“And if Mr Vane should return? It is not impossible.”
“It is impossible. Mr Vane is dead.”
“Dead!” repeated Madame. Even she was shocked at the tidings, or the suddenness of the announcement.
“I have known it for a week. Cyprien does not know it yet, but all must know it soon.”
“And have you come to tell these girls?”
“No. They will probably have letters to-night,—the steamer has arrived, I see,—and then no time must be lost. They must not have a chance to talk over their affairs with all the world, who will come to condole with them.”
“And will you not see them?”
“You forget. They decline to see me,” said the priest laughing. “I hope to find them in better humour another time.”
Madame did not laugh.
“It is not impossible that all your plans for them may be frustrated after all,” said she.