No, Miss Perren, she didnt take anything off me. He
looks as if he couldnt make uphis mind. Please, sir, will you write to me at the
post office.
And, if true, what was the directors
responsibility? Ittold her everything; and with a lighter heart she skimmed
along,and took a taxi. Victorine answered mechanically: Yes, sir.
Its the fashion-plates and mannequins that do
it.
For some time after that the gentleman was
silent.
Flushing and biting her lips, she said:Its
frightfully bitter. He had reached Piccadilly, and suddenly he remembered that he
hadnot called on her aunt for ages.
What nonsense people talked when they said youcould
tell character from faces!
But Id rather youdidnt tell my husband Id been to
see you.
Bicket; so unimaginative in bulk, yet with such a
blooming lotof poets! Victorine took off the toque, and shook out her hair. Are you
prepared, if necessary, to repeat this to the Board?
No, Miss Perren, she didnt take anything off
me.
He was jeering, because she didnt or couldntreally
love either of them.
And,suddenly, it came to him that she probably
did.
She was everywhere to befound, and that was
nowhere.
Neither by her wish,nor through her fault, was he
passionate! And theresmouldered in the silent, passive Victorine a fierce
resentment.
But conscious that his fancy was running on,
Soamesrose, and turned his back.