“Would you like it?” Auguste asked.
“Oh! it would give me great pleasure.”
“Very well, let’s buy it.”
Giving way to his former habit, the young man bought the shawl for Madame Florimont, who at once threw it over her shoulders, having rolled up the little neckerchief which she wore about her neck, and placed it under her arm. A little farther on she stopped and sighed again as she eyed a pretty cap. At Auguste’s instance she tried it on; and as it was wonderfully becoming under the great hood, the cap was purchased. Next, it was in front of a jeweller’s establishment that the young woman stopped and sighed: she wanted a little ring which would remind her of the day she met Auguste! He considered that desire too flattering not to be satisfied. But after that he took his companion back to the inn, not allowing her to stop anywhere, lest she should sigh again.
The young woman was very pretty in the shawl and cap. But when Bertrand saw her in that guise, he took Auguste aside once more and said:
“Monsieur, she wasn’t dressed like that this afternoon.”
“You will certainly agree, Bertrand, that she looks much better to-night?”
“But, monsieur, what are you thinking about?”
“I am thinking about supper, for I am very hungry;—and you, my dear friend?”
“I too shall be glad to have supper.”