He expressed the greatest surprise at meeting me, yet I did not inform him of the journey I had undertaken, but led him to believe that my life at Genoa had become unbearable after he had left, and that on the following day I contemplated returning to Paris for a few weeks.
We dined together and afterwards went to the Alhambra, but only once did he refer to Vera.
It was after the ballet, when we were taking cigarettes and coffee.
“By the way,” he said suddenly, a mischievous smile lighting up his genial face, “what progress did you make with la belle Seroff? You have not spoken of her.”
I did not care to be questioned upon this matter, so appeared to treat it as a joke.
“Ah?” I replied, “it was a mere flirtation. Why, really, Bob, old chap, I believe you regarded that little affair seriously,” I said, laughing.
He raised his eyebrows slightly, saying, “You guessed aright. I thought you were in love with her; but am glad to hear such is not the case.”
“Why?” I asked, in surprise, for had he not hinted more than once that she would make me a charming wife?
“No reason, no reason,” he replied evasively; “simply because I’ve altered the opinion I once held regarding her.”
I requested no further explanation, for the bell was ringing, denoting that the curtain had risen, and we returned to our stalls.