The evening was memorable to Paul for many reasons. There was not a great deal of the talk to carry away with one; but if it had not the solid brilliance of the diamond, it had the cheaper glitter of the sharded glass epigram which sparkles and cuts—an admirable substitute on most occasions, though it has the disadvantage of leaving dangerous fragments for people to tread upon. The conversation was carried on exclusively in French, and, though Paul’s ears were quick enough to keep abreast of it, his tongue was not, and he was a silent listener for the most part Ralston, having pathetically bidden farewell to ease and English, seemed as much at home as any person at table; but he told Paul, as they walked home together, that he hated to speak a foreign language.
‘Give me the old familiar tool that one has handled since babyhood. See how it adjusts itself to the hand! how one can carve with it! with how much comfort and dexterity! English, besides that, is the only language in the world. The things that are not to be said in English are not worth thinking—if they are speakable at all; and some things are not. Look up yonder!’ They were in the Place Vendôme. His upward gesture sent Paul’s eyes to the sky, which was sown thick with stars. ‘Do you care for a talk across a whisky-and-soda and a cigar?’ asked Ralston. ‘I am here in the Rue Castiglione. Come to my room. I have the right nectar. I bring it with me when I come to Paris, and let them charge for corkage.’
When the guests had scattered, Paul had looked for one more private word with Gertrude; but she had left him no excuse to linger. She had said her ‘Good-bye, Paul,’ with an almost icy sweetness. He wanted to get away into solitude to think about her, and was half inclined to excuse himself from Ralston.
‘Dear little, queer little body, our hostess, eh? Have you known her long?’
‘Not very long,’ Paul answered ‘But she and you seemed to have quite ancient memories.’
If Ralston would talk about Gertrude, he would be glad to sit with him till morning light.
‘Oh, I?’ said Ralston—‘I have known her from her childhood. If she makes any secret of her affairs, I mustn’t babble, though. Do you know the Baron?’
‘Not personally.’
‘Ah, well—— This way in. I am no higher than the first-floor, and we needn’t trouble the man at the lift. Here’s the room. And now that I’m on my own territory, let me say how glad I am to have lighted upon you again. I’ve often wondered what you were making of yourself. “Paul Armstrong” is individual enough, and when I saw the name on the play-bill, I recalled it, and wondered if it meant you. Whisky, soda, cigars. Now we are provided for.’
Paul made himself look as disengaged and easy as possible.