He led the way with one of the lights, and she followed him with her
eyes half shut.
"It seems to be in tolerably good order," he said, glancing round, and
setting down the candle. "The key is in the inside. Turn it, please,
when I am gone."
The room was scrupulously neat. Malipieri shut the window carefully.
When he turned, he saw that she was sitting on the edge of the bed,
nodding with sleep.
"Good-night," he said, in a low voice that was nevertheless harsh.
"Lock your door."
"Good-night," she answered, with an effort.
He did not look at her again as he went out and shut the door, and he
went quickly through the small room which divided the bedroom from the
study, and in which he kept most of his clothes. He was very wide
awake now, in spite of being tired, and he sat down in his armchair
and smoked for some time. Suddenly he noticed the state of his hands,
and he realized what his appearance must be.
Without making any noise, though he was sure that Sabina was in a deep
sleep by this time, he went back through the first door and quietly
got a supply of clothes, and took them with him to Masin's room, and
washed there, and dressed himself as carefully as if he were going
out. Then he went back to his study and sat down wearily in his
armchair. Worn out at last, he was asleep in a few minutes, asleep as
men are after a battle, whether the fight has ended in victory or
defeat.
Pages:
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269