"Do you work in the factories?"
"Should say so, everybody does here."
"How much do they pay?"
"Ten sous."
"And is it hard work?"
"Not very; but you have to have a sharp eye and not waste time. Do you want to get in there?"
"Yes, if they'd have me."
"Should say they would have you; they take anybody. If they didn't how do you think they'd get the seven thousand hands they've got. Just be there tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock at the gate. We must hurry now or I'll be late. Come on."
She took the handle of the basket on one side and Perrine took it on the other side and they set out on the road, keeping in step down the middle.
Here was an opportunity for Perrine to learn what held interest for her. It was too good for her not to seize it. But she was afraid to question this girl openly. She must put the questions she wanted answered in a way that would not arouse her suspicions.