Милий друг

           Hewaswellsatisfiedwiththeresultsofhiseffortsandretired,lulledtorestbythewhistlingofthetrains.EarlythenextmorningheboughtacakeandabottleofMadeira.Hespreadthecollationonhisdressing-tablewhichwascoveredwithanapkin.Thenhewaited.Shecameataquarterpastfiveandexclaimedassheentered:"Why,itisnicehere.Buttherewereagreatmanypeopleonthestairs."

           Hetookherinhisarmsandkissedherhair.Anhourandahalflaterheescortedhertoacab-standontheRuedeRome.Whenshewasseatedinthecab,hewhispered:"Tuesday,atthesamehour."

           Sherepeatedhiswords,andasitwasnight,shekissedhim.Thenasthecabmanstarteduphishorse,shecried:"Adieu,Bel-Ami!"andtheoldcouperumbledoff.

           ForthreeweeksDuroyreceivedMme.deMarelleeverytwoorthreedays,sometimesinthemorning,sometimesintheevening.

           Ashewasawaitingheroneafternoon,anoiseonthestaircasedrewhimtohisdoor.Achildscreamed.Aman’sangryvoicecried:"Whatisthebrathowlingabout?"

           Awoman’svoicereplied:"Nicolashasbeentrippeduponthelanding-placebythejournalist’ssweetheart."

           Duroyretreated,forheheardtherustlingofskirts.Soontherewasaknockathisdoor,whichheopened,andMme.deMarellerushedin,crying:"Didyouhear?"Georgesfeignedignoranceofthematter.