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She replied in a flute-like voice and with the manner of a woman. The clock struck three; the journalist rose. "Come often," said Mme. de Marelle; "it has been a pleasant causerie. I shall always be glad to welcome you. Why do I never meet you at the Forestiers?" "For no particular reason. I am very busy. I hope, however, that we shall meet there one of these days."
Her mother said to her: "You do not call M. Duroy Bel-Ami to-day." The child blushed as if it were a gross indiscretion to reveal her secret. When the Forestiers arrived, Duroy was startled at Charles's appearance. He had grown thinner and paler in a week and coughed incessantly; he said they would leave for Cannes on the following Thursday at the doctor's orders.
She greeted Duroy with a charming smile, and he shook hands with two men who arrived after him, M. Firmin and M. Laroche-Mathieu; the latter had especial authority at the office on account of his influence in the chamber of deputies. Then the Forestiers arrived, Madeleine looking charming in pink. Charles had become very much emaciated and coughed incessantly.
How absurd! Such things happen every day. I did not think you so foolish." "Very well, I will come to dinner Monday." "To make it more pleasant, I will have the Forestiers, though I do not like to receive company at home."
"Forestier, mademoiselle," he stammered, startled. "Then are we all Forestiers Gilles, Félix, and Jeanne. We can pass out, Vigo; I am sure we can pass out. I am loath to part with you, but I fear to go through the city to the Porte Neuve. My absence may be discovered I must place myself without the walls speedily. "Well, mademoiselle may try it," Vigo gave reluctant consent.
He laid five francs upon the plate and handed the purse to its owner, saying: "Shall I escort you home?" "Certainly; I am unable to find the house." They shook hands with the Forestiers and were soon rolling along in a cab side by side. Duroy could think of nothing to say; he felt impelled to clasp her in his arms. "If I should dare, what would she do?" thought he.
She murmured: "Thank you, I shall not forget." As Duroy descended the staircase, he met M. de Vaudrec ascending. The Count seemed sad perhaps at the approaching departure. The journalist bowed, the Count returned his salutation courteously but somewhat haughtily. On Thursday evening the Forestiers left town. Charles's absence gave Duroy a more important position on "La Vie Francaise."
Everyone should make that a rule." Duroy took his leave with a heavy heart. The next day he called on the Forestiers, and found them in the midst of packing. Charles lay upon a sofa and repeated: "I should have gone a month ago." Then he proceeded to give Duroy innumerable orders, although everything had been arranged with M. Walter.
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