human
Oh, M. Matthieu! exclaimed the girl in apparent surprise. Then going close to him she said in a low tone that quivered with emotion:
gpt
I came after you, I must speak to you, I--I know who you are.
human
You are M. Coquenil,
gpt
You saw it?
human
I _knew_ it.
gpt
Ah! with relief.
human
Does _he_ know?
gpt
I'm afraid so, she murmured, and then added these singular words:
human
Are you afraid of him?
gpt
Ye-es.
human
Is he planning something?
gpt
I _must_ tell you, I have no one else to tell, and I am so distressed, so--so afraid.
human
I'll protect you, that's what I'm here for, he assured her,
gpt
He's planning to take me away, away from Paris, I'm sure he is. I overheard him just now telling Mother Bonneton to pack my trunk. He says he will spend three or four days in Paris, but that may not be true, he may go at once to-night. You can't believe him or trust him, and, if he takes me away, I--I may never come back.
human
He won't take you away, said M. Paul reassuring,
gpt
Oh, yes.
human
You'll do exactly what I tell you, _exactly_, without asking how or why?
gpt
I will,
human
You're a plucky little girl, he said as he met her unflinching look.
gpt
Let me think a moment, and he turned back and forth in the hall, brows contracted, hands deep in his pockets.
human
I have it! he exclaimed presently, his face brightening.
gpt
Now listen,
human
Are you sure you understand?
gpt
Yes, I understand and I will do what you tell me, she answered firmly,
human
Well?
gpt
It will bring trouble on you. If anyone stands in his way--
human
Don't worry about me.
gpt
You don't know, you can't understand what a --she stopped as if searching for a word--
human
I understand--a little, answered Coquenil gravely;
gpt
Yes, of course, agreed Alice,
human
I will obey orders; you can depend on me and --she held out her slim hand in a grateful movement--