The Mother Superior, in a gay tone, which contrasted with her cold and reserved appearance, replied at once:
"Ah, you preferred to come yourself! You had not the patience to wait at the telephone? I quite understand. Would you believe it, while the sister, who has charge of this young girl, was being sent for, the communication was cut off. That is why we could not give you any information."
Fandor stared.
"But I do not understand, madame?"
The Mother Superior replied:
"Was it not you then who telephoned this morning to ask for news of Mademoiselle Dollon?"
"I certainly did not do so!"
"In that case, I do not understand what it means, either! But it does not matter much: you shall see your protégée now."
The Mother Superior rang: a sister appeared.
"Sister, will you take this gentleman to Mademoiselle Dollon! She was walking in the park a short while ago, and is probably there now.... Monsieur, I bid you good day."