Madame turned round to see Vandeloup throw her husband into a ditch
by the side of the road, and walk towards her. He was not at all
excited, but seemed as cool and calm as if he had just been shaking
hands with Mr Villiers instead of treating him violently.

'You had better go home, Madame,' he said, in his usual cool voice,
'and leave me to deal with this--gentleman; you are not hurt?'

'Only my arm,' replied Mrs Villiers, in a faint voice; 'he nearly
broke it. But I can walk home alone.'

'If you can, do so,' said Vandeloup, with a doubtful look at her. 'I
will send him away.'

'Don't let him hurt you.'

'I don't think there's much danger,' replied the young man, with a
glance at his arms, 'I'm stronger than I look.'

'Thank you, Monsieur,' said Madame Midas, giving him her hand; 'you
have rendered me a great service, and one I will not forget.'

He bent down and kissed her hand, which action was seen by Mr
Villiers as he crawled out of the ditch. When Madame Midas was gone
and Vandeloup could see her walking homeward, he turned to look for
Mr Villiers, and found him seated on the edge of the ditch, all
covered with mud and streaming with water--presenting a most
pitiable appearance. He regarded M. Vandeloup in a most malignant
manner, which, however, had no effect on that young gentleman, who
produced a cigarette, and having lighted it proceeded to talk.