"I can understand your feelings, my poor woman.

We will not keep you here.

You have, perhaps, friends in Aix with whom you could stay ?" "Oh yes, monsieur!" Helene cried gratefully.

"Oh, but I thank you! That I should have to sleep here tonight! Oh, how the fear of that has frightened me!" "You need have had no such fear.

After all, we are not the visitors of last night," said Hanaud, drawing a chair close to her and patting her hand sympathetically.