He replied, stupefied: "But this is senseless! You cannot walk farther. You have been standing all day. This is senseless; I will not allow it."
She had risen to her feet, and she said: "I am determined on it! If you do not accompany me, I'll go alone!"
And pointing out to him the moon which had risen: "See here! It was an evening just like this! Do you remember how you kissed my shadow?"
He held her back: "Christiane—listen—this is ridiculous—Christiane!"
She did not reply, and walked toward the descent leading to the vineyards. He knew that calm will which nothing could divert from its purpose, the graceful obstinacy of these blue eyes, of that little forehead of a fair woman that could not be stopped; and he took her arm to sustain her on her way.
"Supposing we are seen, Christiane?"
"You did not say that to me last year. And then, everyone is at the fête. We'll be back before our absence can be noticed."
It was soon necessary to ascend by the stony path. She panted, leaning with her whole weight on him, and at every step she said:
"It is good, it is good, to suffer thus!"
He stopped, wishing to bring her back. But she would not listen to him.