wants anything? You needn't
say I sent you."

From Calais to Paris he again travelled apart from the girls. Fatigue
overcame him, and for the last hour or two he slept, with the result
that, on alighting at the Gare du Nord, he experienced a decided
failure of spirits. Happily, there was nothing before him but to carry
out a plan already elaborated. With the aid of his guide-book he had
selected an hotel which seemed suitable for the girls, one where
English was spoken, and thither he drove with them from the station.
The choice of their rooms, and the settlement of details took only a
few minutes; then, for almost the first time since leaving Charing
Cross, he spoke to Eve.

"Patty will do everything she can for you," he said; "I shall be not
very far away, and you can always send me a message if you wish.
To-morrow morning I shall come at about ten to ask how you are--nothing
more than that--unless you care to go anywhere."

The only reply was "Thank you," in a weary tone. And so, having taken
his leave he set forth to discover a considerably less expensive
lodging for himself. In this, after his earlier acquaintance with
Paris, he had no difficulty; by half-past eight his business was done,
and he sat down to dinner at a cheap restaurant. A headache spoilt his
enjoyment of the meal. After a brief ramble about the streets, he went
home and got into a bed which was rather too short for him, but
otherwise promised sufficient comfort.

The first thing that came into his mind when he awoke next morning was
that he no longer possessed a watch; the loss cast a gloom upon him.
But he had slept well, and a flood of sunshine that streamed over his
scantily carpeted floor, together with gladly remembered sounds from
the street, soon put him into an excellent humour. He sprang tip,
partly dressed himself, and unhasped the window. The smell of Paris had
become associated in his mind with thoughts of liberty; a grotesque
dance about the bed-room expressed his joy.

As he anticipated, Patty alone received him when he called upon the
girls. She reported that Eve felt unable to rise.

"What do you think about her?" he asked. "Nothing serious, is it?"

"She can't get rid of her headache."

"Let her rest as long as she likes. Are you comfortable here?"

Patty was in ecstasies with everything, and chattered on breathlessly.
She wished to go out; Eve had no need of her--indeed had told her that
above all she wished to be left