"Did they notice us?" thought George.
Anna had already opened her eyes again, gave a forced smile and whispered: "Oh, it is nothing. I often stand the heat so badly."
"Come along!" said Frau Ehrenberg in a motherly tone. "Perhaps you will lie down for a moment."
Anna, who seemed dazed, made no answer and the ladies of the house escorted her into an adjoining room.
George looked round. The guests did not seem to have noticed anything. Coffee was handed round. George took a cup and played nervously with his spoon. "So after all," he thought, "she will not finish up in middle-class life." But at the same time he felt as far away from her psychologically, as though the matter had no personal interest for him.
Frau Oberberger came up to him. "Well, what do you really think about platonic love? You are an expert, you know."
He answered absent-mindedly. She went on talking, as was her way, without bothering whether he was listening or answering. Suddenly Else returned. George inquired how Anna was, with polite sympathy.
"I am certain it is not anything serious," said Else and looked him strangely in the face.
Demeter Stanzides came in and asked her to sing.
"Will you accompany me?" She turned to George.