“And you are still a fool.”
He gave her a vicious yet humorous glance, and began to walk slowly up and down, his boots making a leisurely clatter on the red-tiled floor.
“That should reassure Madame Gossip,—what! So you won’t have sentiment, not even from me! Let us try business, my dear.”
Manon had begun darning the stocking. She looked steadily at Bibi for a moment.
“Very well, keep to business. What is it that you want?”
He swung round and faced her, legs straddling, head thrown back, loins hollowed, pockets and belly thrust forward.
“A partner.”
“What for?”
“You want me to give the whole game away, do you? Yes, you little devil, you always were the best business woman in Beaucourt. And such a leg, too.”
“Be quick,” said Manon; “I am going to help Marie at the end of five minutes.”