Милый друг
A Step Upward
NorbertdeVarenneandJacquesRivalcametogether.Adooropenedattheendoftheroom,andM.Walterenteredwithtwotallyounggirlsofsixteenandseventeen;oneplain,theotherpretty.Duroyknewthatthemanagerwasapaterfamilias,buthewasastonished.Hehadthoughtofthemanager’sdaughtersasonethinksofadistantcountryonewillneversee.Then,too,hehadfanciedthemchildren,andhesawwomen.Theyshookhandsuponbeingintroducedandseatedthemselvesatatablesetapartforthem.Oneoftheguestshadnotarrived,andthatembarrassingsilencewhichprecedesdinnersingeneralreignedsupreme.
Duroyhappeningtoglanceatthewalls,M.Waltersaid:"Youarelookingatmypictures?Iwillshowthemalltoyou."Andhetookalampthattheymightdistinguishallthedetails.TherewerelandscapesbyGuillemet;"AVisittotheHospital,"byGervex;"AWidow,"byBouguereau;"AnExecution,"byJeanPaulLaurens,andmanyothers.
Duroyexclaimed:"Charming,charming,char—"butstoppedshortonhearingbehindhimthevoiceofMme.deMarellewhohadjustentered.M.Waltercontinuedtoexhibitandexplainhispictures;butDuroysawnothing—heardwithoutcomprehending.Mme.deMarellewasthere,behindhim.Whatshouldhedo?Ifhegreetedher,mightshenotturnherbackuponhimoruttersomeinsultingremark?Ifhedidnotapproachher,whatwouldpeoplethink?Hewassoillateasethatatonetimehethoughtheshouldfeignindispositionandreturnhome.
