"Did they know you would meet me to-day?"
"I don't know, and I don't care."
"You came to warn me?"
"Yes."
Firmstone stretched out his hand and took hers.
"I cannot tell you how much I thank you. But don't take this risk again. You must not. I will be on my guard, and I'll look out for Zephyr, too." He laid his other hand on hers.
At the touch, Élise looked up with hotly flaming cheeks, snatching her hand from his clasp. Into his eyes her own darted. Then they softened and drooped. Her hand reached for his.
"I don't care. I can take care of myself. If I can't, it doesn't matter." Her voice said more than words.
"If you are ever in trouble you will let me know?" Firmstone's hand crushed the little fingers in a tightening grasp.
"Zephyr will help me."