"He had better have helped her to keep out of it," Barrington returned, "and yet, she may have come with some high purpose and he has served her cleverly. Is it dangerous to drink to his good health, monsieur? for I like a man who is a man even though he be my enemy."
"There is no danger, I think," and the man drank. "She has another friend, too, one Lucien Bruslart."
"I have heard of him," said Barrington, quickly, "but surely he is of the people. I think I have heard him praised as an honest patriot."
"He is, yet he was an aristocrat."
"You speak as though you had little faith in him."
"No, no, you judge too hastily. I am of the people, yet, as you may have gathered, not wholly with the people. I take it that such is monsieur's position, too. Personally, I have not much faith in an aristocrat turned patriot, that is all."
"Nor I, monsieur; still, I know nothing of this Monsieur Bruslart, so can venture no opinion."
"You are a stranger in Paris?"
"Yes."
"Pardon, monsieur, I am not inquisitive. I only wish to prove myself friendly. Paris is somewhat dangerous for strangers."