Милий друг
Duroy Learns Something
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Duroyshookhandswithhimandwalkedaway.Thethoughtofthearticlehehadtowritethateveninghauntedhim.Mentallyhecollectedthematerialashewendedhiswaytothecafeatwhichhedined.Thenhereturnedhomeandseatedhimselfathistabletowork.Beforehiseyeswasthesheetofblankpaper,butallthematerialhehadamassedhadescapedhim.Aftertryingforanhour,andafterfillingfivepageswithsentenceswhichhadnoconnectiononewiththeother,hesaid:"Iamnotyetfamiliarwiththework.Imusttakeanotherlesson."
Atteno’clockthefollowingmorningherangthebell,athisfriend’shouse.Theservantwhoopenedthedoor,said:"Monsieurisbusy."
DuroyhadnotexpectedtofindForestierathome.Howeverhesaid:"TellhimitisM.Duroyonimportantbusiness."
Inthecourseoffiveminuteshewasusheredintotheroominwhichhehadspentsohappyamorning.IntheplaceMme.Forestierhadoccupied,herhusbandwasseatedwriting,whileMme.Forestierstoodbythemantelpieceanddictatedtohim,acigarettebetweenherlips.
Duroypauseduponthethresholdandmurmured:"Ibegyourpardon,Iaminterruptingyou."
Hisfriendgrowledangrily:"Whatdoyouwantagain?Makehaste;wearebusy."
Georgesstammered:"Itisnothing."
ButForestierpersisted:"Come,wearelosingtime;youdidnotforceyourwayintothehouseforthepleasureofbiddingusgoodmorning.
