He laughed rather savagely.
“It’s quite an amusing notion that scandal should attack a gentle woman of Anne’s age. Yet I imagine that few of the natives of a village possess a sense of humour.”
“I don’t think the story will spread. The vicar as I told you is absolutely incredulous, and no one else has heard it.”
“Except Madame?” hinted François. “I don’t wish to suggest an unkindness. But women, you understand? A whisper to a dear friend—hein?”
“My wife is devoted to Miss Page,” said the doctor shortly. “I shall warn her; but she will be indignant at the mere suggestion of betrayal.”
“Parfaitement!” returned François with a bow. “Pardon me. You will probably find Miss Page in Paris,” he added. “She was expected to-day.”
“So much the better. It will be a great pleasure.”
The doctor rose. “Good-night,” he said, extending his hand cordially. “And thank you for this talk. Perhaps if you decide not to go to Egypt, you will do us the honour of staying with us a little later, when my wife comes back? Our friendship for Miss Page makes a bond between us,” he added, in his pleasant sincere voice.
François met his eyes for an instant. They were full of the kindliness and instinctive liking he felt for the man he was addressing.
“A thousand thanks. But I think I am almost certain to go to Egypt.”