This amiable offer terrified the girl. She felt sure Vagualame was not at The Crying Calf by chance. He had probably followed her—wished to have a word with her.... She must fall in with his wishes. She must cut short this interview with her brother. After all, it was only to pass the time she had come.
"Keep quiet, Geoffrey," she said: "I do not know the old boy, and you deceive yourself if you think he annoys me!... Besides, my dear Geoffrey, I must be off!"
"Be off!... Whatever's come to you, Bobine?"
"I have business on hand elsewhere.... And now that I know you are quite well, Geoffrey, I shall continue my walk."
"True?" protested the bewildered giant: "You're going to cut your stick already?"
"Call the governor!... There's a twenty-franc piece for you! Pay for your drinks and keep the rest," was Bobinette's effective reply.
Hogshead calmed down at once.
"As long as you pay up, Bobine, I've nothing to say; but, all the same, you have queer ideas.... You bring me here to keep an appointment, and then, we're not five minutes together, when up you get on the trot again!"
Bobinette caught her brother's huge fist in a quick handshake, made for the door of The Crying Calf, turned out of rue Monge at a slow pace, convinced that Vagualame would join her.
The street was deserted. Bobinette kept in the shadow, avoiding the bright patches cast on the silent roadway from the wine-shops and taverns still open and alight.