So Alice began and told him about the mysterious lady and their agitated visit to the tower, omitting nothing, while M. Paul listened with startled interest, nodding and frowning and asking frequent questions.
"This is very important," he said gravely when she had finished. "What a pity you couldn't get her name!" He shut his fingers hard on his chair arm, reflecting that for the second time this woman had escaped him.
"Did I do wrong?" asked Alice in confusion.
"I suppose not. I understand your feelings, but—would you know her again?" he questioned.
"Oh, yes, anywhere," answered Alice confidently.
"How old is she?"
A mischievous light shone in the girl's eyes. "I will say thirty—that is absolutely fair."
"You think she may be older?"
"I'm sure she isn't younger."
"Is she pretty?"