Jump to content

Page:Madame Claire (IA madameclaire00ertz 1).pdf/97

From Wikisource
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

"Eric! Is it really you? My God! After all these years! Oh, Eric!"

"Nearly twenty, isn't it? And thirty or more since we broke the Dresden group there. Go and put your hat on. What a pretty dress!"

"You like it?" She turned about with something of her old grace and coquetry. "You were always quick to notice nice things. But how did you know where to find me, and why did you come? This seems like a dream to me. And you're still so good-looking!"

"Thank you, my dear. No one has ever told me that. It is charming of you. I came to see you. Mother guessed you would be here. And now go and put on your hat, for I'm very hungry."

"In a moment. I want to look at you. . . . I'd almost forgotten I had a brother. But how did you know I was in Paris at all? That meddlesome old Stephen de Lisle, I suppose, bless him!" Then her beautiful voice deepened. "Eric, I've got very old, haven't I? Tell me the truth."

Eric told it in his own way.

"I'm afraid I never think about age," he said, "so it's no good asking me. I think you look worried. Come, we'll dine early. There's a