He now realized the possible state of mind of a girl brought up between a superstitious fiddler and a visionary old lady and he shuddered when he thought of the consequences of it all.

“Is Christine still a good girl?” he asked suddenly, in spite of himself.

“I swear it, as I hope to be saved!” exclaimed the old woman, who, this time, seemed to be incensed. “And, if you doubt it, sir, I don’t know what you are here for!”

Raoul tore at his gloves.

“How long has she known this ‘genius?’ ”

“About three months.⁠ ⁠… Yes, it’s quite three months since he began to give her lessons.”

The viscount threw up his arms with a gesture of despair.

“The genius gives her lessons!⁠ ⁠… And where, pray?”