“Anyhow, here we’ve got hysterics,” said Willoughby.

“But who told her the fellow was dead?”

“Why, his pals. I thought so myself. When a man’s missing where’s one to suppose him to be—having supper at the Savoy?”

“Well, I give women up,” said Smithers. “I thought she’d be glad.”

“I believe you’re a married man?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Well, I ain’t,” said Willoughby, and in a couple of strides he stood close to Jeanne. He laid a gentle hand on her heaving shoulders.

Pas tué! Soolmong blessé,” he shouted.

She sprang, as it were, to attention, like a frightened recruit.

“He is wounded?”