Within it sat two women, thickly veiled, and I give you my word that in a sense I pitied them, for not a doubt of it, but they were in the act of congratulating themselves upon their escape from France.

But sentiment may become fatal if permitted to interfere with enterprise.

Stifling my regrets I desired them to alight, and they being wise obeyed me without demur.

I allowed them to retain their veils.

I sought the sight of things other than women's faces, and a brief survey of the coach showed me where to bestow my attention.