"Yes," replied Celestin, "and the longer I think about it, the more convinced I am that it is to Madame de Senneterre that I ought to apply in this matter. I have had convincing proof of the interest she takes in me more than once; and the confidence I now show in her will please her, I am sure. I will consult with her, too, I think, as to the best means of establishing friendly relations between her and Mlle. de Beaumesnil. That will be a comparatively easy matter, I think." "In that case, you had better see the duchess as soon as possible," replied the abbe. "It is only half past twelve," said Celestin, glancing at the clock, "and Madame de Senneterre is generally at home to her intimate friends from one to two o'clock. I will go there at once." "On your way you had better consider well if any inconveniences are likely to result from these overtures on your part. I can see only advantages." "It is the same with me. Nevertheless, I will think the matter over. As for the rest, that is decided, you know. To-morrow morning at nine o'clock, a little to the left of the altar, in the Chapel of the Virgin, in the Church of St. Thomas d'Aquin, remember." "That is understood," answered the abbe. "I will go and inform Mlle. Helena of our arrangements. She will be at the chapel with Mlle. de Beaumesnil to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. I can vouch for that. Now go at once to Madame de Senneterre's. You have no time to lose." So, after an affectionate leave-taking, Celestin hastened to the Hotel de Senneterre. CHAPTER XVI. AN INCOMPREHENSIBLE REFUSAL. On the morning of the same day on which the foregoing conversation between Abbe Ledoux and M. de Macreuse took place, Madame la Duchesse de Senneterre, having received an important letter, went out at ten o'clock, as usual. On her return, at half past eleven, she immediately asked for her son Gerald; but that young gentleman's valet reported to madame's maid that M. le duc had not slept at home the night before. About noon there came another and very peremptory message from the duchess, but her son had not yet returned. At last, about half past twelve, Gerald entered his mother's room, and was about to embrace her with affectionate gaiety, when the duchess, pushing him away, said, reproachfully: "This is the third time I have sent for you, my son." "I have but just returned home, and here I am! What do you wish, my dear mother?" "You have but just returned home at this hour? What scandalous behaviour!" "What scandalous behaviour?" "Listen to me, my son: there are some things I will not discuss; but do not mistake my aversion to speaking of them for either tolerance or blindness."