sacristy. A
stream of people entered. Georges fancied himself a king whom the
people were coming to greet. He shook hands, uttered words which
signified nothing, and replied to congratulations with the words: "You
are very kind."

Suddenly he saw Mme. de Marelle, and the recollection of all the kisses
he had given her and which she had returned, of all their caresses, of
the sound of her voice, possessed him with the mad desire to regain
her. She was so pretty, with her bright eyes and roguish air! She
advanced somewhat timidly and offered him her hand. He took, retained,
and pressed it as if to say: "I shall love you always, I am yours."

Their eyes met, smiling, bright, full of love. She murmured in her soft
tones: "Until we meet again, sir!" and he gaily repeated her words.

Others approached, and she passed on. Finally the throng dispersed.
Georges placed Suzanne's hand upon his arm to pass through the church
with her. It was filled with people, for all had resumed their seats in
order to see them leave the sacred edifice together. He walked along
slowly, with a firm step, his head erect. He saw no one. He only
thought of himself.

When they reached the threshold he saw a crowd gathered outside, come
to gaze at him, Georges du Roy. The people of Paris envied him. Raising
his eyes, he saw beyond the Place de la Concorde, the chamber of
deputies, and it seemed to him that it was only a stone's throw from
the portico of the Madeleine to that of the Palais Bourbon.

Leisurely they descended the steps between two rows of spectators, but
Georges did not see them; his thoughts had returned to the past, and
before his eyes, dazzled by the bright sunlight, floated the image of
Mme. de Marelle, rearranging the curly locks upon her temples before
the mirror in their apartments.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bel Ami, by Henri Rene Guy de Maupassant

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