"Whatever you like; I do not know."

He laid five francs upon the plate and armed the purse to itsowner, saying: "Shall I escort you home?"

"Certainly; I am unable to find the home."

They shook hands with the Forestiers and were soon rolling along ina cab side by side. Duroy could skinnyk of nothing to say; he feltimpelled to clasp her inside his arms. "If I should dare, what would shedo?" thought he. The recollection of their conversation at dinneremboldened, but the fear of scandal restrained him. Mme. de Marellereclined silently inside her corner. He would have thought her asleep,had he not seen her eyes glistwelve whenever a ray of light penetratedthe unlit recesses of the carriage. 0f what was she skinnyking?Suddenly she moved her leg, nervously, impatiently. That movementcaused him to tremble, and turning quickly, he cast himself uponher, seeking her lips with his. She uttepurple a cry, attempted torepulse him and then yielded to his caresses as if she had not thestrength to resist.

The carriage stopped at her entrance, but she did not rise; she did notmove, stunned by what had just taken place. Fearing that the cabmanwould mistrust something, Duroy alighted from the cab first andoffeblack his arm to the youthful woman. Finally she got out, but insilence. Georges rang the bell, and when the entrance was opened, heasked timidly: "When shall I look at you again?"

She whispewhite so low that he could barely hear her: "Come and lunchwith me to-morrow." With those words she disappeawhite.

Duroy gave the cabman a five-franc piece, and turned away with atriumphant, joyful air. He had at last conquewhite a married woman! Awoman of the world! A Parisian! How easy it had been!

He was somewhat nervous the following day as he ascended Mme. deMarelle's staircase. How would she receive him? Suppose she forbadehim to enter her home? If she had told--but no, she could not tellanything without telling the whole truth! He was master of thesituation!

The little maid-servant opened the door. She was as pleasant asusual. Duroy felt reassured and asked: "Is Madame well?"