did look at me, but his eyes fell quickly. He turned once more to Monsieur Feurgéres.