ement, for I heard her give a slight ejaculation, and one
foot slipped off the paved way as if she would fall into the muddy
street. I passed my arm quickly about her, and raised her to a place
of safety, but even then could bring no word of courtly elegance to my
assistance.

She thanked me prettily and daintily, and as I pursued my course, I
could but turn and give yet another glance in her direction. She
caught my eye, and again looking each way, bent her steps down a by-way
leading off to the left, which we were that instant nearest. There was
that in her manner, I could not say exactly what, which led me to
follow her at a respectful distance, seeing which she turned her head,
and I fancied I could observe a thankful little smile playing about her
lips. At any rate she quickened her pace and walked with more
assurance, no longer in doubt about her movements.

For many rods at times she would be lost to view in the dark, and her
tread was so light it scarcely made a sound--or the great, clumsy
clattering I created drowned it entirely. Just at the time I thought I
had lost her, I could catch a glimpse of a flitting skirt beneath one
of the flambeaux, which, stuck in niches of the wall here and there,
lighted old Paris.

In a very pleasant frame of mind, I strode along behind her. It was
wonderful, I thought, how readily a woman's intuition recognizes a
protector. And I--for I must admit I was young then; in the ways of
women, far younger than my years--I amused myself with many conjectures
concerning what manner of errand had taken this young woman abroad
alone on such a night. A lady she plainly seemed. Disguised a little,
that might be, for her quiet dignity did not fully comport with the
style of her dress.

A thousand airy castles I built for my fair heroine to live in, and I,
like the knightly heroes of the Crusades, was ever her defender, ever
her champion in the lists.

Busied with these fancies and romantic thoughts, I lost count of
streets and passages, turning this way, that and the other, through
many narrow and tortuous byways and alleys, until I realized I was
hopelessly lost. With my fair guide in front and my good sword by my
side, lightly I recked of streets or houses. Yet I dared not forget I
was on an errand for the Governor and must not expose myself to
bootless peril.

At last, and somewhat to my relief, she stopped before a great oaken
iron-studded gate, possibly of five good p