Before Arthur finished speaking, he saw Mary's shoulders trembling gently.
She reached out to take the handkerchief but didn't immediately wipe her tears. Instead, she clutched it tightly in her palm, her knuckles turning white.
For a long time, she finally took advantage of the moment when Eld and the Great Dumas turned around, whispering in a voice almost inaudible: "It's been six months..."
Arthur's brow was tightly furrowed, and then he raised his hand to touch the Great Dumas's elbow: "Let's find a quieter place. It's not good for this to get out of hand."
The Great Dumas understood: "The lounge is empty, let's go there."
Arthur nodded, swiftly and naturally supporting Mary's arm.
The Great Dumas walked behind, joking coarsely with the surrounding guests: "Is there anything else you'd like to eat? I'll tell the chef to bring more."
