Siegmund hurried downstairs and took his hat. He was walking down the
path when the door was snatched open behind him, and Vera ran
out crying: 'Are you going out? Where are you going?' Siegmund stood still and looked at her.
'She is frightened,' he said to himself, smiling ironically.
'I am only going a walk. I have to go to Wimbledon. I shall not be very
long.' 'Wimbledon, at this time!' said Vera sharply, full of suspicion.
'Yes, I am late. I shall be back in an hour.' He was sorry for her. She knew he gave her an honourable promise.
'You need not keep us sitting up,' she said.
He did not answer, but hurried to the station.