"Well, but what about yourself? Why were you there?"
"It's another matter with me."
"A liking for sentimentality?"
"It's your turn to tease. . . . Poor Solange! . . . No, don't let's talk about her. I know everything that can be said. But Solange is taboo."
She did not question him, but she looked at him.
"I'll tell you some other time. . . . Yes, I owe her a great deal."
They had come to a stop. They were about to separate. Annette smiled. "You are not as bad as you seem."
"And perhaps you're not as good!"
"That makes an average."
He looked her directly in the eyes. "Will you?"