When at last she heard his light, regular footfall coming down the passage she rose and went to meet him.
"So the Conquering Hero has come," she teased. "I have been watching your advance down the street. Such a strut!"
"Did I strut? I daresay. They are my own people and I love their affection. Also, as you say, it pleases my vanity. Hélas, my dear, I am very vain."
She put on her hat and took up her gloves.
"I thought Théo was coming for me, Glorieux."
His face changed. "No, my dear love. It is my town, this. Here I was born, here I lived as a child. I must show it to you."
Taking her hand he laid it on his arm with a gentle little pat and led her proudly downstairs.
CHAPTER FOUR
Opposite No. 6 Rue Victor Hugo is a long black wall, and in the middle of this wall an old-fashioned gas lantern was glowing red when Joyselle and Brigit arrived.