Armand paints no stroke the next day. He confers with PŠre Fran‡ois. He is paralyzed when the cashier of the "Credit Lyonnais" hands him five crisp one-thousand-franc notes. Colonel Joe Woods' check is of international potency. It is not, then, a mere dream.
When the jovial Colonel is introduced to the family circle he is at home in ten minutes. His good nature carries off easily his halting French. He falls into sudden friendship with the young soldier-sculptor. He compliments Madame Josephine. He pleases the modest Louise, and is at home at once with Padre Francisco.
After a friendly chat, he says resolutely:
"Now, padre, you and I want to have a talk over our young friend here. Let us go up to his room a little."
Seated in the boy's studio, Woods shows the practical sense which carried him to the front in the struggle for wealth.
"I tell you what I'll do," he says. "I'm going out to the coast in a month or so. I'll look this up a little. If I want our young friend here, I'll send you a cable, and you can start him out to me. My banker will rig him out in good style. Just as well he comes under another name. See? Padre, you take a ride with me to-morrow. We will talk it all over."
The Californian's questions and sagacity charm the padre. He is now smoking one of those blessed "Imperiales." An innocent pleasure.
They rise to join the circle below. A thought animates the priest.
Yes, he will confer with the clear-headed man and tell him of the child below, whose pathway is unguarded by a parent's love.
Around the frugal board Colonel Joe enters into the family spirit. He insists on having Raoul come to him for a conference about his portraiture in marble.