“Thank him for me,” she said to Zaidee; and then, as people were beginning to gather near us, and whisper her identity, and the officer was growing impatient, and muttering that she had talked quite long enough with those Americans, she said to him: “I am ready, but don’t escort me as a prisoner. I shall go quietly. I know there is no escape.”
She looked at us, with the most pitiful smile I ever saw on a human face; then walked away, with a firm step, by the officer’s side, while Chance, who had sniffed mischief in the atmosphere, set up a most unearthly howl, which went echoing across the river and was heard above the noise of a band not far away. It was Chance’s farewell, and Zaidee put her hand over his mouth, to keep it from being repeated.
“How did Paul know just where to find us?” I said to Zaidee.
She shrugged her shoulders, and replied:
“Somebody knew he was coming with you; not Monsieur Seguin; he had nothing to do with it. But his mother—eh! eh!” and she grated her little, sharp teeth. “They knew she was to be with the three Americans—madame, a young lady and a boy—and the young lady would probably wear a scarlet cloak and hood.”
“Oh, auntie, it was my cloak which betrayed her, and I’ll never wear it again!” Katy exclaimed; and, laying her head in my lap, she sobbed bitterly.
Jack was growing cold, and standing first on one foot, then on the other, while Zaidee’s teeth were chattering, and she had taken off her apron and tied it around her head and ears. Chance was getting almost beyond control, with his low yelps of disapprobation. Many curious eyes were upon us, and I felt that we must leave.
“I will go with you to the hotel, and help lead her,” Zaidee said; and it was her strong arm which kept Katy up and moving until we reached the hotel, where she went into violent hysterics for half an hour, during which I found Zaidee of great service.
It was late before Zaidee left us, saying: “Old madame will look at the clock, and blow; but I’m used to it, and I’m not afraid. She can’t do without me. I’ll tell you if I hear things about him. Good-by!”