Timidly she drew near. She did not like him, but she felt she must obey. The flies were on his shoulders in a grey cloud. He had a very small mouth, with lips that were shiny. He moistened these very often with his tongue. In his ears were wads of pink cotton wool. He put out a puffy, yellow hand and touched her. He tilted back her sharp chin. He held one of the thick braids of her shiny hair.
“Bah! you won’t be much of a model for the figure. But I might make something of your head. Wait till I finish my work, and I’ll see what I can do for you.”
There was such an air of command in his tone that again she felt she must obey. So she sat down on her bundle and waited patiently. He worked without heeding her, until a little before noon, when he rose and gathered together his materials.
“Come now. I’ll go with you to the station.”
Doglike she followed at his heels. The village was about two miles away. He bought her some bread and chocolate and a bottle of cheap wine.
“You’re as hungry as a young wolf, eh! Well, you can eat on the train. Come quickly or you will miss it.”
She went with him to the station. There he gave her a third class ticket for Paris and a sealed letter.
“Go to the address on the envelope. Go direct. My housekeeper will make you comfortable.”
Then the train arrived and he looked at her with eyes that shone curiously.
“You will help Madame Mangepain with the housework till I come. After that we will see.”