in which she is involved."

Fandor was taken aback at the harsh tone of the nun's speech.

"Good Heavens, madame, what do you mean to insinuate?"

"I have just been informed, monsieur, of the exact nature of the
relations which existed between the criminal, Jacques Dollon, and Madame
de Vibray."

Fandor stiffened with indignation.

"It is false!" he cried. "Utterly false! You have been misinformed!"

He stopped short. The nun signified by a movement of her hand that
further protests were useless.

"In any case, whether false or not, it is quite certain that we cannot
keep this girl here any longer, for her name will, in the end, do harm
to the respectability of this house."

Fandor was astounded at this extraordinary statement.

"In other words," said he, "you refuse to keep Mademoiselle here any
longer as a boarder?"

"Yes, monsieur!"

The journalist moved a step or two, then, with bent head, seemed to be
turning something over in his mind.

"It comes to this, madame, you are not giving me your true reasons
for ..."

Again the nun interrupted the young man with a gesture.

"True, monsieur, I should have preferred not to mention my real and very
definite reasons which make it an imperative duty that I should request
Mademoiselle Dollon to seek another refuge. Nevertheless, since you
insist, I will tell you that Mademoiselle Dollon's attitude just
now--her behaviour--is what we cannot possibly allow...."

"Good Heavens! What do you wish to insinuate now, madame?"

"You kissed her, monsieur. I regret that you have forced me to go into
details. I regret that you have compelled me to put into words this--I
will not allow you to turn this religious house into a lover's meeting
place! Am I clear?"

Before Fandor had time to protest, the nun gave him a curt bow, and
prepared to leave him.

The young journalist recalled her. He was angry; all the more so,
because he knew that the Mother Superior had some justification for the
attitude she had taken up. Alas! All his protestations were vain!

"Very well, madame," he said at last. "You are utterly mistaken; but I
recognise that your attitude has some colour of justification, and I bow
to your decision, based on misinformation and a mistake though it be.
Kindly allow me two days' grace, that I may find another refuge for
Mademoiselle Dollon!"

With a movement of her head the nun signified her assent; then, with a
final bow, she left the parlour.

Crest