We shall not take long.

This gentleman has come to offer an apology." This was a cruel beginning.
She thought so, too, perhaps, and withdrew discreetly into a dim corner, near the bookcase at the end of the room.
"I have felt deep regret, sir, for that accident the other day--I set down the penholder clumsily, in equilibrium--unstable equilibrium--besides, I had no notion there was a reader behind the desk.

Of course, if I had been aware, I should--I should have acted differently." M.Charnot allowed me to flounder on with the contemplative satisfaction of an angler who has got a fish at the end of his line.

He seemed to find me so very stupid, that as a matter of fact I became stupid.

And then, there was no answer--not a word.