Милий друг
The First Intrigue
Iknewthatwoman—longago—"
Sheraisedherheadandwiththefuryofabetrayedwoman,shecrieddisconnectedly:"Ah,youmiserablefellow—whatarascalyouare!Isitpossible?Whatdisgrace,oh,myGod!Yougavehermymoney—didyounot?Igavehimthemoney—forthatwoman—oh,thewretch!"
Forseveralmomentssheseemedtobevainlyseekinganepithetmoreforcible.Suddenlyleaningforwardshegraspedthecabman’ssleeve."Stop!"shecried,andopeningthedoor,shealighted.Georgeswasabouttofollowherbutshecommanded:"Iforbidyoutofollowme,"inavoicesoloudthatthepassers-bycrowdedaroundher,andDuroydarednotstirforfearofascandal.
Shedrewoutherpurse,andtakingtwofrancsfiftyfromit,shehandedittothecabman,sayingaloud:"Hereisthemoneyforyourhour.TakethatrascaltoRueBoursaultatBatignolles!"
Thecrowdapplauded;onemansaid:"Bravo,littleone!"andthecabmovedon,followedbythejeersofthebystanders.
