I could scarcely credit my ears. But I said very quietly, with dignity, "Indeed? I shall not put you to the trouble of wondering twice."
And, as Blanche remained silent—for which she was very culpable, for I looked towards her as I moved—I offered my arm to Elise, who was so much deranged that she could hardly get down the interminable staircase, and took her home in a cab.
As will be readily understood, I had no ambition to assist at her next conversation with Henri, and I did not intend to enter the house. Unluckily, when the cab stopped, he was on the veranda, and he came to the gate.
"Comment? What is it?" he demanded, seeing her agitation.
"She is rather upset," I said. "I won't come in."
"Yes, yes, come in! Tell him what has happened," gasped Elise peremptorily. Whereby she, in her turn, committed a grave fault, for she made me witness matrimonial dissension of which I need otherwise have had no knowledge.
"She has been to see Jacques and Blanche," I said; following them into the salon.
"Ah?" said Henri, with reserve.
"Yes, I have been to see Jacques and Blanche," she panted, "and a nice time I have had there!"
He decided on hauteur. "I am quite at a loss. If one of you will explain?"