I was astounded. Then I smiled, the affair was so ridiculously simple.
“And Monsieur de St. Gré?” I asked.
“Has been gone for a week with Madame to visit the estimable Monsieur Poydras at Pointe Coupée.” Madame la Vicomtesse, who had better use for her words than to waste them at such a time, left me, went to the balcony, and began to give the gardienne in the court below swift directions in French. Then she turned to me again.
“Are you prepared to ride with Antoinette and me to Les Îles, Monsieur?” she asked.
It must have been my readiness that made her smile. Then her eyes rested on mine.
“You look tired, Mr. Ritchie,” she said. “You did not obey me and go home last night.”
“How did you know that?” I asked, with a thrill at her interest.
“Because Madame Gravois told my messenger that you were out.”
I was silent.