Милий друг

           Heseatedhimselfuponachairshepointedouttohim,andashesankintoitsluxuriousdepths,itseemedtohimthathewasenteringanewandcharminglife,thathewouldmakehismarkintheworld,thathewassaved.HeglancedatMme.Forestier.Sheworeagownofpalebluecashmerewhichclunggracefullytohersuppleformandroundedoutlines;herarmsandthroatrosein,lily-whitepurityfromthemassoflacewhichornamentedthecorsageandshortsleeves.Herhairwasdressedhighandcurledonthenapeofherneck.

           Duroygrewmoreathiseaseunderherglance,whichrecalledtohim,heknewnotwhy,thatofthegirlhehadmettheprecedingeveningattheFolies-Bergeres.Mme.Forestierhadgrayeyes,asmallnose,fulllips,andaratherheavychin,anirregular,attractiveface,fullofgentlenessandyetofmalice.

           Afterashortsilence,sheasked:"HaveyoubeeninParisalongtime?"

           Graduallyregaininghisself-possession,hereplied:"afewmonths,Madame.Iamintherailroademploy,butmyfriendForestierhasencouragedmetohopethat,thankstohim,Icanenterintojournalism."

           Shesmiledkindlyandmurmuredinalowvoice:"Iknow."

           Thebellrangagainandtheservantannounced:"Mme.deMarelle."Shewasadaintybrunette,attiredinasimple,darkrobe;aredroseinherblacktressesseemedtoaccentuateherspecialcharacter,andayounggirl,orratherachild,forsuchshewas,followedher.

           Mme.