He bowed again stiffly. His coolness increased and he became almost rigid.
She felt glad that she had understood so well how to keep him at a distance. No one could say she was a beggar after this.
She took leave graciously, for it was not her intention to snub him too mercilessly.
He was quick to take advantage of her warmer tone, and became ardent again.
"Was there anything else that he could do for her?... Did she feel lonely? Did she wish for society?"
She glanced at his right hand, on which there was no wedding-ring, and shook her head, smiling.
He had perfectly understood both glance and smile, and, struggling with a fresh attack of embarrassment, he cleared his throat and said:
"I live alone with my mother, but, unfortunately, I cannot ask you to come and see her, as she is in very poor health, and since my father's death sees nobody. But I might introduce you to a few people of irreproachable position, of course if you cared to know them."
"Thank you very much," Lilly replied patronisingly. "Naturally, I should take for granted that you would only introduce me to nice people. But, in spite of that, I think I would rather not. It will be best, at present, for me to do without society."
With this she made a regal inclination of her head, held out her hand, and departed.