Here are forty sous for
your fare--and good-evening to you."
And, as the blue victoria was already some distance in advance, he
started off at the top of his speed to overtake it. This
manoeuvre was the result of his meditations while riding along.
"What will this fine lady do when she gets to the Bois?" he asked
himself. "Why, her coachman will take his place in the
procession, and drive her slowly round and round the lakes.
Meantime I can trot along beside her without attracting attention--
and it will be good for my health."
His expectations were realized in every respect. The victoria
soon turned to the left, and took its place in the long line of
equipages which were slowly winding round the lake. Having gained
the foot-path which borders the sheet of water, Chupin followed
the carriage easily enough, with his hands in his pockets, and his
heart jubilant at the thought that he would gain the sum supposed
to have been spent in cab hire, in addition to the compensation
which had been promised him. "This is a strange way of enjoying
one's self," he muttered, as he trotted along. "There can't be
much pleasure in going round and round this lake. If ever I'm
rich, I'll find some other way of amusing myself."
Poor Chupin did not know that people do not go to the Bois to
enjoy themselves, but rather to torment others. This broad drive
is in reality only a field for the airing of vanity--a sort of
open-air bazaar for the display of dresses and equipages.
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