OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

THE SAILORS' RENDEZVOUS 26l
" But, as J've told you, Adele ..."
"Goto blazes!"
" You're not going to begin again? "
" I'll do what I like."
It certainly was a day of quarrels! That morning Maigret had
come across a very prickly fellow, the director of La Morue
Franfaise. At Yport there had been the domestic scene in the
Laberges' home. And here on the terrace was an unknown couple
exchanging decidedly sharp words.
" You'd better think it over."
"Go to blazes!"
" You think it's intelligent to answer like that? "
" Go to hell! D'you understand? . .. Waiter, this lemonade is
tepid! Go and get me another! . . ."
Her accent was vulgar and she talked louder than was necessary.
" All the same, you must decide ..." the man went on.
" Go there all by myself? I've already told you! And leave me
alone."
" You know it's pretty mean, what you are doing."
u What about you?"
" Me? You dare . . . My hat! If we weren't here, I don't think
I d be able to restrain myself. ..."
She laughed. Far too loudly.
" Oh, go on, ducky! "
" Please be quiet! "
" And why should I be quiet? "
"Because!"
" I must say that's an intelligent answer. . . ."
" Are you going to be quiet? "
"If I please "
" Ad£le, I warn you that..."
" That what? .. . Are you going to make a scene in front of
everybody? Well, you're getting on. ... People are listening
already...."
" You'd better think it over, and then you'll see.. .."
She jumped up as if she'd had enough. Maigret had his back to
her, but he saw her shadow lengthening on the flagstones of the
terrace.
Then he saw her from behind, as she walked off towards the sea.
With the light behind her she was just a silhouette against a
reddening sky. Maigret only noticed that she was well dressed, and