She Came to Stay by Simone De Beauvoir

Author:Simone De Beauvoir [Beauvoir, Simone De]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780007384938
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 1943-01-16T16:00:00+00:00

PART TWO

Chapter One

Elisabeth’s eyes ran over the upholstered walls, and came to rest on the miniature theatre painted in red at the far end of the room. For a time she had thought with pride: ‘This is my work.’ But it was not so very much to be proud of; it had, after all, to be the work of somebody’s hands.

‘I must go home,’ she said. ‘Pierre is coming to supper with Françoise and the Pagès girl.’

‘Ah! Pagès is walking out on me,’ said Gerbert with a slightly mortified expression.

He had not taken the trouble to remove his make-up; with his green eyelids and the thick layer of ochre covering his cheeks, he looked much more handsome than he actually was. Elisabeth had brought him and Dominique together, and made her accept his marionette number. She had played an important part in the organization of the night-club. She smiled bitterly. With the aid of drinking and smoking she had had, during the discussions, the intoxicating feeling of playing an active part, but it was like the rest of her life – her actions had no real value. This she had understood, during these three gloomy days; nothing that happened to her was ever real. Sometimes, far into the fog, it was possible to catch a glimpse of something which faintly resembled an event or an act; some people could let themselves be taken in by it, yet it was nothing but blatant deception.

‘She’ll walk out on you more often than you think,’ said Elisabeth.

In Xavière’s absence. Lise had resumed her part and, in Elisabeth’s opinion, played it at least as well. Still, Gerbert appeared put out. Elisabeth studied him closely.

‘That child has some talent,’ she continued, ‘but she seems to lack conviction in whatever she does, and that’s a pity.’

‘I can understand that it isn’t much fun for her having to come here every night,’ said Gerbert, slightly on the defensive, a fact not lost on Elisabeth. She had for a long time suspected that Gerbert had a soft corner for Xavière. It was amusing. Did Françoise suspect this?

‘Which day shall we meet to make a start on your portrait?’ she said. ‘Tuesday evening? I only want to make a few sketches.’

What she would very much like to know was what Xavière thought of Gerbert. She could not be very interested in him, they kept her too close in hand; still, her eyes had had a strange sparkle that opening night while she danced with him. If he were to make advances to her, how would she react?

‘Tuesday, if you like,’ said Gerbert.

He was so shy. He would never dare to take the initiative: he did not even suspect that he stood a chance.

Elisabeth lightly pecked at Dominique’s forehead.

‘Goodbye, darling.’

She went out into the street. It was late; she would have to walk quickly if she wanted to get there before them: she had delayed sinking back into herself until the very last minute. She would manage to speak to Pierre somehow; the game was lost in advance, yet she wanted to take this one last chance.

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