"She would be right," said Coronel, looking away from her.
Hyacinth felt strangely rested. It seemed that never again would anything trouble her; never again would she have only her own strength to depend upon. Who was he? But it did not matter. He might go away and she might never see him again, but she was no longer afraid of the world.
"I thought," she said, "that all the men of Euralia were away fighting."
"So did I," said Coronel.
"What are you, then? A Prince from a distant country, an enchanter, a spy sent from Barodia, a travelling musician?—you see, I give you much to choose from."
"You leave me nothing to be but what I am—Coronel."
"And I am Hyacinth."
He knew, of course, but he made no sign.
"Hyacinth," he said, and he held out his hand.
"Coronel," she answered as she took it.