"But you ought to notice, child. Good Heavens! how pale you are! Do you feel sick?"
"No, only a little weak, madame. It is nothing. I shall soon be all right again."
"Lean on me. You are just recovering from a fit of illness, I judge."
"Yes, madame," replied Mariette, passing her hand across her forehead. "Will you tell me where I am, please?"
"Between the Pont Neuf and the Pont au Change, my dear. You are a stranger in Paris, perhaps."
"No, madame, but I had an attack of dizziness just now. It is passing off, and I see where I am now."
"Wouldn't you like me to accompany you to your home, child?" asked the stout woman, kindly. "You are trembling like a leaf. Here, take my arm."
"I thank you, madame, but it is not necessary. I live only a short distance from here."
"Just as you say, child, but I'll do it with pleasure if you wish. No? Very well, good luck to you, then."
And the obliging woman continued on her way.