“Many thanks, I may be leaving this evening.”
“Well, anyway come to dinner with us to-day. You know how much pleasure it gives us.”
“I dare not promise—It depends—I am not very well—Where are you staying?”
“Grand Hotel.”
“So am I. Well, if I am not too unsociable this evening I will come. But don’t wait.”
I suddenly thought of an excuse to see Madame F. once more. If she would go to the theatre I would stay also, if she would allow me the honour of escorting her. If she would not I would leave at once.
I hurried round to her house. She was out but I left a message with her maid and then went off to pass a day of torturing uncertainty. Hour after hour went by and no answer came, time after time I returned to find the house shut up and to get no answer to my ring.
Could it be that she had told her people not to admit me?
What would become of me! Where should I go! What do! There seemed no refuge for me but the Rhone!
Finally in one last despairing attempt I heard ladies’ voices above me on the stairs and saw her coming down, a note in her hand.