“When I am able to render a trifling service, madame, my thoughts do not go beyond it, and I do not try to guess by what circumstances the occasion was brought about. I am simply doing my duty, and you owe me no gratitude.”
“Oh, dear! I believe it is beginning to rain again!” cried Agathe; “for my part, monsieur may think what he pleases, but I am very glad that we met him, and I accept his arm with pleasure.”
And the girl took Monsieur Paul’s arm without more ado. He looked at Honorine, who, after a moment’s indecision, decided at last to take his other arm, and they started off at a rapid pace, escorted by the faithful Ami.
But Honorine’s arm trembled so in her cavalier’s that he finally said:
“How you tremble, madame! is it with cold, or with fear of the storm? It is passing over, and you will reach home safely.”
“Yes, monsieur, it’s the thunder; it has upset me completely.”
“Pray lean on me, madame; one would think that you were afraid of tiring me, and I can hardly feel you.”
“Thanks, monsieur, thanks; I am leaning on you as much as I need.”
“We were altogether lost when we saw you, thanks to your dog,” said Agathe; “that is a very lonely spot where you were, monsieur!”
“Yes, mademoiselle; yet it is quite near my house.”