Let us add too that Passavant was mistaken as to the cause of Olivier’s desertion. He thought he had made him jealous by his attentions to Sarah; he was pleased with this idea which flattered his self-conceit; his vexation was soothed by it. He was expecting Strouvilhou; and as he had given orders that he was to be let in at once, Edouard benefited by the instructions and was shown in to Passavant without being announced. Passavant gave no signs of his surprise. Fortunately for him, the part he had to play was suited to his temperament and he was easily able to switch his mind on to it. As soon as Edouard had explained the motive of his visit: “I’m delighted to hear what you say. Then really? You’re willing to look after him? It doesn’t put you out too much?... Olivier is a charming boy, but he was beginning to be terribly in my way here. I didn’t like to let him feel it--he’s so nice.... And I knew he didn’t want to go back to his parents.... Once one has left one’s parents, you know--.... Oh! but now I come to think of it, his mother is a half-sister of yours, isn’t she?... Or something of that kind? Olivier must have told me so, I expect. Then, nothing could be more natural than that he should stay with you. No one can possibly smile at it” (though he himself didn’t fail to do so as he said the words). “With me, you understand, it was rather more shady. In fact, that was one of the reasons that made me anxious for him to go.... Though I am by no means in the habit of minding public opinion. No; it was in his own interest rather....” The conversation had not begun badly; but Passavant could not resist the pleasure of pouring a few drops of his poisonous perfidy on Edouard’s happiness. He always kept a supply on hand; one never knows what may happen. Edouard felt his patience giving way. But he suddenly thought of Vincent; Passavant would probably have news of him. He had indeed determined not to answer Douviers, should he question him; but he thought it would be a good thing to be himself acquainted with the facts, in order the better to avoid his enquiries. It would strengthen his resistance. He seized this pretext as a diversion. “Vincent has not written to me,” said Passavant; “but I have had a letter from Lady Griffith--you know--the successor--in which she speaks of him at length. See, here it is.... After all, I don’t know why you shouldn’t read it.” He handed him the letter, and Edouard read: 25th August My dear,[7]