OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

50 MAINLY MAIGRET
" I must apologize for entering so abruptly. I'd no idea that I
should find myself in the presence of a charming lady! " He was a
very susceptible young man, and addicted to high-flown phrases.
Turning to Elie, he added: " May I hope you're feeling better after
a good night's rest? "
Without seeming to notice the far from cordial expression on
their faces, he held his white, well-kept hands towards the fire, then
rubbed them together.
" If I'm not mistaken, this is the second time I've had the pleasure
of seeing you, Mademoiselle, and as I said yesterday to your
mother..."
" That reminds me, I've something to tell her," Sylvie interrupted,
and hurried out of the kitchen.
" What on earth's come over her? " Domb looked quite startled.
" Did I say something I shouldn't have? "
Elie gazed at him vaguely, as if he had not heard, and watched
the smoke of his cigarette curling up through the hot, stagnant air.
Madame Baron was raising her voice in the hall.
" All right, my fine lady, go if you want to, as your home ain't
grand enough for you. Sorry we can't offer you chicken and
champagne for lunch...."
Sylvie's high heels clicked on the tiled floor. She came back to
the kitchen for her bag and snatched it off the table.
" Off already? What a pity! " Domb got into position to kiss her
hand again.
She took no notice of him, and after a venomous glance at Elie
marched out of the kitchen. A moment later the street door banged.
" What a charming, charming girl! " the Pole exclaimed enthusiastically.
" I wonder if you realize how ..."
But, without waiting for him to finish, Elie too went out of the
room. Antoinette was kneeling in front of the little old-fashioned
stove, waiting for the wood to catch before putting on the coal.
The window overlooked the street. The pavements were almost
dry but the roadway was still deep in grimy slush, coated here and
there with ice.
Sylvie wasn't to be seen at the tram-stop outside the grocery,
and Elie pictured her stalking ragefully towards the centre of the
town. On his left he heard a sound of shrill voices, running feet,
and a band of school-children came scampering by. It was halfpast
eleven and they had just left the schoolhouse at the end of the
street.