Part 18 (2/2)
”At what hotel do you stop?”
”The little place of Jacques Bertillon, a square or so beyond the Place d'Armes.”
”In that case,” said she, ”believe me, it would be more discreet for you to remain unseen in Montreal. No matter which flag is mine, I may say that much for a friend and comrade in the service.”
”But what else?”
She looked about her. ”Be my guest to-night!” she said suddenly. ”There is danger--”
”For me?” I laughed. ”At my hotel? On the streets?”
”No, for me.”
”Where?”
”Here.”
”And of what, Madam?”
”Of a man; for the first time I am afraid, in spite of all.”
I looked at her straight. ”Are you not afraid of _me?_” I asked.
She looked at me fairly, her color coming. ”With the fear which draws a woman to a man,” she said.
”Whereas, mine is the fear which causes a man to flee from himself!”
”But you will remain for my protection? I should feel safer. Besides, in that case I should know the answer.”
”How do you mean?”
”I should know whether or not you were married!”
CHAPTER XV
WITH MADAM THE BARONESS
It is not for good women that men have fought battles, given their lives and staked their souls.--_Mrs. W.K. Clifford_.
”But, Madam--” I began.
She answered me in her own way. ”Monsieur hesitates--he is lost!” she said. ”But see, I am weary. I have been much engaged to-day. I have made it my plan never to fatigue myself. It is my hour now for my bath, my exercise, my bed, if you please. I fear I must bid you good night, one way or the other. You will be welcome here none the less, if you care to remain. I trust you did not find our little repast to-night unpleasing?
Believe me, our breakfast shall be as good. Threlka is expert in omelets, and our coffee is such as perhaps you may not find general in these provinces.”
Was there the slightest mocking sneer in her words? Did she despise me as a faint-heart? I could not tell, but did not like the thought.
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