I then moved towards the door, but I stood still again suddenly, as though hypnotised by an overcoat hanging over a chair. Madame Guérard saw what had attracted my attention, and she pulled my sleeve gently.
“My dear Sarah,” she whispered, “do not do that.”
I looked beseechingly at the young Prefect, but he did not understand.
“What can I do now to oblige you, beautiful Madonna?” he asked.
I pointed to the coat and tried to look as charming as possible.
“I am very sorry,” he said, bewildered, “but I do not understand at all.”
I was still pointing to the coat.
“Give it me, will you?” I said.
“My overcoat?”
“Yes.”