Passy.'

It was in vain that he told her that she must be hungry, that it was
unreasonable for her to go out without eating something.

'Well, if you won't, I'll go down and fetch you a cab,' he ended by
exclaiming.

'Pray don't take such trouble.'

'But you can't go such a distance on foot. Let me at least take you to
the cabstand, as you don't know Paris.'

'No, really I do not need you. If you wish to oblige me, let me go
away by myself.'

She had evidently made up her mind. She no doubt shrank from the idea
of being seen with a man, even by strangers. She meant to remain
silent about that strange night, she meant to tell some falsehood, and
keep the recollection of her adventure entirely to herself. He made a
furious gesture, which was tantamount to sending her to the devil.
Good riddance; it suited him better not to have to go down. But, all
the same, he felt hurt at heart, and considered that she was
ungrateful.

'As you please, then. I sha'n't resort to force,' he said.

At these words, Christine's vague smile became more accentuated. She
did not reply, but took her bonnet and looked round in search of a
glass. Failing to find one, she tied the strings as best she could.