“Nothing? nothing?” he muttered under his breath. And he stared at his empty hand as if he could not believe his eyes.
By a violent effort he forced an apologetic smile on his face, and said to Sonia: “A thousand apologies, mademoiselle.”
He handed the cloak to her. Sonia took it and turned to go. She took a step towards the door, and tottered.
The Duke sprang forward and caught her as she was falling.
“Do you feel faint?” he said in an anxious voice.
“Thank you, you just saved me in time,” muttered Sonia.
“I’m really very sorry,” said Guerchard.
“Thank you, it was nothing. I’m all right now,” said Sonia, releasing herself from the Duke’s supporting arm.
She drew herself up, and walked quietly out of the room.
Guerchard went back to M. Formery at the writing-table.