"And now the café," I suggested, with chattering teeth. We had been standing all the time at the corner of the square, while the mistral whistled down the narrow street. The dust was driven stingingly into our faces, and the women of the place who passed us by held their black scarves over their mouths. "Alas, monseigneur," said Mme. Gougasse, "Aristide is right. You must start now for Montpellier in the automobile. I will go by the train for Carcassonne at three-thirty. It is the only train from Aigues-Mortes. Aristide transacts his business and joins me in the train at Montpellier. You have not much time to spare." I was bewildered. I turned to Aristide Pujol, who stood, hands on hips, regarding his prospective bride and myself with humorous benevolence. "My good friend," said I in English, "I've not the remotest idea of what the two of you are talking about; but I gather you have arranged that I should motor you to Montpellier. Now, I'm not going to Montpellier. I've just come from there, as I told you at _déjeuner_. I'm going in the opposite direction." He took me familiarly by the arm, and, with a "_Pardon, chère amie_," to the lady, led me a few paces aside. "I beseech you," he whispered; "it's a matter of four thousand francs, a hundred and sixty pounds, eight hundred dollars, a new ceiling for the Café de l'Univers, the dream of a woman's life, and the happiest omen for my wedded felicity. The fair goddess Hymen invites you with uplifted torch. You can't refuse." He hypnotized me with his bright eyes, overpowered my will by his winning personality. He seemed to force me to desire his companionship. I weakened. After all, I reflected, I was at a loose end, and where I went did not matter to anybody. Aristide Pujol had also done me a considerable service, for which I felt grateful. I yielded with good grace. He darted back to Mme. Gougasse, alive with gaiety. "_Chère amie_, if you were to press monseigneur, I'm sure he would come to Carcassonne and dance at our wedding." "Alas! That," said I, hastily, "is out of the question. But," I added, amused by a humorous idea, "why should two lovers separate even for a few hours? Why should not madame accompany us to Montpellier? There is room in my auto for three, and it would give me the opportunity of making madame's better acquaintance." "There, Amélie!" cried Aristide. "What do you say?" "Truly, it is too much honour," murmured Mme. Gougasse, evidently tempted. "There's your luggage, however," said Aristide. "You would bring that great trunk, for which there is no place in the automobile of monseigneur." "That's true--my luggage." "Send it on by train, _chère amie_." "When will it arrive at Carcassonne?" "Not to-morrow," said Pujol, "but perhaps next week or the week after. Perhaps it may never come at all. One is never certain with these railway companies. But what does that matter?" "What do you say?" cried the lady, sharply.