in surprise: "It is astonishing how I feel with you.
It seems to me as if I had known you ten years. We shall undoubtedly
become good friends; would that please you?"

He replied: "Certainly," with a smile more expressive than words. He
thought her very bewitching in her pretty gown. When near Mme.
Forestier, whose impassive, gracious smile attracted yet held at a
distance, and seemed to say: "I like you, yet take care," he felt a
desire to cast himself at her feet, or to kiss the hem of her garment.
When near Mme. de Marelle, he felt a more passionate desire.

A gentle rap came at the door through which Mme. de Marelle had
entered, and she cried: "You may come in, my darling."

The child entered, advanced to Duroy and offered him her hand. The
astonished mother murmured: "That is a conquest." The young man, having
kissed the child, seated her by his side, and with a serious air
questioned her as to what she had done since they last met. 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."

In the course of a few days he paid another visit to the enchantress.
The maid ushered him into the drawing-room and Laurine soon entered;
she offered him not her hand but her forehead, and said: "Mamma wishes
me to ask you to wait for her about fifteen minutes, for she is not
dressed. I will keep you company."

Duroy, who was amused at the child's ceremonious manner, replied:
"Indeed, Mademoiselle, I shall be enchanted to spend a quarter of an
hour with you." When the mother entered they were in the midst of an
exciting game, and Mme. de Marelle paused in amazement, crying:
"Laurine playing? You are a sorcerer, sir!" He placed the child, whom
he had caught in his arms, upon the floor, kissed the lady's hand, and
they seated themselves, the child between them. They tried to converse,
but Laurine, usually so silent, monopolized the conversation, and her
mother was compelled to send her to her room.

When they were alone, Mme. de Marelle lowered her voice and said: "I
have a great project. It is this: As I dine every week at the
Foresters', I return it from time to time by inviting them to a
restaurant. I do not