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Gradually regaining his self-possession, he replied: "a few months, Madame. I am in the railroad employ, but my friend Forestier has encouraged me to hope that, thanks to him, I can enter into journalism." She smiled kindly and murmured in a low voice: "I know." The bell rang again and the servant announced: "Mme. de Marelle."
The latter did not reply to his rude remarks, but determined to be avenged. He called upon Mme. Forestier. He found her reclining upon a couch, reading. She held out her hand without rising and said: "Good morning, Bel-Ami!" "Why do you call me by that name?" She replied with a smile: "I saw Mme. de Marelle last week and I know what they have christened you at her house."
"Madame, what can I say, but that you are too good to us poor fellows and that you will find it very difficult to get rid of us, for we shall be so happy in your camp that we shall forget all about our tower." "That's settled then." With the brand in her hand she walked to the edge of the hill. De Trevignac followed her. He had taken the other brand from Marelle.
He awaited her impatiently, determined to confess at once and afterward to argue with her, to tell her that he could not remain a bachelor indefinitely, and that, as M. de Marelle persisted in living, he had been compelled to choose some one else as a legal companion. When the bell rang, his heart gave a bound.
M. Walter continued to exhibit and explain his pictures; but Duroy saw nothing heard without comprehending. Mme. de Marelle was there, behind him. What should he do? If he greeted her, might she not turn her back upon him or utter some insulting remark? If he did not approach her, what would people think?
Come at once to Rue de Constantinople that I may embrace you, my love. How brave you are. I adore you. Clo." He repaired to the place appointed, and Mme. de Marelle rushed into his arms, covering him with kisses. "Oh, my darling, if you only knew how I felt when I read the morning papers! Tell me, tell me all about it." Duroy was obliged to give her a detailed account.
The manager, to whom he communicated the contents of that letter, grumblingly gave his consent. He repeated: "But return speedily, you are indispensable to us." Georges Duroy left for Cannes the next day by the seven o'clock express, after having warned Mme. de Marelle by telegram. He arrived the following day at four o'clock in the afternoon. A commissionnaire conducted him to Villa Jolie.
At first he wondered by what miracle it had got there; suddenly it occurred to him that Mme. de Marelle had given him alms! Angry and humiliated, he determined to return it when next they met. The next morning it was late when he awoke; he tried to overcome his hunger. He went out and as he passed the restaurants he could scarcely resist their temptations.
When she saw that she was observed by Mme. de Marelle, she touched Duroy's shoulder with the tip of her finger, and said: "Good evening. How are you?" But Georges did not turn his head. She continued: "Have you grown deaf since Thursday?" Still he did not reply. She laughed angrily and cried: "Are you dumb, too? Perhaps Madame has your tongue?"
The dessert came and then followed the coffee. The hostess and her guests lighted cigarettes, but Forestier suddenly began to cough. When the attack was over, he growled angrily: "These parties are not good for me; they are stupid. Let us go home." Mme. de Marelle summoned the waiter and asked for her bill.
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