“Assure your friends, Monsieur l’Abbé, of my devotion to their interests.”
“Good! Though it is scarcely necessary,” replied the young priest, carelessly; and, slowly descending the staircase, he disappeared.
Lichtenbach, in thoughtful mood, returned to his study. It was now almost dark. Where the Abbé had just been sitting, a female form now sat stretched out in the armchair. A fresh, clear voice said—
“It is as dark as in an oven here, Lichtenbach; let us have a little light.”
“What! You are here, Baroness!” exclaimed the banker, eagerly.
“Yes, I have just arrived. Was that the little Abbé d’Escayrac you were just taking leave of?”
Lichtenbach had turned on the electric light, bringing into view the unceremonious visitor Elias had just called Baroness. She was a light-complexioned young woman, of exceeding beauty, with proud profile, blue eyes, intelligent forehead, though there was an expression of harshness in her small mouth, with its charming red lips, as well as in her strong chin. She was very elegantly clothed in black, and wore a hooded lace cloak. Patent leather shoes covered her charming feet.
“Have you been here long?” asked Elias abstractedly.
“No, I have only just come, I say. Your servant showed me into the salon, and I came in here when I heard your visitor leave. Do not be uneasy, I was not listening to what he said.”
“Oh! I have no need to be on my guard against you.”