There was another instant's silence as they walked.
"Ah, I think I understand," she said. And they walked into the blaze of the city. She paused for a moment.
"Will you pardon me for asking things like that? I don't usually.... But in the dusk I seem to be another person...."
"No. In the light we are other persons."
"Ah," she smiled understandingly. "You are going to your ship now?"
There was a finality in her voice. It was more an affirmation than a question.
"Madame," Shane said, "will you please let me see you to your door?"
She looked at him for an intense second, and a little cloud of—was it fear?—flitted across her face.
"Madame, there are thieves and villains of all kinds abroad. You have had one experience. Please let me protect you from a possible second."
"If you wish." She smiled. He called a carriage.