He returned to the hotel soon after seven o’clock and went immediately to the top floor.
Madge was off duty, and she came to his room.
“No alarms?” he asked, as he unpacked his over-night case.
“No,” Madge said, “but I’m worried about her, Paul. She’s very unhappy, and I think she’s getting frightened.”
He paused in putting away his handbag and looked at her sharply.
“Frightened?”
She nodded.
“Yes. She doesn’t say anything, but since you’ve been away she seems depressed and nervy. If anyone knocks on the door, she nearly jumps out of her skin. She’s been brooding too, and she doesn’t seem to settle to anything. I’ve noticed it before, but I think it’s getting worse.”
Conrad lit a cigarette.
“It’s pretty extraordinary she’s been as calm as she has been. Time’s running out. She has a horrible experience before her.”