"Just imagine," said she: "I am companion to an old lady, a Russian, who in her time has had trouble with the police of her country, I think."
"The police? I don't like the police!" interrupted her brother.
"Who does?" ejaculated Bobinette. "Lots of people come to her house. I go to all the dinners, all the parties!"
"Ah, then, you'll foot the bill, Bobine, if you have such a rich situation?"
"I will pay, Geoffrey," said Bobinette: "This old lady, I think."... Bobinette stopped. She went white as a sheet.... An old man had just entered the wine-shop. His steps were uncertain, his back was bent under the weight of an old accordion.
Bobinette's astonishment was so evident that Hogshead Geoffrey, whose powers of observation were small, was struck by his sister's expression.
"You know that old fellow?" he asked. "If he bothers you you've but to pass the word, you know, and I'll soon put him on the other side of the door!"
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.
"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.