He looked at her suspiciously. But the girl evidently read his thoughts, for she looked at him steadily and said:
“No, I will not betray you. You need have no fear.”
“But if you are French,” said Frank, “what are you doing here?”
“It’s a long story,” said the girl, “and some day I may tell you. But now I have not time. The music will stop in a moment or two now, and you must return to your friends. But I had to warn you, for I know that Lieutenant Holzen is bent on mischief. It would be well for you and your friends to leave at once.”
“Thanks,” said Frank, “but we are able to take care of ourselves.”
“Oh, I know that,” responded the girl. “But I know also that you would not be here except upon some desperate mission and that you cannot afford to jeopardize for the sake of a quarrel.”
“You are right, of course,” said Frank quietly. “But tell me, what is my mission to you?”
“Nothing,” said the girl slowly, “only that—that I would do anything for France.”
She said it gravely and there could be no mistaking her earnestness. Frank bowed his head in reply; for there was nothing he could say.
Several times more they whirled about the room; and then Frank bethought himself to ask the girl who she was.