She asked:

"What secrets, Bel-Ami?"

"Do you remember what you promised me here the night of the fete?"

"No."

"To consult me every time you received a proposal."

"Well?"

"Well, you have received one!"

"From whom?"

"You know very well."

"No, I swear I do not."

"Yes, you do. It is from that fop of a Marquis de Cazolles."

"He is not a fop."

"That may be, but he is stupid. He is no match for you who are so
pretty, so fresh, so bright!"

She asked with a smile: "What have you against him?"

"I? Nothing!"

"Yes, you have. He is not all that you say he is."

"He is a fool, and an intriguer."

She glanced at him: "What ails you?"

He spoke as if tearing a secret from the depths of his heart: "I am--I
am jealous of him."

She was astonished.

"You?"

"Yes, I."

"Why?"

"Because I love you and you know it"

Then she said severely: "You are mad, Bel-Ami!"

He replied: "I know that I am! Should I confess it--I, a married man,
to you, a young girl? I am worse than mad--I am culpable, wretched--I
have no possible hope, and that thought almost destroys my reason. When
I hear that you are going to be married, I feel murder in my heart. You
must forgive me, Suzanne."

He paused. The young girl murmured half sadly, half gaily: "It is a
pity that you are married; but what can you do? It cannot be helped."

He turned toward her abruptly and said: "If I were free would you marry
me?"

She replied: "Yes, Bel-Ami, I would marry you because I love you better
than any of the others."

He rose and stammering: "Thanks--thanks--do not, I implore you, say yes
to anyone. Wait a while. Promise me."

Somewhat confused, and without comprehending what he asked, she
whispered: "I promise."

Du Roy threw a large piece of bread into the water and fled, without
saying adieu, as if he were beside himself. Suzanne, in surprise,
returned to the salon.

When Du Roy arrived home, he asked Madeleine, who was writing letters:
"Shall you dine at the Walters' Friday? I am going."

She hesitated: "No, I am not well. I prefer to remain here."

"As you like. No one will force you." Then he took up his hat and went
out.

For some time he had watched and followed her, knowing all her actions.
The time he had awaited had come at length.

On Friday he dressed early, in order, as he said, to make several calls
before going to M. Walter's. At about six o'clock, after having kissed
his wife, he went in search o