And through a door there was a glimpse of fairyland. I
couldn't believe it was real--I hardly believe so now, though Monsieur
le Cure waved his wand and made us free of the place, as if it were a
'truly' garden. Have you been there yet, Miss Grant?"
"I was just inviting her to come for the first time, to-morrow," said
the cure. "Advise her to accept, Madame, for three o'clock."
"Indeed I do!" Rose smiled from him to Mary.
The cure moved forward, holding out his hand. He made it evident that
this was goodbye. "Will you not take Madame's advice, and my
invitation?" he asked, his good brown eyes warm and gentle.
"Yes!" Mary answered impulsively, laying her hand in his.
He clasped it, looking kindly into her face. "I am very glad. Thank you.
I will meet you in the church," he said; no more; but Mary knew that he
meant, "Thank you for trusting me."
* * * * * * *
"His Highness is out," was the answer at the Hotel de Paris to the
cure's inquiries. No, the Prince had left no word as to when he would
come in. Often he was away for dinner, and sometimes did not return
until late at night.
"Eh bien! I will wait," said the cure with a sigh. He had determined to
carry the thing through, and would not fail for lack of persistence.
Vanno might be in any one of a dozen places, but the cure with his
mind's eye saw the young man at the Casino. There he could not seek him
even if he would, as a man in clerical dress would not be admitted.
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