XXV[ToC]
"It was nearly ten o'clock and our train was rapidly approaching Paris. We passed village after village wrapped in mist, station after station hung with twinkling red and blue and yellow lanterns, then sped on again with the echo of the switch-bells ringing in our ears.
"When at length the train slowed up and stopped, I opened the window and looked out upon a long, wet platform, shining under the electric lights.
"A guard came running by, throwing open the doors of each compartment, and crying, 'Paris next! Tickets, if you please.'
"I handed him my book of coupons, from which he tore several and handed it back. Then he lifted his lantern and peered into the compartment, saying, 'Is monsieur alone?'
"I turned to Wilhelmina.
"'He wants your ticket—give it to me.'
"'What's that?' demanded the guard.