“You kissed her, monsieur. I regret that you have forced me to go into details. I regret that you have compelled me to put this into words – I will not allow you to turn this religious house into a lover’s trysting-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.

Crestfallen, but full of angry resolve, Jérôme Fandor turned his back on the convent.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN : VAGUE SUSPICIONS

Fandor was talking to himself – an inveterate habit of his – as he sat in the cab which was carrying him to the Palais de Justice.“Beyond question, I ought to have examined that paper they have stolen from Mademoiselle Elizabeth. I should have looked through it at the first opportunity. That sequence of names; those dates, which seem to almost coincide with the different criminal attempts, probably relate to the mysterious plan which the assassins are carrying out systematically... But, that means there are to be more victims, and we shall witness fresh tragedies!... I am not at all easy about Elizabeth either!... Who the devil could have telephoned to her at the convent?... Perhaps what I am going to do is stupid, but no chance must be neglected... I wonder if I shall learn anything worth knowing at the court to-day? When they arrested these smugglers, five months ago, I recollect perfectly that Monsieur Thomery’s name was mentioned in connection with the business. If I only held the connecting link in my hands, which would make it clear why all these people – Jacques Dollon, the Baroness de Vibray, Princess Sonia Danidoff, Barbey-Nanteuil, and even Elizabeth Dollon – have been the victims of the satanic brotherhood I am pursuing... What motive’? Evidently robbery! But there must be some other reason, for – and it is a significant fact – all these people know one another, meet one another, or at least are either clients of the Barbey-Nanteuil bank, or are friends of Monsieur Thomery... It’s the devil’s own mystery!” Jérôme Fandor had arrived at the Palais de Justice.

He crossed the great hall des Pas-Perdus and entered the Assize Court.