"The galavanter!" she cried, "she comes from Paris to try to get our job."
"I told yer we don't want nobody," said the woman again.
There was nothing to do but to go on her way, which she did with a heavy heart.
"Look out! A cop's comin'!" cried one of the girls.
Perrine turned her head quickly, and they all burst out laughing, amused at the joke.
She had not gone far before she had to stop. She could not see the road for the tears which filled her eyes. What had she done to those girls that they should be so mean to her?
Evidently it was as difficult for tramps to get work as it was for them to find pennies. She did not dare ask again for a job. She dragged her feet along, only hurrying when she was passing through the villages so that she could escape the stares.
She was almost prostrated when she reached a wood. It was mid-day and the sun was scorching; there was not a breath of air. She was exhausted and dripping with perspiration. Then her heart seemed to stop and she fell to the ground, unable to move or think.
A wagon coming up behind her passed by.
"This heat'll kill one," shouted the driver.