"I know for certain," he said, "that Charles was well two days ago,
and that he is highly thought of in high quarters. I can tell you
that, at all events."
"Thank you," said Desiree. She had nothing against de Casimir. She
had only seen him once or twice, and she knew him to be Charles's
friend, and in some sense his patron. For de Casimir held a high
position in Dantzig. She was quite ready to like him since Charles
liked him; but she intended to do so at her own range. It is always
the woman who measures the distance.
Desiree made a little movement as if to continue on her way; and de
Casimir instantly stood aside, with a bow.
"Shall I find your father at home?" he asked.
"I think so. He was at home when I left," she answered, responding
to his salute with a friendly nod.
De Casimir watched her go and stood for a moment in reflection, as
if going over in his mind that which had passed between them.
"I must try the other one," he said to himself as he turned down the
Pfaffengasse. He continued his way at a leisurely pace. At the
corner of the Frauengasse he lingered in the shadow of the linden
trees, and while so doing saw Antoine Sebastian quit the door of No.
36, going in the opposite direction towards the river, and pass out
through the Frauenthor on to the quay.
He made a little gesture of annoyance on being told by the servant
that Sebastian was out. After a moment's reflection, he seemed to
make up his mind to ignore the conventionalities.
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