Julie drew Delphine aside, and cautioned him what he should say of Nemecia. Delphine listened attentively under the shadow of a dreadfully civilized little derby hat, which had evidently accompanied the new camisa, and demanded permission to tell his new friend of the Peace that had come about in Nahal and of the part his Maestra and Nemecia had played in it.
Julie sat back comfortably in the carriage, with a feeling of gratitude toward Isabel. The hotels other than the Oriente were neither good nor picturesque, and from one of these Isabel had saved her. Her reflections were cut short by the sight of an urgent face making its way toward her through the crowd—though it was not until a black habit appeared in conjunction with the face that Julie recognized the painfully emaciated features of Father Hull.
“I’m late!” he exclaimed, extending his hand to her, and taking in the carriage with a dissatisfied glance. “They misinformed me at the steamship office as to the arrival of the boat.
“I had a carromata waiting for you,” he suggested. “I have also made arrangements with some Spanish-Mestizo friends of mine for your lodging. Suitable accommodations are always hard to procure in Manila, and I strongly advise you to take advantage of this opportunity—especially as it is in the district to which you will probably be assigned.
“Unfortunately,” he added, knitting his brows at the carriage, “the Reredos are not immediately prepared—and an unprepared Spaniard is a serious thing. One cannot walk in and out of their households after the fashion we have at home. They lack the quality of casualness.
“In the meantime, I know of a very good hotel where you can pass a few days at a very reasonable rate.”
Julie informed him that the carriage she was in belonged to Mrs. Armistead, a friend of hers, who had invited her to remain in her house till its owner returned from a trip. She believed it would be ungracious not to accept the hospitality offered. Part of her baggage, moreover, was installed in the carriage, and arrangements made for the rest of it. Privately Julie had no desire to go to a cheap hotel when a chance at that wonderful house was offered.
The priest appeared to consider, in troubled thought. Rather reluctantly, Julie thought, he consented to the arrangement. He said he would communicate later with her concerning the school. Then he lifted his hat and moved away.
Julie had wanted to ask him about Barry, but had not found the opportunity.
As the carriage drove away, the dwarf and Delphine—who was clutching Balthazar, too stupefied from the trip to be troublesome—sat close together, talking rapidly. The dwarf occasionally stole a shyly appreciative glance at Julie.