Please do not forget to make use of me if you need a friend." "I shall not forget," she answered softly.
Then, as though moved by a sudden impulse, she held out her hand,--a small white hand with rather long fingers, manicured to a perfection unusual in this country.

She wore only one ring, in which was set a magnificent uncut emerald.

I held her fingers for a moment, and raised them to my lips.
"I shall be always at your service," I answered quietly, "however much--or however little you may care to tell me.

Goodnight!" I went to my rooms and washed.

Afterwards I descended and ordered some supper in the cafe.
"Louis is not back yet ?" I remarked to the waiter who attended to me.
"Not yet, monsieur," the man answered.