"I suppose that efforts will still be made to find your brother?"
"Yes. The search will never be given up while there is the least hope."
"I wonder what the effect would be upon Madame Patoff, if Alexander were found after six months?"
"I have not the least idea," answered Paul. "I suppose we should all return to our former relations with each other. Perhaps the shock might drive her mad in earnest,—I cannot tell. You are a psychologist; it is a case for you."
"A puzzle without an answer. I am afraid it can never be tried."
"No, I am afraid not," said Paul quietly.
The two men finished their dinner, and went out. Paul meant to leave early the next morning, and was anxious to go to bed. He felt that at last he could sleep, and he took his leave of Professor Cutter.
"Good-by," he said, with more feeling than he had shown since he had left his mother's room. "I am glad we have met. Believe me, I am really grateful to you for your kindness, and I hope you will let me know that you have reached England safely. If my mother refers to me, please tell her that after what she said to me I thought it best to leave here at once. Good-by, and thank you again."
"Good-by," said the professor, shaking Paul's hand warmly. "The world is a little place, and I dare say we shall meet again somewhere."
"I hope so," answered Paul.