OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

THE iODGBR 113
" I acted as anyone in my place would have acted—that's all I
have to say. By the way, I can assure you that my parents haven't
the faintest notion who he is,"
That closed the proceedings* The three men exchanged glances
once more, but could think of nothing more to ask. The only
question was—should she or should she not be taken into custody?
The French police officer shrugged his shoulders to show it was a
matter of indifference to him.
" All right, you can go now. But hold yourself in readiness to
appear whenever we require you."
" Any objection to my going to Charleroi? "
The three men conferred.
" No, you may go there if you want to."
It was eleven at night when Sylvie left Police Headquarters. She
felt certain they were at this moment telephoning to the Charleroi
police, telling them to keep watch on the house—if indeed they
weren't doing that already. She drove to the Merry land and had a
whispered conversation with Jacqueline. After that she danced,
stayed up well into the small hours drinking champagne with a
ship-owner from Antwerp, and day was breaking when she changed
her dress.
Now Elie was eyeing her with hatred and disgust. He saw her in
profile, sunlight still playing on her hair, a fainter sheen on the
tightly drawn silk stockings—stockings he had given her!
" Get dressed! " she repeated wearily.
Then she walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
In the kitchen her mother gave her a questioning look; then asked:
"Well? What did he say?"
Antoinette's eyes were fever-bright, her lips tight-set, and she
gazed intendy at her sister. But all that Sylvie, who was warming
her hands at the fire, found to reply was:
" What did you expect him to say? "
Valesco entered and, without being asked, helped himself to
rum. Again Madame Baron was reminded of those chaotic days of
1914, when all the conventions of ordinary life went by the board.
" The cop's still hanging about outside," the Rumanian informed
them. " But his nose isn't quite so red, as he's in the sun now."
He glanced at the clock, which pointed to half-past ten. Suddenly
Madame Baron stopped peeling her potatoes and said to Antoinette:
" I'm so afraid your pa may wake up. Go and see if he's still
asleep."