She will
urge him to accompany her and the girl to San Franciso. He will
be a "background." And his unrivalled calmness and wisdom. Pere
Francois only knows her as the "elegante" of the Champs Elysees.
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.
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