“I thank you for your proposal, my friend,” said she. “I am very grateful; and you have done well in speaking—”
She was gazing calmly into his face, holding his big hand in her grasp. Trembling all over, he dared not lift his eyes.
“Yet I must have time to consider,” she resumed. “You will perhaps have to give me a long time.”
“Oh! as long as you like—six months, a year, longer if you please,” exclaimed he with a light heart, well pleased that she had not forthwith sent him about his business.
His excitement brought a faint smile to her face. “But I intend that we shall still continue friends,” said she. “You will come here as usual, and simply give me your promise to remain content till I speak to you about the matter. Is that understood?”
He had withdrawn his hand, and was now feverishly hunting for his hat, signifying his acquiescence by a continuous bobbing of the head. Then, at the moment of leaving, he found his voice once more.
“Listen to me,” said he. “You now know that I am there—don’t you? Well, whatever happens I shall always be there. That’s all the Abbé should have told you. In ten years, if you like; you will only have to make a sign. I shall obey you!”
And it was he who a last time took Hélène’s hand and gripped it as though he would crush it. On the stairs the two brothers turned round with the usual good-bye:
“Till next Tuesday!”
“Yes, Tuesday,” answered Hélène.