It sounded hard and defiant, but there was no triumph in it, no joy that, so far, she was saved--as if by a miracle.

Rather was her tone that of a woman at bay, fighting to the last, but without hope.

"Nor did I ever see it before." I echoed her words.
She glanced at me as if with gratitude.

Yet there was no need for gratitude.

I was not lying for her sake, but speaking the plain truth, as I thought that she must know.
For the first time the Commissary of Police condescended to laugh.