The handsome
blonde extended upon the bottom of the boat, turned her head with a
careless air, as she raised herself upon her elbows; and the two girls
at the back commenced laughing as they saluted the crowd.

Then the hullaballoo was doubled, making the floating establishment
tremble. The men took off their hats, the women waved their
handkerchiefs, and all voices, shrill or deep, together cried:

"Lesbos."

One would have said that these people, this collection of the corrupt,
saluted a chief like the squadrons which fire guns when an admiral passes
along the line.

The numerous fleet of boats also acclaimed the women's boat, which awoke
from its sleepy motion to land rather farther off.

Mr. Paul, contrary to the others, had drawn a key from his pocket and
whistled with all his might. His nervous mistress grew paler, caught him
by the arm to cause him to be quiet, and upon this occasion she looked
at him with fury in her eyes. But he appeared exasperated, as though
borne away by jealousy of some man by deep anger, instinctive and
ungovernable. He stammered, his lips quivering with indignation:

"It is shameful! They ought to be drowned like dogs with a stone about
the neck."

But Madeleine instantly flew into a rage; her small and shrill voice
became hissing, and she spoke volubly, as though pleading her own cause:

"And what has it to do with you--you indeed? Are they not at liberty to
do what they wish since they owe nobody anything. A truce with your airs
and mind your own business...."

But he cut her speech short:

"It is the police whom it concerns, and I will have them marched off to
St. Lazare; so I will."

She gave a start:

"You?"

"Yes, I! And in the meantime I forbid you to speak to them, you
understand, I forbid you to do so."

Then she shrugged her shoulders and grew calm in a moment:

"My friend, I shall do as I please; if you are not satisfied, be off, and
instantly. I am not your wife, am I? Very well then, hold your tongue."

He made no reply and they stood face to face, their mouths tightly closed
and their breathing rapid.

At the other end of the great cafe of wood the four women made their
entry. The two in men's costumes marched in front: the one thin like an
oldish tomboy, with yellow lines on her temples; the other filled out her
white flannel garments with her fat, swelling out her big trousers with
her buttocks; she swayed about like a fat goose with enormous legs and