Then, as I stood awkward as a clown myself and not knowing what to do, I saw tears rain again from the eyes of Helena von Ritz, so that I turned away, even as I saw her cheek laid to that of the child while she clasped it tight.
"Monsieur!" I heard her say at last.
I did not answer.

I was learning a bit of life myself this night.

I was years older than when I had come through that door.
"Monsieur!" I heard her call yet again.
"_Eh bien_, Madam ?" I replied, lightly as I could, and so turned, giving her all possible time.

I saw her holding the Indian child out in front of her in her strong young arms, lightly as though the weight were nothing.
"See, then," she said; "here is my companion across the mountains." Again I began to expostulate, but now she tapped her foot impatiently in her old way.

"You have heard me say it.