To
her, henceforth, he was a thief, a man who puts his hand in
another's pocket, who steals into houses and robs people while they
sleep.
A watch fell upon the floor; then another. These were followed by
other articles which slipped from his grasp one by one. Then,
actuated by a sudden decision, he dropped the other articles into
an armchair, emptied his pockets and unpacked his sack. He felt
very uncomfortable in Nelly's presence, and stepped toward her with
the intention of speaking to her, but she shuddered, rose quickly
and fled toward the salon. The portiere closed behind her. He
followed her. She was standing trembling and amazed at the sight
of the devastated room. He said to her, at once:
"To-morrow, at three o'clock, everything will be returned. The
furniture will be brought back."
She made no reply, so he repeated:
"I promise it. To-morrow, at three o'clock. Nothing in the world
could induce me to break that promise....To-morrow, at three
o'clock."
Then followed a long silence that he dared not break, whilst the
agitation of the young girl caused him a feeling of genuine regret.
Quietly, without a word, he turned away, thinking: "I hope she will
go away.
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