Madame Walter Takes a Hand

           Onenteringtheofficethefollowingday,DuRoysoughtBoisrenardandtoldhimtowarnhisassociatesnottocontinuethefarceofcallinghimForestier,ortherewouldbewar.WhenDuRoyreturnedanhourlater,noonecalledhimbythatname.Fromtheofficeheproceededtohishome,andhearingthesoundofladies’voicesinthedrawing-room,heaskedtheservant:"Whoishere?"

           "Mme.WalterandMme.deMarelle,"wasthereply.

           Hisheartpulsatedviolentlyasheopenedthedoor.Clotildewasseatedbythefireplace;itseemedtoGeorgesthatsheturnedpaleonperceivinghim.

           HavinggreetedMme.Walterandhertwodaughtersseatedlikesentinelsbesideher,heturnedtohisformermistress.Sheextendedherhand;hetookandpresseditasiftosay:"Iloveyoustill!"Shereturnedthepressure.

           Hesaid:"Haveyoubeenwellsincewelastmet?"

           "Yes;haveyou,Bel-Ami?"AndturningtoMadeleinesheadded:"WillyoupermitmetocallhimBel-Ami?"

           "Certainly,mydear;Iwillpermitanythingyouwish."

           Ashadeofironylurkedbeneaththosewords,utteredsopleasantly.

           Mme.Waltermentionedafencing-matchtobegivenatJacquesRival’sapartments,theproceedstobedevotedtocharities,andinwhichmanysocietyladiesweregoingtoassist.Shesaid:"Itwillbeveryentertaining;butIamindespair,forwehavenoonetoescortus,myhusbandhavinganengagement.