which roughly means seeking fortune and eager to meet a generous passing friend.
And there she notices ahead of her an Argentine! How could she know that the gentleman was Argentine? It's very simple. It's based on Marie-Louise's classification of the white race: there are the Americans; they must be fair-haired, rosy-complexioned, and live in New York; the English, more conveniently called "Engliches"; the Argentines, whose species includes all men with dark skin and black hair; there are also the Parigots or young Parisians; the Pétzouilles or provincials; and finally the "vieux crabes" (old crabs), which includes all elderly gentlemen from all countries in the world.
It's easy to learn. And one quickly recognizes oneself in it.
So the Argentine was walking ahead of Marie-Louise. When he stopped to look at the displays, she caught a glimpse of his profile, which belonged to a young man. He seemed well-dressed. He wore light fabric shoes, gray gloves, and a pinstriped suit.
Marie-Louise thought he must be rich. She has the unfortunate tendency, unfortunate for herself, poor girl, to believe that all "Argentines" and all "Americans" are rich.
He entered the dance hall. She entered the dance hall. He sat down at a small table. She sat down at the neighboring table. He ordered a coffee.
She asked for Port wine and cream cakes.
She crossed her legs to show off her calves. She dropped her handkerchief to bend over and display her bare chest in the low-cut bodice. The Argentine didn't flinch. And yet Marie-Louise is a beautiful girl. That Argentine must have seen plenty of beautiful girls!
She even went as far as paying for her wine and cakes. Now she had only 22 sous left!
"Sometimes," as she says, gentlemen don't like these ways of waiting for them to settle the bill for a drink.
