Then, as she gazed at the man’s handsome features, for the first time a vague sense of uneasiness invaded her.
Of a gradually growing comradeship between these 248 two she had been tranquilly aware. And yet, now, it surprised her to realise that their comradeship had drifted into intimacy.
Lying back in her armchair, her thoughts hovered about these two; and she went back in her mind to recollect something of the beginning of this intimacy;––and remembered various little incidents which, at the time, seemed of no portent.
And, reflecting, she recollected now what Ilse had said to her after the last party she had given––and which Palla had not understood.
What had Ilse meant by asking her to “wait”? Wait for what?... Where was Ilse, now? Why did she remain out so late with John Estridge? It was after one o’clock.
Of course they must be dancing somewhere or other. There were plenty of dances to go to.
Palla stirred restlessly in her chair. Evidently Ilse had not told her maid that she meant to be out late, for the girl seemed to have expected her an hour ago.
Palla’s increasing restlessness finally drove her to the windows, where she pulled aside the shades and stood looking out into the silent night.
The night was cold and clear and very still. Rarely a footfarer passed; seldom a car. And the stillness of the dark city increased her nervousness.
New York has rare phases of uncanny silence, when, for a space, no sound disturbs the weird stillness.