The inference was not quite what the Captain had desired. But he accepted it with a tolerably good grace. When a man has once resisted temptation there is little to be gained, and something perhaps to be risked, by prolonging the interview.
"I suppose so," said he. "I 'll escort you as far as the village. But what's the time?"
He took out his watch and held it down to the flame of the candle; the lady rose and looked, not over his shoulder, but just round his elbow.
"Ah, that's curious," observed the Captain, regarding the hands of his watch. "How quickly the time has gone!"
"Very. But why is it curious?" she asked.
He glanced down at her face, mischievously turned up to his.
"Well, it's not curious," he admitted, "but it is awkward."
"It's only just seven."
"Precisely the hour of my appointment with Paul de Roustache."
"With Paul de Roustache?"