OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

THE LODGER *9
His lips were blue. Now and again his shoulders shook convulsively,
and to make things worse, he was continually rubbing
against Sylvie's sodden fur coat.
" Now I'II tell you what to do," she said in a low tone. " You
must take the train to Charleroi. ..."
He shook his head emphatically.
" I won't take a train."
" Well, a car if you prefer. When you get to Charleroi go to
Number Fifty-three, Rue du Laveu; it's a house where they let
furnished rooms. I happen to know that there's one vacant."
He looked at her wonderingly, but put no question.
" My people live there," Sylvie explained. " You can tell Mother
that it's I who sent you. You'd better say you've got into trouble
in your country—over politics, or something like that—and want
to lie low for a bit. Pay three months in advance. That way Mother'U
keep her mouth shut if the police come snooping round."
They were back in Brussels, and the driver kept looking round,
waiting to be told where to go.
" To the Merry land cabaret," Sylvie said.
" But—but I can't go in like this."
" Of course not. You mustn't come with me. But I've got to go
there. I've an appointment."
He made no protest. Docile as a child, he let her decide for him.
However, he ventured to ask:
" Will you be staying in Brussels? "
" Yes, but I'll come to see you." She puckered her brows, diinking
hard. " Listen! Perhaps you'd better not tell Mother I sent you.
Pretend not to know me. Once you've given her the money you
won't have any bother."
" But how shall I get news of you? "
" I'll write now and then to Antoinette. She's my sister. She'll
talk about my letters at meals, and as you'll all eat at the same
table ..."
The taxi had stopped. The Merryland commissionaire opened
the door and held a big umbrella over Sylvie as she stepped ouL
Sitting well back in the far corner, Elie was almost invisible.
" Au revoir," said Sylvie.
She didn't kiss him. Bending forward, but with her head outside
the door, she groped with her hand for his, and shook it hastily.
For want of any better address to give, Elie told the driver to
take him to the station.