Bobbie was still holding the stranger's hand when they came back with Mother.
The Russian rose and bowed very ceremoniously.
Then Mother spoke in French, and he replied, haltingly at first, but presently in longer and longer sentences.
The children, watching his face and Mother's, knew that he was telling her things that made her angry and pitying, and sorry and indignant all at once.
"Well, Mum, what's it all about ?" The Station Master could not restrain his curiosity any longer.
"Oh," said Mother, "it's all right.

He's a Russian, and he's lost his ticket.

And I'm afraid he's very ill.

If you don't mind, I'll take him home with me now.

He's really quite worn out.