Page:A Virgin Heart.pdf/143

Rh vincial dialects. He jumped on moving platforms and staircases, passed down long ﬁles of stoves and lamps, went down again, traversed an ocean of mockery, went upstairs, found leather goods, whips and carriage lanterns, tumbled into lifts, was caught once more in a labyrinth of endless drapery, and after having wandered for some time among white leather belts, garters and umbrellas, he found himself face to face with Mme la da Mesangerie, who blushed.

"Is it a stroke of luck?" he wondered.

Perhaps it was, for she said to him very quickly:

"I'm alone. My husband has just gone back. I was going to wire to you."

Then in a lower voice:

"Well, here you are! I don't ask how it happened. Shall we proﬁt by the opportunity?"

"It seems to me that I was looking for you without knowing."

"I have two days," she said, "at least two days."

They left the shop, making their plans, which were very simple.