Cléry began to pity her plight, for there was something chivalrous in him which rose at the sight of her obvious unhappiness, and he gave the impulse rein.
"Will you not tell me how I can serve you?" he said in his gentlest voice. "It will be both a pleasure and an honour."
Aline raised her tired eyes to his, and read kindness in the open glance.
"You are very good," she said slowly, and looked past him with a hesitating air.
Rosalie was busy serving at the moment, and a shrill argument over the price of cabbage was in process. She stepped closer, and spoke very low.
"Citizen Dangeau said I might trust you, Citizen."
"Indeed you may; I am his friend and yours."
Even then the colour rose a little at this linking of their names. The impulse towards confidence increased.
"I am in trouble, Citizen, or I should not have asked your help. There is a man who follows, insults me, threatens even, and I am without a protector."
"Not if you will confide that honour to me," said Cléry quickly.