"He has just gone out in his morning clothes." For a moment I was so surprised that I said nothing.

Only a few minutes ago Louis had gone out of his way to tell me that he would be on duty that night in the cafe.

All the time it was obviously a lie! He would not have deceived me without a reason.

What was it?
I walked to the door and back again.

The hall-porter watched me a little curiously.
"Did you wish for Monsieur Louis particularly," he said, "or shall I send to Antoine for the cigarettes ?" I pulled myself together.
"Send to Antoine, by all means," I answered.