ally she got out, but in silence.
Georges rang the bell, and when the door was opened, he asked timidly:
"When shall I see you again?"

She whispered so low that he could barely hear her: "Come and lunch
with me to-morrow." With those words she disappeared.

Duroy gave the cabman a five-franc piece, and turned away with a
triumphant, joyful air. He had at last conquered a married woman! A
woman of the world! A Parisian! How easy it had been!

He was somewhat nervous the following day as he ascended Mme. de
Marelle's staircase. How would she receive him? Suppose she forbade him
to enter her house? If she had told--but no, she could not tell
anything without telling the whole truth! He was master of the
situation!

The little maid-servant opened the door. She was as pleasant as usual.
Duroy felt reassured and asked: "Is Madame well?"

"Yes, sir; as well as she always is," was the reply, and he was ushered
into the salon. He walked to the mantelpiece to see what kind of an
appearance he presented: he was readjusting his cravat when he saw in
the mirror the young woman standing on the threshold looking at him. He
pretended not to have seen her, and for several moments they gazed at
one another in the mirror. Then he turned. She had not moved; she
seemed to be waiting. He rushed toward her crying: "How I love you!" He
clasped her to his breast. He thought: "It is easier than I thought it
would be. All is well." He looked at her with a smile, without uttering
a word, trying to put into his glance a wealth of love. She too smiled
and murmured: "We are alone. I sent Laurine to lunch with a friend."

He sighed, and kissing her wrists said: "Thanks; I adore you." She took
his arm as if he had been her husband, and led him to a couch, upon
which they seated themselves side by side. Duroy stammered,
incoherently: "You do not care for me."

She laid her hand upon his lips. "Be silent!"

"How I love you!" said he.

She repeated: "Be silent!"

They could hear the servant laying the table in the dining-room. He
rose: "I cannot sit so near you. I shall lose my head."

The door opened: "Madame is served!"

He offered her his arm gravely. They lunched without knowing what they
were eating. The servant came and went without seeming to notice
anything. When the meal was finished, they returned to the drawing-room
and resumed their seats on the couch side by side. Gradually he drew
nearer her and tried to embrace her.

"Be c