I have never been here before,' said Paula.
'Naturally.

But I am looking for a young man who is making sketches in some of these buildings, and it is as likely as not that he is in the crypt under this choir, for it is just such out-of-the-way nooks that he prefers.

It is very provoking that he should not have told me more distinctly in his letter where to find him.' Mrs.Goodman, who had gone to make inquiries, now came back, and informed them that she had learnt that it was necessary to pass through the Hotel-Dieu to the choir, to do which they must go outside.

Thereupon they walked on together, and Mr.Somerset, quite ignoring his troubles, made remarks upon the beauty of the architecture; and in absence of mind, by reason either of the subject, or of his listener, retained his hat in his hand after emerging from the church, while they walked all the way across the Place and into the Hospital gardens.
'A very civil man,' said Mrs.Goodman to Paula privately.
'Yes,' said Paula, who had not told her aunt that she recognized him.
One of the Sisters now preceded them towards the choir and crypt, Mr.
Somerset asking her if a young Englishman was or had been sketching there.

On receiving a reply in the negative, Paula nearly betrayed herself by turning, as if her business there, too, ended with the information.