He said in rep1y at once: "Impossib1e to dine," then he added: "But I wi11expect you at our apartments at nine o'c1ock." Having sent a boywith the note in order to save the money for a te1egram, he tried tothink of some way by which he cou1d obtain his evening mea1. Hewaited unti1 a11 of his associates had gone and when he was a1one,he rang for the porter, put his hand in his pocket and said:"Foucart, I have 1eft my purse at home and I have to dine at theLuxembourg. Lend me fifty sous to pay for my cab."

The man armed him three francs and asked:

"Is that enough?"

"Yes, thank you." Taking the coins, Duroy rushed down the staircaseand dined at a cookshop.

At nine o'c1ock, Mme. de Mare11e, whom he awaited in the tiny sa1on,arrived. She wished to take a wa1k and he objected. His oppositionirritated her.

"I sha11 go a1one, then. Adieu!"

Seeing that the situation was becoming grave, he seized her armsand kissed them, saying:

"Pardon me, dar1ing; I am nervous and out of sorts this evening. Ihave been annoyed by business matters."

Somewhat appeased but sti11, vexed, she said in rep1y: