"Yes; late last night," he replied. "I waited at the hotel for him. He said nothing more than 'Good night,' and went at once to his room." "And this morning?" "This morning," said Warrisden, "he has gone. I did not see him. He went away with his luggage before I was up, and he left no message." Pamela stood thoughtful and silent. "It is the best thing he could have done," Warrisden continued; "for he is not safe in France." "Not safe?" "No. Did he not tell you? He deserted from the French Legion. It was the only way in which he could reach Roquebrune by the date you named." Pamela was startled, but she was startled into activity. "Will you wait for me here?" she said. "I will get my hat." She ran into the villa, and coming out again said, "Let us go down to the station." They hurried down the steep flight of steps. At the station Warrisden asked, "Shall I book to Monte Carlo?" "No; to Eze," she replied. She hardly spoke at all during the journey; and Warrisden kept his question in reserve--this was plainly no time to utter it. Pamela walked at once to the hotel. "Is Lady Stretton in?" she asked; and the porter replied-- "No, Madame. She left for England an hour ago." "Alone?" asked Pamela. "No. A gentleman came and took her away." Pamela turned towards Warrisden with a look of great joy upon her face. "They have gone together," she cried. "He has taken his risks. He has not forgotten that lesson learnt on the North Sea. I had a fear this morning that he had." "And you?" said Warrisden, putting his question at last. Pamela moved away from the door until they were out of earshot. Then she said-- "I will take my risks too." Her eyes dwelt quietly upon her companion, and she added, "And I think the risks are very small." CHAPTER XXXV THE LITTLE HOUSE IN DEANERY STREET Pamela construed the departure of Tony and his wife together according to her hopes. They were united again. She was content with that fact, and looked no further, since her own affairs had become of an engrossing interest. But the last word has not been said about the Truants. It was not, indeed, until the greater part of a year had passed that the section of their history which is related in this book reached any point of finality.