The cold, dark eyes met mine searchingly.
"But, monsieur," the woman said, "how can that be? You are not a relative, you surely have no claim——"
"It will save time, perhaps," I interrupted, "if I explain that I have discussed all these matters with Madame Richard, and the decision which I have come to is final. The child remains here."
The woman looked at me steadfastly.
"Madame Richard will not be satisfied with that decision," she said. "You will be forced to give her up."
"And why," I asked, "should a penniless orphan, as I understand Isobel is, be of so much interest to Madame Richard?"
The woman watched me still, and listened to my words as though seeking to discover in them some hidden meaning. Then she leaned a little towards me.
"Can I speak with you alone, monsieur?" she said.
"These are my friends," I answered, "from whom I have no secrets."
"None?"