Madame Bernier sprang up in her seat, threw out her arms, and sank down again, burying her face in her knees. Her companion hastily shipped his oars, and laid his hands on her shoulders.
'Allons donc, in the devil's name, don't break down,' said he; 'we'll come to an understanding.'
Kneeling in the bottom of the boat, and supporting her by his grasp, he succeeded in making her raise herself, though her head still drooped.
'You want me to finish him in the boat?'
No answer.
'Is he an old man?'
Hortense shook her head faintly.
'My age?'
She nodded.
'Sapristi! it isn't so easy.'