"Then we need not expect another—in the flat just yet?"
At last it was out!
I appeared not to understand, and smoked on calmly, and before I could answer the telephone rang. She handed me the instrument, and I said "Hello." It was Coralie! She spoke very distinctly, and Alathea, who was near, must have been able to hear most of the words in the silence.
"Nicholas, I am going to be by myself this evening, you will have a dinner for me? Just us alone, hein?"
I permitted my face to express pleasure and amusement. My wife watched me agitatedly.
"Non, chère Amie—Alas! To-night I am engaged. But I shall see you soon."
"Est il vrai—ce mensonge-la?"
Coralie said this loud!
I put up my hand so as to be able to continue observing Alathea's face. It was the picture of disgust and resentment.
"Yes, it is perfectly true, Coralie—Bon soir."