Ah, the priest! She will unbosom herself to PŠre Fran‡ois. She will urge him to accompany her and the girl to San Franciso. He will be a "background." And his unrivalled calmness and wisdom. PŠre Fran‡ois only knows her as the "‚l‚gante" of the Champs Elys‚es. She feels that Woods has been wisely discreet.
Summoning the ecclesiastic, Madame de Santos tells the story of her claims upon Hardin.
The old Frenchman passes his rosary beads, with a clinking sound, as he listens to the half-truths told him.
"And your child?" he queries.
"I have placed her secretly where Hardin cannot reach her. She will be produced if needed."
There is a peculiar smile in the priest's face. "Madame, I will accompany you on one condition."
"Name it," cries the siren, "I will furnish money, and every comfort for you. It shall be my duty to reward you."
The priest bows gravely.
"I wish to have a resolute man with our party. My young friend, Raoul Dauvray, has a lion's courage. Let him go with us. I do not wish Judge Hardin to know of my presence in San Francisco. Dauvray will guard you with his life."
"I agree to your wishes!" says madame thoughtfully. And loyal Raoul will fight for her and his hoped-for bride. In a month there is a notable departure from Paris. Madame de Santos, Mademoiselle Isabel Valois, with their maids, and Raoul, "en cavalier." On the same steamer, PŠre Fran‡ois travels. He affects no intimacy with the distinguished voyagers. His breviary takes up all his time. Arrived at New York, PŠre Fran‡ois leaves for San Francisco several days in advance of the others.