“Look into the glass, Mademoiselle, and see how believable it is,” I broke in.
“That you should have come here on such an errand and——”
“I would go to the end of the world if I might find you there, Mademoiselle,” I boldly said, taking a step nearer to her.
“Monsieur!” she cried, clutching the bell-rope once more. “Pray keep your distance.”
“I am content merely to look at you,” I said, stopping short instantly.
“Monsieur, on your word of honor as a—” She paused.
“As a thief?” I questioned.
“As a gentleman,” she said softly, and I could have kissed her feet for that. “Did you come here for me?”
“Mademoiselle,” I said, “it is a long story. You have honored me by your conversation. You found something gentle in me on the road and in spite of appearances—that are so grievously against me now—you have reposed a certain degree of confidence in me. Will you allow me to tell you briefly who and what I am?”
“I am anxious to learn it.”