It seemed to me that he grew paler as he ran over the index. However,
his tone was altogether natural when he said:
"You will let me borrow it, of course?"
And he went out, casting me one defiant glance.
* * * * *
The day passed slowly. I did not see him again until evening. He was
gay, very gay, and his gaiety hurt me.
When we had finished dinner, we went out and leaned on the balustrade
of the terrace. From there out swept the desert, which the darkness
was already encroaching upon from the east.
André broke the silence.
"By the way, I have returned your review to you. You were right, it is
not interesting."
His expression was one of supreme amusement.
"What is it, what is the matter with you, anyway?"
"Nothing," I answered, my throat aching.
"Nothing? Shall I tell you what is the matter with you?"