“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.”

And the trouble was, Hadley thought, as he mounted the stairs to his lodgings, that although he didn’t like Gérard, what he said might be true.

The next day, he made his decision. His reasons were straightforward.

Professionally, he’d achieved his purpose in France. He was ready to return to America and start his career.

If the circumstances had been different, he thought, he might have spent more time in Marie’s company, and he might have offered to marry her. The idea of living in Europe and spending summers in France was delightful.

But if there was going to be implacable opposition from her family, what was the good of that, for either of them? There was only one sensible and decent thing to do.

The next day he sent a cable to his father. Having done so, he went to see Marc.

“My father’s sick. I have to return to America at once.”

“My dear Hadley. Just when we were getting used to you. I’m heartbroken.”

“I’m sorry to go, but there’s nothing to be done.”

Then he called on Marie and her parents.

Jules and his wife had no reason not to accept his explanation at face value, and urged him warmly to come straight to their house whenever he returned. “And if you ever come to America,” he said in return, “my parents and I will be so delighted if you will stay with us.”