The worry of their excursions was that each time they returned to Montmartre they had to push their machines up the height.

From the general point of view, however, the young woman was delighted with bicycling, which had many virtues, said she.

Then, seeing Pierre glance at her in amazement, she promised that she would some day explain her opinions on the subject to him.

After this bicycling became the one topic of conversation until the end of the meal.

Thomas gave an account of the latest improvements introduced into Grandidier's machines; and the others talked of the excursions they had made or meant to make, with all the exuberant delight of school children eager for the open air.
In the midst of the chatter, Mere-Grand, who presided at table with the serene dignity of a queen-mother, leant towards Guillaume, who sat next to her, and spoke to him in an undertone.