into his voice.

Her eye sought his with a piqued curiosity. For a moment, forgetting
that here was a man who had rescued her from insult at considerable
bodily risk, she saw him only as a man of curious, almost boorish
brusqueness. Why this sudden cold reserve?

Then, with a reddening of cheek at her momentary lapse from gratitude,
she began to thank him for his timely help.

Rivière cut her short. "There is nothing to thank me for. I didn't even
know it was you. I heard a woman's cry--that was all. You ought not to
go about these dark _ruelles_ alone at night-time."

They were at the door of their hotel by now.

"Can't I dress the wound for you?" she asked. "I've had practice in
first aid, Mr Rivière."

He paused suddenly in the doorway and asked her abruptly: "How do you
know my name?"

"I know more than your name. When your cut has been dressed, I'll
explain in full."

"Thank you, but I can manage quite well myself. Let us meet again in the
_salon_ in, say, half an hour's time."

They parted in the corridor and went to their respective rooms.