He pressed her hand:
"I have long been wanting to come and see you, to tell you how grateful I am for the care which you bestow upon my mother."
His French sentences sounded polite, gallant and courteous.
"May I introduce my cousins, M. and Mme. Pauws?"
"Newly married, I believe," said the reverend mother, bowing, with a little smile.
Lot was surprised that she should know:
"We have come to pay my aunt a visit ... and you too, madame la supérieure," he added, courteously.
"Pray sit down. Madame will be here at once."
"Is Mamma quite well?" asked Theo. "I haven't seen her ... for some time."
"She's very well," said the reverend mother. "Because we look after her."