illed with ladies, who were chatting as if they were
at a theater. Mme. Walter and her daughters reached their seats in the
front row.

Du Roy, having obtained their places for them, whispered: "I shall be
obliged to leave you; men cannot occupy the seats."

Mme. Walter replied hesitatingly: "I should like to keep you, just the
same. You could tell me the names of the participants. See, if you
stand at the end of the seat, you will not annoy anyone." She raised
her large, soft eyes to his and insisted: "Come, stay with
us--Bel-Ami--we need you!"

He replied: "I obey with pleasure, Madame!"

Suddenly Jacques Rival's voice announced: "We will begin, ladies."

Then followed the fencing-match. Du Roy retained his place beside the
ladies and gave them all the necessary information. When the
entertainment was over and all expenses were paid, two hundred and
twenty francs remained for the orphans of the Sixth Ward.

Du Roy, escorting the Walters, awaited his carriage. When seated face
to face with Mme. Walter, he met her troubled but caressing glance.

"Egad, I believe she is affected," thought he; and he smiled as he
recognized the fact that he was really successful with the female sex,
for Mme. de Marelle, since the renewal of their relations, seemed to
love him madly.

With a light heart he returned home. Madeleine was awaiting him in the
drawing-room.

"I have some news," said she. "The affair with Morocco is becoming
complicated. France may send an expedition out there in several months.
In any case the ministry will be overthrown and Laroche will profit by
the occasion."

Du Roy, in order to draw out his wife, pretended not to believe it.
"France would not be silly enough to commence any folly with Tunis!"

She shrugged her shoulders impatiently. "I tell you she will! You do
not understand that it is a question of money--you are as simple as
Forestier."

Her object was to wound and irritate him, but he only smiled and
replied: "What! as simple as that stupid fellow?"

She ceased and murmured: "Oh, Georges!"

He added: "Poor devil!" in a tone of profound pity.

Madeleine turned her back upon him scornfully; after a moment of
silence, she continued: "We shall have some company Tuesday. Mme.
Laroche-Mathieu is coming here to dine with Viscountess de Percemur.
Will you invite Rival and Norbert de Varenne? I shall go to Mmes.
Walter and de Marelle to-morrow. Perhaps, too, we may have Mme.
Rissolin."

Du