"I'm afraid you've over-exerted yourself on my account," he said in a solicitous way.
"I don't usually get knocked out so quickly," she replied. "But I had a nasty accident some weeks ago, and I've not quite recovered yet."
The answer was in French, as fluent and Parisian as his own.
"You must let me help you back to the hotel," he said.
"Oh no, it's not necessary. I shall be all right in a moment."
"What you need, my boy, is a dose of brandy," he remarked. "That would soon put you right."
Pansy put her hand to her mouth to hide her smiles. Her short hair, pyjamas, and the shadows had deceived him completely.
"It wouldn't be a bad idea," she replied; "but I don't happen to have any."
"Ring for some, then, when you get back to the hotel."
"I wouldn't dream of disturbing people at this hour of the night," she said in an indignant tone of voice.