"My idea is to go as far as the Place du Marcadal in the old town; for the servant girl at the hotel told me of a hairdresser there whose brother lets out conveyances cheaply.

Do you mind going so far ?" "I ?" replied Pierre.

"Go wherever you like, I'll follow you." "All right--and I'll profit by the opportunity to have a shave." They were nearing the Place du Rosaire, and found themselves in front of the lawns stretching to the Gave, when an encounter again stopped them.
Mesdames Desagneaux and Raymonde de Jonquiere were here, chatting gaily with Gerard de Peyrelongue.

Both women wore light-coloured gowns, seaside dresses as it were, and their white silk parasols shone in the bright sunlight.

They imparted, so to say, a pretty note to the scene--a touch of society chatter blended with the fresh laughter of youth.
"No, no," Madame Desagneaux was saying, "we certainly can't go and visit your 'ordinary' like that--at the very moment when all your comrades are eating." Gerard, however, with a very gallant air, insisted on their accompanying him, turning more particularly towards Raymonde, whose somewhat massive face was that day brightened by the radiant charm of health.
"But it is a very curious sight, I assure you," said the young man, "and you would be very respectfully received.