Then, ceding to a sudden impulse, he eluded his friend’s restraining grasp, dashed to the door.
“Hélène!”
He found himself confronted by the smiling figure of Doctor Breidenbach.
“Pardon the unintended intrusion, messieurs!” he said, good-humouredly apologetic and taking no notice of Vincent’s excited appearance. “My ward, Fräulein Rosenhagen, was unaware that I had guests.—I merely wished to reassure myself that you require nothing before I go into the town. Is there anything you desire of me?”
“Nothing, thank you,” interposed Chassaigne, quickly, before Vincent could speak.
“A tantôt, then!” He nodded amicably and went out.
“We ought to have questioned him!” cried Vincent, resentful of the missed opportunity.
“We ought to do nothing of the kind, my dear Vincent,” replied Chassaigne. “Calm yourself. Be sensible. What question could we possibly ask that would not be ridiculous? You may be utterly wrong.”
“It is she! I swear it!” asserted the young man, vehemently. “Do you think I cannot recognize a woman I have known all my life?”