That gentleman returned the gaze with the same intentness.
Célestin averted his eyes, but it was with a faint smile that he replied:
"When I said that it might not be absolutely necessary for us to renounce the assistance of such a statement of Madame de Beaumesnil's wishes—"
"In writing?" demanded the abbé, casting down his eyes in his turn, before the bold assent Célestin's look conveyed.
There was a moment's silence, after which the abbé said, as calmly as if no such incident had interrupted the conversation:
"Consequently, we must begin a new campaign, Circumstances favour us; besides, we are the first in the field, the baron and his wife having no one in view as yet; at least, Mlle. de Rochaiguë, who is entirely devoted to us, says so. As for her brother and his wife, they are extremely selfish and avaricious persons, so it is quite possible that, if we seem likely to succeed, they will side with us, that is, if they feel that it will be to their interest to do so. But we must first place ourselves in a position that will enable us to make our own terms."
"And when, and in what way, am I to make Mlle. de Beaumesnil's acquaintance, my dear abbé?"
"We have not yet decided that very important question. A formal introduction is evidently out of the question, as the baron and his wife would be sure to suspect our intentions. Besides, a slight air of mystery and secrecy would be much more likely to excite Mlle. de Beaumesnil's curiosity and interest. It is necessary, too, if we wish to produce the best possible effect, that this introduction should be managed with an eye to the young girl's character."
Célestin cast a glance of mingled surprise and inquiry at his companion.
"So you had better allow us to attend to all that," continued the abbé, in a tone of affectionate superiority. "We understand human nature thoroughly. From what I have been able to learn, the little Beaumesnil must be exceedingly religious and devout. It is also an excellent thing to know that Mlle. de Beaumesnil has a decided preference for the altar of Mary—a very natural predilection in a young girl."