Combeferre still frowned as he searched Sybil's face, as though he might find there some explanation of the tragedy that lay behind her eyes. It had been easy for him to think of Darrow as a safe place, especially compared to the Paris he had left behind, but now he had to question that assessment. This newfound knowledge was helpful, yes; he only wished he had not received it from such a tragic source.

He gave Sybil's arm in his a gentle squeeze. "Let us not end our afternoon on such a low note, d'accord? Tell me, Miss Crawley, do you enjoy the theater, by chance?"