The door opened, since he had given no answer. There was a moment of suspense while the visitor was hidden in the vestibule. Then the girl of the counter, looking extraordinarily pretty, came toward them. She started imperceptibly upon seeing Marie, but regained her composure.
“Good evening,” she said.
“Good evening,” Paul replied, but did not move.
The girl proceeded to take off her hat in front of the mirror, and to make herself at home, adjusting her brown hair prettily and helping herself to a cigarette from the box on the table. “You look tired,” she said “And the room’s a mess. Is there no one to clean up for you?”
Paul did not answer.
Marie could do nothing but stare. She stared at the girl and then at Paul. Suddenly she ran toward the door and was gone.
“Who was that?” asked the girl.
“That is Hanaré Tierens’ daughter. Why did you come?”
“You told me to come at twelve.”
Paul sat down and put his hands over his face. “You have ruined everything,” he said.