Renee looked hard at her, saying, 'How thoughtful of you! You must have made use of the telegraph wires to inform him that M. Beauchamp was with us.'
'More; I made use of them to inform him that M. Beauchamp was expected.'
'And that was enough to bring him! He pays M. Beauchamp a wonderful compliment.'
'Such as he would pay to no other man, my Renee. Virtually it is the highest of compliments to you. I say that to M. Beauchamp's credit; for Raoul has met him, and, whatever his personal feeling may be, must know your friend is a man of honour.'
'My friend is . . . yes, I have no reason to think otherwise,' Renee replied. Her husband's persistent and exclusive jealousy of Beauchamp was the singular point in the character of one who appeared to have no sentiment of the kind as regarded men that were much less than men of honour. 'So, then, my sister Agnes,' she said, 'you suggested the invitation of M. Beauchamp for the purpose of spurring my husband to return! Apparently he and I are surrounded by plotters.'
'Am I so very guilty?' said Madame d'Auffray.
'If that mad boy, half idiot, half panther, were by chance to insult
M. Beauchamp, you would feel so.'
'You have taken precautions to prevent their meeting; and besides,
M. Beauchamp does not fight.'
Renee flushed crimson.
Madame d'Auffray added, 'I do not say that he is other than a perfectly brave and chivalrous gentleman.'