"Monsieur Jesselin, an idiot!... He ... such a gentleman, so serious minded, and who has been to India!... Don't you know that he is a member of the Geographical Society?"
"What about Gabrielle Bernier?... Is she also a member of the Geographical Society?"
As a rule Juliette never lost her temper. When she was angry her look became severe, the wrinkle on her forehead deepened, her voice lost a little of its sweet sonorousness. She answered simply:
"Gabrielle is my friend."
"That's just what I object to."
There was a moment of silence. Juliette, seated in an armchair, was fingering the lace of her morning gown, thinking. An ironic smile wandered on her lips.
"Do you mean to say that I must not see anyone?... Is that what you want?... Well that's going to be very amusing.... We shall never go out any more ... we shall live like beasts!..."
"That's not the question at all, my dear.... I have some friends.... I'll ask them to come...."
"Oh yes, I know your friends.... I can see them right before me, writers, painters ... people whom one doesn't understand when they talk ... and who borrow money from us.... Thank you very much!..."
I felt offended and quickly replied: