No one know who ze man is, but Vonique know.

To prove eet he send ze ring--ze signet ring--off ze finger.

Zen he write, 'Look out, someone has ze papers.

Watch who comes.' Zat vas true, M'sieur." I hung on his words, fascinated, never doubting, the very thought of her freedom obscuring all else.

It was only as he stopped speaking, and resumed his meal, that I gained control of my voice.