“They also say that M. Barnier, the journalist, saved him at the risk of his life, and converted him so thoroughly that the poor fellow came near entering a monastery.”
“A queer idea! That shows he has more imagination than reason!”
“But he did not stick to his first intention. He is now established here, and will remain, I feel sure, ... and this alarms me!...”
“Why are you so sure? And how can this assurance cause you any alarm?”
“That is a secret. Mademoiselle will excuse me from replying. Though I have known mademoiselle from her childhood, she intimidates me.”
“Not much, Fanny.”
“I beg your pardon, mademoiselle, I do not understand you.”
“You understand me perfectly, but I have to dot your i’s for you. Well, I will do so. I do not intimidate you much, I say. You dare not tell me what you mean, but you give me a hint of it. What are you afraid of? Tell me. I insist upon it.”
“As mademoiselle insists upon it, I feel obliged to tell her what she wishes to know. Mademoiselle is not to be resisted. But I should prefer keeping it to myself. If it were to displease mademoiselle ...”
“No; go on.”