He thought: "It is easier than I should have imagined. It is all going on very well."
And their lips separating, he smiled without saying a word, while striving to throw a world of love into his looks. She, too, smiled, with that smile by which women show their desire, their consent, their wish to yield themselves, and murmured: "We are alone. I have sent Laurine to lunch with one of her young friends."
He sighed as he kissed her. "Thanks, I will worship you."
Then she took his arm, as if he had been her husband, to go to the sofa, on which they sat down side by side. He wanted to start a clever and attractive chat, but not being able to do so to his liking, stammered: "Then you are not too angry with me?"
She put her hand on his mouth, saying "Be quiet."
They sat in silence, looking into one another's eyes, with burning fingers interlaced.
"How I did long for you!" said he.
She repeated: "Be quiet."
They heard the servant arranging the table in the adjoining dining-room, and he rose, saying: "I must not remain so close to you. I shall lose my head."
The door opened, and the servant announced that lunch was ready. Duroy gravely offered his arm.