Mrs. Thompson was kind enough to invite Fr Verdoux to luncheon. The priest, very reserved, usually took his meals (if he ate at all) in the rectory. But he would never refuse an offer to dine--especially at the behest of his parishioners.
The day was fine enough for a stroll, and indeed the priest preferred walking to using the rectory's carriage. Physical exercise was good not only for body, but also for the spirit. And besides, it would give him an opportunity to reflect upon theological matters, which he often did, to the point of obliviousness to the outside world.
But as he passed by the peculiar aforementioned house, he was wakened from his reverie by the shouts of a gentleman. He had just opened the door of the house and he was hastily getting his things together, shoving his hat on his head.
"Father! Come quick! My wife, she has just had her baby and we wanted you to see him!" he cried. Verdoux recognized him as Mr. James Fitzhugh, though he didn't think the man lived here. Perhaps he could have been incorrect on the matter, or they had stayed at a relative's for the confinement. Fr Verdoux shrugged inwardly, and ambled up toward the door.
"Oh, thank you, Fr Verdoux!" cried the man. His face was beaming with the joy of it all. "Mary and I would like to get him baptized Lawrence, after St. Lawrence, you know! She's so happy!" And so the man bubbled on about his new son as he opened the door for the priest. As he turned toward the interior of the house, expecting the bustle of family and servants, he was greeted with an empty house, other than a few strangers, including, oddly enough, Mrs. Fry. He turned toward Fitzhugh, only to find that that man had disappeared, and the door closed behind him.
"Why, Mrs. Fry!" exclaimed the priest, utterly bewildered. He set his satchel down on the floor beside him. "I did not know you were a friend of the Fitzhughs! Indeed, I was not aware that they were here at all. But it seems that Mrs. Fitzhugh retired here for the confinement and has now given birth to a son. Would you know where I could see her?" It did not occur to him that his words would be, to the lady, completely nonsensical.