"When you would insist, in spite of everything, in driving through Rue Rabelais; and I'll be hanged if I can see why you wanted to; it's about as dirty a street as there is, without taking into account that you might have caused us all to break our necks. Yes, certainly, it was the most dangerous experiment—your fad! Young Bernès, who is one of the most out-and-out daring fellows himself, tried to persuade you out of wanting to go along that street!"
The strange little gleam, which sometimes lighted up Bijou's eyes, came into them now.
"Yes, that's true!" she said, smiling. "He was wild to prevent our going down the Rue Rabelais—M. de Bernès! It was as though he was afraid of something!"
"He was afraid of coming to smash, by Jove, just as I was, and the abbé, and even Pierrot. I cannot understand how old Clagny could have let you have your fad out, for he was responsible for the little Dubuisson girl, and for Pierrot, and you, without reckoning all of us!"
"Have you finished blowing me up?"
"I am not blowing you up."
"Oh, well, that's cool. Let's make it up now, shall we?" and, standing on tip-toes, Bijou held her pretty face up, saying, "Kiss me?"
He stepped back abruptly.
"Oh!" exclaimed Bijou, in surprise, and looking hurt, "you won't kiss me?"
Paul de Rueille had been so taken aback, that he could scarcely find any words.