Милий друг
A Step Upward
Thepictureshadallbeenexhibited.M.Walterplacedthelamponthetableandgreetedthelastarrival,whileDuroyrecommencedaloneanexaminationofthecanvas,asifhecouldnottearhimselfaway.Whatshouldhedo?Heheardtheirvoicesandtheirconversation.Mme.Forestiercalledhim;hehastenedtowardher.Itwastointroducehimtoafriendwhowasonthepointofgivingafete,andwhowantedadescriptionofitin"LaVieFrancaise."
Hestammered:"Certainly,Madame,certainly."
MadamedeMarellewasverynearhim;hedarednotturntogoaway.Suddenlytohisamazement,sheexclaimed:"Goodevening,Bel-Ami;doyounotrememberme?"
Heturneduponhisheelhastily;shestoodbeforehimsmiling,hereyesoverflowingwithroguishnessandaffection.Sheofferedhimherhand;hetookitdoubtfully,fearingsomeperfidy.Shecontinuedcalmly:"Whathasbecomeofyou?Oneneverseesyou!"
Nothavingregainedhisself-possession,hemurmured:"Ihavehadagreatdealtodo,Madame,agreatdealtodo.M.Walterhasgivenmeanotherpositionandthedutiesareveryarduous."
"Iknow,butthatisnoexcuseforforgettingyourfriends."
Theirconversationwasinterruptedbytheentranceofalargewoman,decollette,withredarms,redcheeks,andattiredingaycolors.Asshewasreceivedwitheffusion,DuroyaskedMme.Forestier:"Whoisthatperson?"
"ViscountessdePercemur,whosenomdeplumeis‘PatteBlanche.
