“The particular French cad evidently wanted to pick a quarrel with me, and for a moment I was debating with myself whether I might not have been an ass. A fool’s money goes the way of his scanty wit. The girl might appear pretty, innocent, attractive—and yet—I swallowed my coffee, and returned to my compartment, which I had to myself. The door was open. Presently I saw the young woman of the breakfast-table walking up and down the aisle. I was determined I should not notice her. Suddenly I heard her voice at the door.
“‘Sir, what can you think of me? But I couldn’t help it, really,—I have lost my purse. Here is yours; I will return the six francs at Constantinople.’
“I saw a tear; and I was sure my knowledge of femininity——”
“Conceited,” said Mrs. Denby.
“Could not be at fault,” Denby continued. “I bowed.
“‘I’m glad to be able to make the loan—’ I began.
“‘It’s good of you,’ said she.
“‘But if you have lost all your money, I don’t see—’
“‘What?’
“‘How can you avoid borrowing more?’