Rue Vivienne, Ralph said in his abrupt fragmentary way:

'You said you'd like to see me, I could see from your letters that you
were unhappy.'

'No, I'm not unhappy--a little dull at times, that is all.'

'You wrote me some charming letters. I hope you meant all you said.'

'Did I say so much, then? I daresay I said more than I intended.'

'No, don't say that, don't say that.'

The absinthe drinkers, the green trees, the blue roofs of the great
houses, all these signs of the boulevard, intruded upon and
interrupted their thoughts; then the boulevard passed out of their
sight and they were again conscious of nothing but each other.

'I met your brother. He was anxious about you. He wondered if you were
getting on and I said that I'd go and see.'

'And do you think I'm getting on?'

Yes, I think you've made progress. You couldn't have done that
drawing before you went to Paris.'

'You really think so.... I was right to go to Paris.... I must show
you my other drawings. I've some better than that.'

The artistic question was discussed till they reached the Place de