“Yes, really.... I want to see you—to beat the band.”
“To beat the band?... What is that, monsieur? I do not onderstan’, oh, I do not onderstan’.” She had a way of failing to understand with despair in her voice and her gestures that was very charming.
“L’argot américain,” he explained. “American slang. It means I want to see you very much.”
“It is well.”
“When?... To-morrow? Demain?”
“I cannot to see you to-morrow, for I must work, as I said. Mais in the evening, yes. Sept heure et demi. Do you onderstan’? In the Place St.-Michel, près de la fontaine.”
“At half past seven near the St.-Michel fountain.... And you will be there—certainement?”
“Oui—et vous?”
“Certainement—surely—you bet,” he said, with increasing emphasis.
She held out her hand. “Bonne nuit, monsieur.”