The little man with warm black eyes and the colder, thinner man talked
appreciatively together.
"_He!_ The _pate_ is not bad."
"Not bad at all. And you haven't tried the cheese?"
"No, no. I never touch cheese before the wine; it's a sin. Now the
bottle is all warmed. Try some."
"What is your father?" said the little man suddenly to Fanny.
"He is in the army."
"You have no brother--no one to take care of you?"
"You mean, because I come out here? But in England they don't mind; they
think it interesting for us."
"Tiens!"
They obviously did not believe her, and turned to other subjects. But
the Bearskin began to move uncomfortably on the step of the car, and,
bending forward to attract their attention, he burst out:
"But, don't you know, mademoiselle is not paid!"
The others reconsidered her.
"How do you live then, mademoiselle? You have means of your own? You do
not buy your clothes yourself? Your Government gives you those, and that
fine leather coat?"
"I bought it myself," said Fanny, and caused a sensation.
Immediately they put out their delicate hands, and fingers that loved to
appraise, to feel the leather on the lapel.
"How soft! We have no leather now like that in France! How much did that
cost? No, let me guess! You never paid a sou less than--Well, how much?"
The Bearskin, who had sat beside her all the morning, and had now turned
her into an object of interest, took a pride in Fanny.
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