“What has become of the new little accompagnateur? Has he too fallen in love with you like the last?” she said.
Jean moved hastily. There was a sudden pause between the two ladies. Madame Torialli realized that Jean had overheard the conversation; she did not change a muscle of her face.
“But he is writing letters for me in the next room,” she said. “You must ask him yourself, my dear; Monsieur Jean?” she added.
Jean came into the room; he could not hide his feelings as well as Madame Torialli. His eyes were full of pain and bewilderment.
“I think you have already met Madame Salvi?” said Gabrielle quietly.
Jean bowed very low.
Madame Salvi chuckled till she shook again like a vast crumpled jelly fish.
“You came in first, or I was going to be very indiscreet,” she said. “If you had been a wise young man you would have waited and profited by the indiscretion.”
“Madame is too kind,” murmured Jean. He wanted immensely to get away. Madame Torialli held him for a moment with her eyes.
“Madame,” asked Jean, “am I still to post these letters?”