She threw herself at his feet, trying to separate his hands, seeking to take his head upon her shoulder; but Barabant resisted, saying:
"No, Nicole, no; leave me to myself."
"Don't put me away," she begged. "You are suffering; let me share it."
He took her hands from his neck and compelled her to rise. She went to the window, twice turning to look at the dejected figure that remained unaware of her glances.
"I have made a blunder. Yes, I have made a blunder," she said to herself, pressing her hand against her lips to quell the rising sob. "He blames me."
The next morning she received another shock when he informed her that he wished to be alone all day.
"Then we don't lunch together?" she cried, frightened.
"Not to-day."
Not daring to contradict him, she let him go without a word.