"'Of her? Then you are not entirely alone in this city?'
"'I have a daughter,' she said, in a low, despairing tone. 'She will be distracted if I do not return to her to-night.'
"'As I have explained to you, that is out of the question. If you are not unwilling, I will go to her and explain matters.'
"'No, no!' cried the woman. 'She must not know the truth! What have I done that this misfortune should fall upon me?'
"'I feel deeply for you. If I knew how I could inspire you with confidence in me I should be glad. Look at me and say whether you cannot trust implicitly in me.'
"They gazed at each other in silence for many moments. The policemen, standing apart, did not interrupt them, and as they spoke in French, could not have understood if they had heard what was passing. The woman put out her hand timidly.
"'I will trust you,' she said. 'It may be that the good Lord has sent me a friend when I most needed one. By the memory of all that is dearest to you, do not betray me!'
"'I swear solemnly that I will not.'
"The pressure of her hand seemed to instil faith in her. All the earnestness of her soul was expressed in the words she now spoke.
"'I give into your charge what is infinitely more precious than life--my honor, and my dear daughter's happiness. May Heaven so deal by you as you deal by me!'