The whole party pretended to be very pleased at having seen all they had.
Four o'clock was striking.

There were still two hours to be employed before the dinner time, so it was decided they should take a stroll, just to occupy the interval.

The ladies, who were very tired, would have preferred to sit down; but, as no one offered any refreshments, they started off, following the line of quays.

There they encountered another shower and so sharp a one that in spite of the umbrellas, the ladies' dresses began to get wet.

Madame Lorilleux, her heart sinking within her each time a drop fell upon her black silk, proposed that they should shelter themselves under the Pont-Royal; besides if the others did not accompany her, she threatened to go all by herself.