“Only to make inquiries as to you.”

“And you said?”

“Oh, I said you were progressing charmingly.”

“I hope no one else was there?”

“No, we dined tête-à-tête.”

“Well, I think it is the best thing I can do.”

“What?”

“That idea of yours about the country. I could take rooms for a while somewhere. The only thing is, Célestin cannot be moved till this cold is better. Isn’t it vile luck? It will mean several days before I can get away from this place.”

“Could you not move her in a cab?”

“No, she is not strong, and if she got another cold on top of this one it might kill her.”