And I knew then that I had made no mistake.
'That is too heavy for you, my girl,' I said familiarly, as I might have spoken to a village wench.

'I will carry it for you.' One of the men, who remained lolling at the table, laughed, and the other began to sing a low song.

The woman trembled in rage or fear; but she kept silence and let me take the jug from her hands; and when I went to the door and opened it, she followed mechanically.

An instant, and the door fell to behind us, shutting off the light and glow, and we two stood together in the growing dusk.
'It is late for you to be out, Mademoiselle,' I said politely.

'You might meet with some rudeness, dressed as you are.