Gradually the conviction grew that it was not a question of idle curiosity with Doret, and the man's history recurred to him.

No wonder he was interested in the girl, no wonder he wished to guard her; he had been a brother indeed, even as he said, and he could have no motive save an honorable one.

It never occurred to the soldier that this Frenchman could harbor feelings akin to his own.

The man was rough and foreign; his thoughts had been couched in harsher language, perhaps, than he intended; moreover, the fellow's high sense of honor was a byword--and of a sudden the desire to set himself right in this man's eyes dictated his answer.
"I am amazed at myself for listening to you," he said, at last, "and quite shocked, in fact, at my answering your questions, but perhaps I'd better, after all.

First, however, let me say that the little girl is just as pure now as she was before she knew me--" Poleon threw up his hand.