'You don't need a boat; the bridge is closed,' said one of his comrades at the foot of the steps, looking that way.
'I know it,' said Madame Bernier; 'but I wish to go to the cemetery, and a boat will save me half a mile walking.'
'The cemetery is shut at this hour.'
'Allons, leave madame alone,' said the man first spoken to. 'This way, my lady.'
Hortense seated herself in the stern of the boat. The man took the sculls.
'Straight across?' he asked.
Hortense looked around her. 'It's a fine evening,' said she; 'suppose you row me out to the lighthouse, and leave me at the point nearest the cemetery on our way back.'
'Very well,' rejoined the boatman; 'fifteen sous,' and began to pull lustily.
'Allez, I'll pay you well,' said Madame.
'Fifteen sous is the fare,' insisted the man.