"What folly!" he exclaimed, "As if a little tramp of the streets
could have anything to do with a Church miracle! Martine Doucet, if
you were to say such a thing at the Vatican--"
"_I_ have not said it," said Martine angrily, "I only told you what
my Fabien says. I am not answerable for the thoughts of the child!
That he is well and strong--that he has the look and the soul of an
angel, is enough for me to praise God all my life. But I shall never
say the Laus Deo at the Vatican,--you will have no chance to trap me
in that way!"
Cazeau stared at her haughtily.
"You must be mad!" he said, "No one wishes to 'trap' you, as you
express it! The miracle of healing performed on your child is a very
remarkable one,--it should not be any surprise to you that the Head
of the Church seeks to know all the details of it thoroughly, in
order to ratify and confirm it, and perhaps bestow new honour on the
eminent Cardinal--"
"I rather doubt that!" interposed Patoux slowly, "For I gather from
our Archbishop that the Holy Father was suspicious of some trick
rather than an excess of sanctity!"
Cazeau reddened through his pallid skin.
"I know nothing of that!" he said curtly, "But my orders are
imperative, and I shall seek the assistance of the Archbishop to
enforce and carry them out! For the moment I have the honour to wish
you good-night, Monsieur Patoux!--and you also, Mesdames!"
And he departed abruptly, in an anger which he was at no pains to
disguise.
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