CHAPTER XXII. MISTRESS NANCY TELLS ME MANY THINGS.
"I can think of nothing to say to you till I have thanked you again and again for a service which I thought no woman could render."
"It is of that which I do not wish to speak."
"But I must. I did not believe a woman could possess such rare courage and foresight. I did not believe a woman could plan so well, execute so bravely. Especially do I wonder when I realize my own unworthiness. I thank you from the depths of my soul."
Mistress Nancy had visited my compartment as she had promised, and at my request she sat on a low seat by the fire, while I stood leaning on the back of the huge chair which I have mentioned. She wore the same garments as when we had travelled together for the first time. Her face was pale, but very beautiful; her dark eyes shone with a look of resolution; her dark curling locks glistened in the lamp-light.
"I did not mean you to know who your deliverer was. But it does not matter." She spoke indifferently, I thought.
"It does matter!" I cried vehemently. "I should be base indeed if I do not remember such service with gratitude until my dying day."
"I did what no woman could help doing." This she said slowly.
"I do not understand."