"I am, above all, surprised to hear that you are alone. It is difficult to realise how that can be."
"It is true, I assure you. Only to-day I had the strongest need of a man's arm to render me a service, and I could think of no one to ask."
"There are a couple of arms here," announced Pariset, displaying them in an heroic gesture.
"And doughty deeds they have just accomplished for me!" she laughed.
"No, but seriously——" he urged.
"Oh, seriously, the service that I speak of is far too big for even the best of new friends."
"You are wrong. Without having heard it, I venture to pronounce it just the right size."
"How sincere you are! And how I appreciate your earnestness!" she exclaimed. "But it is out of the question."
"I have not yet proved myself worthy of your confidence," he regretted sentimentally. "I understand."
"If you imagine it is that"—deep reproach was in her gaze—"I must explain. Have you heard of a journalist called 'Valentin Vance'?"