And that Madame Connard: "Eat what you like, and don't stand on ceremony. Monsieur Tibulle wishes it so. Old men are made to pay." And with all these fine words, I owe her ten francs.
Marcel could not help laughing at the girl's artlessness.
—Then you have come to ask me for them.
—Yes, said Zulma blushing; have I not done right? She has kept my band-box, the old thief; what it contains is not worth ten francs, but I don't want to leave it with her.
—And what will you give me in exchange?
—Everything you want.
—That is a great deal to promise; but you have nothing.
—It is true, I have nothing, she said piteously. Well, I will kiss you and will love you very much. One may kiss a Curé, may one not?
Marcel thought she was getting to business very quickly.
—Priests do not receive kisses from anybody, he replied.