"What do you mean, you have to go out? Now?"
"Why yes, just think of it. That poor Gabrielle is very ill. She is alone—I have promised to come to see her! Oh! but I won't stay very long.... About an hour...."
Juliette spoke very naturally. But I don't know why, it seemed to me that she was lying, that she was not going to Gabrielle at all. And suspicion, vague, terrifying suspicion pierced my heart. I said to her:
"Can't you wait till tomorrow?"
"Oh, that's impossible! Don't you understand, I have promised."
"Please, do me a favor! Go tomorrow...."
"That's impossible! Poor Gabrielle!"
"All right!... I'll go with you.... I'll wait for you at the door!..."
Cunningly I studied her.... Her face was motionless.... No, really her muscles did not betray the least surprise. She answered gently:
"There is no sense in that!... You are tired.... Go to bed!..."