and accompanied him with giddy circlings upon his return journey.

Chris, who had viewed the encounter from afar with much interest, clapped
her hands at their approach.

"And you weren't a bit afraid!" she laughed. "I couldn't think what you
would do. Cinders looked so fierce. But any one can see you understand
dogs--even English dogs."

"It is possible that at heart the English and the French resemble each
other more than we think, mademoiselle," observed the Frenchman. "One can
never tell."

He bent again over the injured foot with the sandal in his hand.

"It's very good of you to take all this trouble," said Chris abruptly.

He flashed her a quick smile. "But no, mademoiselle! It gives me pleasure
to be of service to you."

"I'm sure I don't know what I should have done without you," she
rejoined. "Ah, that is much better. I shall be able to walk now."

"You think it?" He looked at her doubtfully.

She nodded. "If you will take me as far as the sand, I shall do
splendidly then. You see, I can't let you come into Valpré with me
because--because--"

"Because, mademoiselle--?" Up went the black brows questioningly.