Even Aunt Éloïse, who had so shamefully left them alone, had to keep quiet. It only confirmed Gérard’s opinion that his aunt was an irresponsible fool. If he hadn’t decided to come down to see where they were, and taken a different path from the one where she was standing guard, she might have gotten away with this nonsense. And where would that have left everybody?

As it was, they all trooped up calmly to the little temple, Marie walking with her aunt and he with Hadley, and they all admired the little temple and the view. And Monnier declared it was a delightful afternoon.

When they got back to the entrance to the park, Gérard suggested in the most natural way that the others should take the family carriage and drop Rémy Monnier at his house, which was almost on their way home, up near the Parc Monceau, while he conveyed Hadley back. “Because I never get a chance to talk to him.”

So Rémy Monnier found himself in the carriage with Marie, and Gérard went off with Hadley.

Gérard wasted no time. But to Hadley’s surprise, he could not have been more friendly.

“My dear Hadley, please forgive me, but I have to protect my sister’s reputation—which my aunt entirely failed to do. In my place, you’d be obliged to do the same.”

“The fault’s mine, not hers …,” Hadley began, but Gérard wouldn’t hear of it.

“That grotto’s a romantic place, and my sister’s … well, in my opinion, she’s everything a man could want.”

“I wouldn’t disagree with that.”

“You kissed her. Any of us might have done the same. That’s what chaperones are for.”

“There was no disrespect, I assure you.”

“Of course there wasn’t. We know you’re a good fellow. My brother, Marc, whom we all love, is not a good fellow. His family know it, and I’m sure you know too. In fact, my parents thought you were a good influence on him. But tell me, Hadley, what are your intentions? Are you wanting to marry my sister?”

“It hadn’t quite come to that,” answered Hadley truthfully. “It was all a bit sudden. But I reserve the right.”

“Hadley, we like you very much,” declared Gérard. “But you can’t marry Marie. It’s out of the question. Think about it. You’ll go back to America. Would you take her away from all her family? Would she be happy there? My parents wouldn’t consent to the marriage, and I’d oppose it strongly, for those reasons. Besides, you’re a Protestant. Marie’s a Catholic. Are you planning to convert? Because she isn’t going to.”

He didn’t belabor the point. But when he dropped Hadley off, he added one thing.

“Do you think Marie has fallen in love with you, Hadley?”

“I couldn’t say.”

“Well, nor could I. But if she has, then the best thing is to leave her alone. Don’t raise hopes which can’t be fulfilled. That would be unkind.”