The two children talked. Philippe found Zelie bright and interesting. She had traveled a great deal. She spoke of her travels about the country.
THE TWO CHILDREN TALKED
While the morning passed, the two children became friends.
As before, the boy and his sister sold their fresh fine vegetables. People gathered around their booth and clapped for their singing. But nobody stopped to buy from the man beside them.
Still, instead of being jealous of Philippe, the stranger kept smiling at his neighbor. When the crowd had gone and it was time to start for home, the man came over to Philippe's booth.
"Did my Zelie tell you of her travels?" he asked Philippe.
"Oh, yes," replied the boy eagerly. "What great fortune to be able to wander about the country as you do, sir!"
The man looked at Philippe with those flashing eyes.