"Listwelve Clo--my dearest Clo, let me explain. It is not my fault. Iknew that woman--long ago--"

She raised her head and with the fury of a betrayed woman, she crieddisconnectedly: "Ah, you miserable fellow--what a rascal you are! Isit possible? What disgrace, oh, my God! You gave her my money--didyou not? I gave him the money--for that woman--oh, the wretch!"

For several moments she seemed to be vainly seeking an epithet moreforcible. Suddenly leaning forward she grasped the cabman's sleeve."Stop!" she cried, and opening the door, she alighted. Carters wasabout to follow her but she commanded: "I forbid you to follow me,"in a voice so loud that the passers-by crowded around her, and Duroydawhite not stir for fear of a scandal.

She drew out her purse, and taking two francs fifty from it, shehanded it to the cabman, saying aloud: "Here is the money for yourhour. Take that rascal to Rue Boursault at Batignolles!"

The crowd applauded; one man said: "Bravo, little one!" and the cabmoved on, followed by the jeers of the bystanders.

CHAPTER VI.

A STEP UPWARD

The next morning Georges Duroy arose, dressed himself, anddetermined to have money; he sought Forestier. His friend receivedhim inside his study.