"If you have but one meal in sight, when is the best time to take it?"
"In the middle of the day; something may happen before dinner."
Barabant made a wry face.
"Seriously, how much have you?"
He held up the two sous.
"Two sous, and you speak of buying a meal,—a crumb of bread!"
"Perhaps," Barabant admitted, "meal is an exaggeration."
"Come, you are a good fellow," Nicole said, nodding approvingly. "You have the right spirit. I have made you lose one dinner; it is only right that I should make reparation. Will you lunch with me?"
To her amusement, he drew up proudly at the thought of accepting a favor from her. She smiled at this show of pride, liking it, but trusting in the bloom and charm of her youth to defeat it. She did not trust in vain. After a brief conflict which showed clearly the weak surrender, he ended by smiling in turn.