"Is it the habit to walk arm in arm in the country?" I asked, in an indifferent tone. "I thought that everyone walked—or ran, on his own account."
"For my part, I am very happy to be madame's escort," said Balloquet, with a smile.
"Do you mean that it's a bore to you to give me your arm?" asked Rosette, pinching me till I was black and blue.
"O mademoiselle! the idea!"
"What's that—mademoiselle? Call me mademoiselle again, and see what happens!"
"Mon Dieu! Rosette, you get angry about nothing!"
"About nothing! I want you to thou me! Let's not walk so fast."
"But the others are away ahead."
"Well! we shall overtake them in time. Don't be afraid of losing your way with me, you ugly monster!"
"When people go out together, it's for the purpose of being together."