Then she argued, in order to get him to make up his mind. She proved to
him that he was really pledging his word for ten thousand francs, that
he was running risks, and that she was not advancing him anything, since
the actual outlay was made by Walter's bank. She pointed out to him,
besides, that it was he who had carried on in the _Vie Francaise_ the
whole of the political campaign that had rendered the scheme possible.
He would be very foolish not to profit by it. He still hesitated, and
she added, "But just reflect that in reality it is Walter who is
advancing you these ten thousand Francs, and that you have rendered him
services worth a great deal more than that."
"Very well, then," said he, "I will go halves with you. If we lose, I
will repay you the ten thousand francs."
She was so pleased that she rose, took his head in both her hands, and
began to kiss him eagerly. He did not resist at first, but as she grew
bolder, clasping him to her and devouring him with caresses, he
reflected that the other would be there shortly, and that if he yielded
he would lose time and exhaust in the arms of the old woman an ardor
that he had better reserve for the young one. So he repulsed her gently,
saying, "Come, be good now."
She looked at him disconsolately, saying, "Oh, George, can't I even kiss
you?"