"If you were very kind, we should remain here, both of us."
She indicated no with her head, without opening her mouth.
He insisted:
"I beg of you, my Bichette."
Then she roughly broke out:
"You know what I said to you. If you are not satisfied the door is open. No one wishes to keep you. As for myself, I have promised; I shall go."
He placed his two elbows upon the table, covered his face with his hands and remained there pondering sorrowfully.
The boat people came down again, bawling as usual. They set off in their vessels for the ball at La Grenonillère.
Madeleine said to Paul:
"If you are not coming, say so, and I will ask one of these gentlemen to take me."