He offered her his arm, and led her down, apologising for the darkness, and explaining that the proprietor's avarice was to blame for it.

Jeanne entered Signora Albacina's carriage, which was to take her to the Grand Hotel.

On the way Signora Albacina spoke with regret of what Guarnacci had just told her.

Jeanne did not open her lips.

Her silence troubled her friend.
"Were you not pleased with the discourse ?" she said.