“Yes: it—it makes everything easier for you, doesn’t it?”
“For you too, I hope.” He paused, and then went on: “I want also to tell you that I perfectly understand—”
“Oh,” she interrupted, “so do I; your point of view, I mean.”
They were again silent.
“Nick, why can’t we be friends real friends? Won’t it be easier?” she broke out at last with twitching lips.
“Easier—?”
“I mean, about talking things over—arrangements. There are arrangements to be made, I suppose?”
“I suppose so.” He hesitated. “I’m doing what I’m told—simply following out instructions. The business is easy enough, apparently. I’m taking the necessary steps—”
She reddened a little, and drew a gasping breath. “The necessary steps: what are they? Everything the lawyers tell one is so confusing.... I don’t yet understand—how it’s done.”
“My share, you mean? Oh, it’s very simple.” He paused, and added in a tone of laboured ease: “I’m going down to Fontainebleau to-morrow—”