“Who is there?” she said instantly.
“Don’t be afraid, madame; I am distressed to have taken you so by surprise.”
Adeline recovered herself, for she recognized Dufresne’s voice, and asked: “What are you seeking here?”
“The noise and heat of the salon made me feel uncomfortable; I was very glad to be able to come away and rest for a moment.”
Adeline went into the next room for a lamp, and brought it into the room where Dufresne had remained; he followed her every movement with his eyes, and seemed intensely agitated.
“If you are not feeling well, I will go and bring you something.”
“Oh, no! stay, madame, I beg you; your presence is a hundred times more beneficial to me.”
Dufresne had taken Adeline’s hand; she, amazed by the extraordinary tone and by the fire with which he addressed her, did not know what reply to make, but stood before him sorely embarrassed. Dufresne squeezed violently the hand that he held in his. Adeline withdrew it at once in dismay, and started to leave the room, but he stood in front of her and stopped her.
“What do you want of me?” she said to him, her voice trembling with a feeling of terror she could not explain.
“That you should listen to me, madame, that you should deign to listen to me.”