one helpless animal," said M. Delabordeau civilly.

"I do not, at any rate, intend to be so regarded," said she. "It suits
me to travel alone; not that I am averse to society; quite the
contrary; if I meet pleasant people I am always ready to join them.
But it suits me to travel without any permanent party, and I do not see
why false shame should prevent my seeing the world as thoroughly as
though I belonged to the other sex. Why should it, M. Delabordeau?"

M. Delabordeau declared that he did not see any reason why it should.

"I am passionately anxious to stand upon Mount Sinai," continued Miss
Dawkins; "to press with my feet the earliest spot in sacred history, of
the identity of which we are certain; to feel within me the awe-
inspiring thrill of that thrice sacred hour!"

The Frenchman looked as though he did not quite understand her, but he
said that it would be magnifique.

"You have already made up your party I suppose, M. Delabordeau?"

M. Delabordeau gave the names of two Frenchmen and one Englishman who
were going with him.

"Upon my word it is a great temptation to join you," said Miss Dawkins,
"only for that horrid Englishman."

"Vat, Mr. Stanley?"

"Oh, I don't mean any disrespect to Mr. Stanley. The horridness I