All during the morning Danton was silent. At noon, when the halt was made for the midday lunch, he was still puzzling over the apparent understanding between Mademoiselle 60 and the Captain. Before the journey was taken up, he stood for a moment near Menard, on the river bank.
“Captain,” he said, “you asked me last night to––”
“Well?”
“It may be that I have misunderstood you. Of course, if Mademoiselle––if you––” He caught himself.
Menard smiled; then he read the earnestness beneath the boy’s confusion, and sobered.
“Mademoiselle and I went fishing, Danton. Result,––Mademoiselle eats her first meal. If you can do as much you shall have my thanks. And now remember that you are a lieutenant in the King’s service.”