The Final Plot

           Threemonthshadelapsed.GeorgesduRoy’sdivorcehadbeenobtained.HiswifehadresumedthenameofForestier.

           AstheWaltersweregoingtoTrouvilleonthefifteenthofJuly,theydecidedtospendadayinthecountrybeforestarting.

           ThedaychosenwasThursday,andtheysetoutatnineo’clockinthemorninginalargesix-seatedcarriagedrawnbyfourhorses.TheyweregoingtolunchatSaint-Germain.Bel-Amihadrequestedthathemightbetheonlyyoungmanintheparty,forhecouldnotbearthepresenceoftheMarquisdeCazolles.Atthelastmoment,however,itwasdecidedthatCountdeLatour-Ivelinshouldgo,forheandRosehadbeenbetrothedamonth.Thedaywasdelightful.Georges,whowasverypale,gazedatSuzanneastheysatinthecarriageandtheireyesmet.

           Mme.Walterwascontentedandhappy.Theluncheonwasalongandmerryone.BeforeleavingforParis,DuRoyproposedawalkontheterrace.Theystoppedonthewaytoadmiretheview;astheypassedon,GeorgesandSuzannelingeredbehind.Theformerwhisperedsoftly:"Suzanne,Iloveyoumadly."

           Shewhisperedinreturn:"Iloveyoutoo,Bel-Ami."

           Hecontinued:"IfIcannothaveyouformywife,Ishallleavethecountry."

           Shereplied:"Askpapa.Perhapshewillconsent."

           Heansweredimpatiently:"No,Irepeatthatitisuseless;thedoorofthehousewouldbeclosedagainstme.Iwouldlosemypositiononthejournal,andwewouldnotevenmeet.