A bitter sob was heard from the girl, who sat with her hands covering her face.
Sanselme pitied the poor child. He took a twenty franc piece from his pocket.
"I want a doctor," he said, "and pray make haste."
"Very good, sir, since I see you are willing to pay him, and that it won't be left for me to do."
Sanselme was left alone with these two women. He was greatly annoyed that accident had brought him to such a house, and was half tempted to fly. He had done his duty and had defended the two women from their assailants. What more had he to do here?
The merest trifle would compromise his position, for Lyons, though a large city, is but a village; every trifle becomes known, and is commented upon and exaggerated.
He stood twisting his hat in his hands. Presently, with an air of decision, he tossed it on a chair.
"It won't do to be cowardly!" he said, half aloud.
This man, who had been so vicious, was now eager to do good. He must see the physician. But could he do nothing while awaiting his arrival? Whatever were the errors of this poor creature, she was a woman, and suffering. He did not know what she required. He turned to the girl.