She was following her father down the church steps when her foot slipped on the ice. There was a moment of dizzy panic, then a strong arm caught her almost casually.
Sapphire eyes met azure. Cosette felt a pang, nameless, but familiar.
"Merci," she murmured, but the young man, with a look almost of embarrassment, was already hurrying away.
Years later she could still see that look and the brightness of his eyes, in her mind. Sometimes, at midnight, she wondered what had become of him.