They both arrived at the meeting-place before the time. She threw
herself into his arms with an outburst of passion, and kissed him all
over the face, and then said: "If you like, when we have loved one
another a great deal, you shall take me to dinner somewhere. I have kept
myself disengaged."
It was at the beginning of the month, and although his salary was long
since drawn in advance, and he lived from day to day upon money gleaned
on every side, Duroy happened to be in funds, and was pleased at the
opportunity of spending something upon her, so he replied: "Yes,
darling, wherever you like."
They started off, therefore, at about seven, and gained the outer
boulevards. She leaned closely against him, and whispered in his ear:
"If you only knew how pleased I am to walk out on your arm; how I love
to feel you beside me."