ns, and we jogged on very amicably
until, coming to two roads, he pointed out that which leads to
Creil, and bade me good-bye.

"Had I had the giving of a medal of the Legion of Honor, I should
have decorated him on the spot. I believe it repaid me for my
annoyance to have found such ample goodness, such chivalry, such
kindness, growing as it were by the wayside. It was as if
the world had rolled back into the days of knight-errantry, when to
rescue and protect distressed damsels ranked next to religious
worship. Sure am I if my weatherbeaten old man had lived at that
time, none would have been more renowned for gentle deeds: in this
prosaic age he is but a watchman on a railroad. I was about to pour
out my gratitude, when I remembered we were in the nineteenth
century, and looking into his face, I fancied that something more
substantial would be better. I drew out my purse. He was frankly
delighted with what I gave him, saying only that it was too much,
and we separated mutually pleased.

"I sauntered on, lingering by the way to avoid waiting at Creil;
consequently, I was just able to procure my ticket and a paper of
brioches at the buffet when the English train came in. As I stood at
the door, knowing that as soon as it moved off the Belgian train was
due, whom should I see get out but Fred! I thought he would re-enter
in a moment, and placed myself so that he could not see me. I was
mistaken. The train started, and mine puffed up: there he was still.
In the crowd I hoped I should not be discovered, but as I stepped
from the door his eyes met mine, and he rushed up to me with the
exclamation, 'In the name of Heaven, how did you get here? Was there
an accident? Are you hurt? What is the matter?'

"It was singular how his voice unnerved me: I could not say a word.
The crowd carried us with them, and he helped me into a car, sitting
by me and recommencing his questions. Then I stammered, 'You will be
taken on if you do not get out: there is nothing wrong.'

"For answer he shut the door of the compartment, and said, 'I am
going with you. Now tell me how you come to be here?'

"I do not know why I should have given way when all danger was
over--I believe there is no parallel case in the life of any
celebrated woman--but I suppose I was tired out. My anxiety and
fright, a n