“Not one.”
“The bear! I really think from what you have told me he must have changed very much—”
“Don’t blame him, mother. His money saved Poissy,” said Léon, quickly.
“Certainly. You need not tell me that. But what harm has it done him! Principal and interest have both been repaid in full, and I do not forget his indebtedness to your father. Say what you will, he has been very boorish. And, Léon, though you did not give me his former acknowledgment, it is quite necessary that this last should be placed in safe keeping.”
He was silent, and she looked at him uneasily. His short, abrupt sentences, so different from his usual gay chatter, some change in his face, disturbed her. She felt it her duty to press the point.
“It should be put into the iron safe with the other deeds. Come, Léon, do not delay; let us see to it at once.”
“I am going out with Nathalie.”
Mme. de Beaudrillart frowned. “Nathalie! Surely Nathalie can wait! You jest.”
“No, mother, but you don’t understand that I am indisposed for business.”
“If you have no better excuse, I must ask you to fetch the paper at once.” His allusion to his wife had angered her.