Arrived at the hotel, they retired at once to their rooms
and to rest, scarcely touching the supper which Pilar had ordered
rather for Wilhelm than herself. She lay awake for hours, and it was
daybreak before she got any sleep.
It was nearly midday when she opened her eyes. Wilhelm was sitting
fully dressed at the window that faced the Tuileries, gazing down
upon the dreary autumnal park with its trees half-bare, the paths
covered with dead leaves--its marble statues and silent fountains.
She stretched out her arms to him, and he hastened over to kiss her
fondly. As her eye fell upon her tiny jeweled watch, she gave a cry
of dismay.
"Twelve o'clock! Oh, go away--quick--and send the chambermaid to me.
I will do my best to be ready soon. Wait for me in the salon. You
can read the papers or write letters. But whatever you do, you must
not leave the hotel--do you hear?"
An hour later she appeared in the salon to fetch him to lunch, which
was served in their room. Pilar was nervous and put out. The
chambermaid's assistance had not been all that she could have
wished. The slow waiting at lunch vexed her. Whatever trifle she
might require she was obliged to go into the untidy bedroom herself
and search in her boxes. Her head was full of schemes and plans, to
none of which, however, she gave expression.
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