Lionel scanned their faded collars and spotless leather shoes, deliberately feigning a puzzled look:
"'Saint Martha's Society'?"
"I don't believe we have any dealings. Is there something you want?"
The older man's lips twitched upward, revealing a typical fake smile:
"Regarding a novice nun named Alice-Clémence Rochard.
"Mother Superior believes that a face-to-face meeting with you would be more appropriate than correspondence. You might be able to offer some... valuable insights."
With the conversation having reached this point, Lionel had already guessed some of the truth.
His heart sank slightly, but he remained calm.
It must have been an issue with Sister Marcella's letter from "Notre Dame de Lourdes" – he had sent the letter to the "Saint Martha's Society" headquarters in Paris before returning to Paris.
Theoretically, Sister Marcella should not have mentioned his relationship with Alice in the letter.
The fact that the "Saint Martha's Society" came knocking implied that she did mention it – either in the letter addressed to them, or in a subsequent letter.
Lionel quickly weighed his options.
Refusing or evading would clearly put him in a passive position; it would be better to test the waters.
He nodded, his tone calm:
"I see. Please wait a moment, both of you, while I change my clothes!"
With that, he closed the door and returned inside.
He first quickly collected his thoughts, then hid Alice's identification documents in a secret compartment of the drawer.
Here also lay a stack of manuscripts for "The Decadent City, Part Two," and these documents – in the Middle Ages, they would have been enough to send Lionel to the stake twice.
However, since the other party had not directly caused trouble, nor brought the police, but rather "invited" him, it indicated that things weren't too bad yet.
As Lionel thought this, he put on his coat, took a deep breath, went to the door, and followed the two visitors downstairs to the carriage.
The carriage carried them through the streets of Paris, eventually stopping in front of a complex of buildings on the Left Bank of the Seine, inconspicuous in appearance but quite extensive in area.
Unlike the grandeur of Notre Dame, this place appeared understated and solemn, with high walls and deep courtyards, exuding a secluded tranquility and dignity.
Passing through several quiet corridors, Lionel was led into a simply furnished but exceptionally clean reception room.
The room contained simple wooden tables and chairs, and a plain crucifix hung on the wall.
The wait was not long.
A nun, approximately sixty years old, walked in.
Her face was serious, her steps steady.
Behind her followed a younger nun, who quietly stood by the door after entering.
After a brief greeting and taking their seats, the older nun spoke:
"Monsieur Sorel, I am Sister Anna Maria, the Vice-Superior of the 'Saint Martha's Society'. Thank you for accepting our invitation."
Her voice was steady and indifferent, her back ramrod straight, making her seem like an upgraded version of Sister Marcella.
Lionel carefully began:
"Sister Anna Maria. Do you have news of Alice?"
He decided to proactively bring up Alice, forcing the other party to show their hand first.
Sister Anna Maria did not beat around the bush either:
"A short while ago, we received a letter from Sister Marcella of 'Notre Dame de Lourdes'.
In her letter, she stated that after a long and fruitless search, she was inclined to believe that the poor girl may have met with misfortune.
And suggested, out of mercy, that we cease our investigation and let her soul rest in peace."
Lionel remained noncommittal:
"Oh... 'met with misfortune'... 'rest in peace'... Is this truly unfortunate news? Heh..."
Seeing Lionel's reaction, Sister Anna suddenly changed her tone:
"Sister Marcella also specifically mentioned you—
She mentioned your significant influence in your hometown, your exceptional concern for Alice, and that you had obtained authorization from her parents...
Monsieur Sorel, your kindness is indeed touching, but with all due respect—
Although Alice has not yet officially become a nun, for you, a young, unmarried man, even as a childhood companion, this kind of enthusiasm seems excessive."
Her gaze was like a torch, seemingly trying to illuminate Lionel's inner thoughts:
"Monsieur Sorel, I must remind you that although you have achieved some success recently, and seem to have some influence in Paris...
However, if certain matters involve fundamental moral boundaries, then even Monsieur Hugo, even Le Figaro, would find it difficult to protect your reputation."
Lionel felt a slight sweat on his back.
He somewhat regretted going to "Notre Dame de Lourdes" to get that letter.
He had underestimated Sister Marcella; she was clearly not as helpless as she had appeared that day, and had even suspected his intentions at the time.
And the "Saint Martha's Society's" intelligence was clearly far more informed than he had anticipated.
Although Alice lived a reclusive life, people in the apartment – especially the superintendent – had still seen her.
Although Lionel had repeatedly warned Alice not to tell anyone her name.
But a "nameless maid" coming and going from the apartment would always be noticed by those with an agenda.
He had little faith in the superintendent's professional ethics.
He feared that for just one franc, the superintendent would spill everything about his daily schedule, including when he left and returned home.
As for whether Sister Anna, or the "Saint Martha's Society" behind her, was certain that the "maid" in his home was Alice, that was hard to say.
Lionel showed no change in expression:
"Paris is a vast city, and rumors are innumerable. Any speculation about a missing girl would be difficult to use as evidence, I'm afraid."
He wasn't afraid – Alice wasn't at 64 Rue Laffitte.
He could simply write another letter to the Meudon villa and hide her for a while longer.
As long as he was honest with Monsieur Zola about the reasons, he believed Zola would be very willing to show his compassion and generosity.
Currently, the "Saint Martha's Society" had only come to "communicate" with him, not to interrogate or directly alert the police, which indicated that finding Alice was not their primary objective.
As one of France's largest orders of nuns, a runaway country girl was nothing significant.
As expected, Sister Anna did not press further, but softened her tone:
"We did not invite you here today to accuse or interrogate, Monsieur Sorel.
It's just that the Church has recently been in a turbulent period, with constant public disputes... As you said to Sister Marcella—
A novice nun disappearing and then appearing where she shouldn't, would be a major scandal that would shock France and even Europe.
It would shake the very foundations of reputation, both for our 'Saint Martha's Society' and for any individual, wouldn't it?"
This unmistakable hint allowed Lionel to vaguely grasp the other party's intentions.
Having ascertained the other party's hidden card, Lionel relaxed instead, revealing a slight smile:
"Oh? Sister Anna, what exactly are you trying to say?"
Sister Anna hadn't expected Lionel to be able to smile, and for some reason, she began to feel flustered herself.
Had he not understood?
Impossible, writers are most perceptive when it comes to language... So what was the reason for his fearlessness?
Remembering the new Archbishop's instructions to her, she still bit the bullet and continued:
"We are considering Sister Marcella's request—
"To completely cease the search for Alice-Clémence Rochard."
Lionel nodded, his tone indifferent:
"Oh... That's good news."
Seeing no reaction from Lionel, Sister Anna gritted her teeth:
"We could even... revoke her nun status, allowing her to truly regain her freedom...
Rather than just tacitly accepting her disappearance. For a young life, this might be the most merciful outcome..."
Lionel remained silent, staring intently at the other party.
Sister Anna's fingers, hidden beneath the table, twirled her rosary beads faster and faster:
"Of course, all of this is conditional upon us seeing... a certain degree of friendliness.
For example, if Monsieur Sorel is willing to use your talent to occasionally support certain works that... promote traditional virtues and comfort people's hearts..."
Lionel gave a derisive smile:
"You want me to sing praises to the Church?"
Sister Anna quickly denied:
"There's no need for you to publicly declare support for anyone or opposition to anyone.
Simply within the scope of your works or influence, show a hint of... understanding, or even appreciation, for the values of faith.
This is not a transaction; it's more like a... tacit understanding."
Silence fell in the room, broken only by the regular ticking of the small clock on the mantelpiece.
A few minutes of silence felt as long as a century.
Finally, Lionel looked up at Sister Anna Maria, the corners of his mouth slowly curving upwards into an incredibly sincere smile:
"Good! However, I will need some support from the Church..."
(End of this chapter)
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