e drank a
glass of champagne: "I am less Platonic."

Forestier, lying upon the couch, said in serious tone: "That frankness
does you honor and proves you to be a practical woman. But might one
ask, what is M. de Marelle's opinion?"

She shrugged her shoulders disdainfully and said: "M. de Marelle has no
opinion on that subject."

The conversation grew slow. Mme. de Marelle seemed to offer provocation
by her remarks, while Mme. Forestier's charming reserve, the modesty in
her voice, in her smile, all seemed to extenuate the bold sallies which
issued from her lips. 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. She tried
to read it, but the figures danced before her eyes; she handed the
paper to Duroy.

"Here, pay it for me; I cannot see." At the same time, she put her
purse in his hand.

The total was one hundred and thirty francs. Duroy glanced at the bill
and when it was settled, whispered: "How much shall I give the waiter?"

"Whatever you like; I do not know."

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. The recollection of their conversation at dinner
emboldened, but the fear of scandal restrained him. Mme. de Marelle
reclined silently in her corner. He would have thought her asleep, had
he not seen her eyes glisten whenever a ray of light penetrated the
dark recesses of the carriage. Of what was she thinking? Suddenly she
moved her foot, nervously, impatiently. That movement caused him to
tremble, and turning quickly, he cast himself upon her, seeking her
lips with his. She uttered a cry, attempted to repulse him and then
yielded to his caresses as if she had not the strength to resist.

The carriage stopped at her door, but she did not rise; she did not
move, stunned by what had just taken place. Fearing that the cabman
would mistrust something, Duroy alighted from the cab first and offered
his hand to the young woman. Fin