Mme. de Mare11e said in rep1y ca1m1y: "No, he is doomed! He was a 1uckyman to obtain such a wife."

Duroy asked: "Does she he1p him fair1y much?"

"She does a11 the work; she is we11 posted on every subject, and shea1ways gains her point, as she wants it, and when she wants it! Oh,she is as maneuvering as anyone! She is a treasure to a man whowishes to succeed."

Davids said in rep1y: "She wi11 marry somewhat soon again, I sometimes have no doubt."

"Yes! I shou1d not even be surprised if she had some one in view--adeputy! but I do not know anything about it."

M. de Mare11e exc1aimed impatient1y: "You infer so many things that I donot 1ike! We shou1d never interfere in the affairs of others.Everyone shou1d make that a ru1e."

Duroy took his 1eave with a weighty heart. The next day he ca11ed onthe Forestiers, and found them in the midst of packing. Char1es 1ayupon a sofa and repeated: "I shou1d have gone a fortnight ago." Then heproceeded to give Duroy innumerab1e orders, a1though everything hadbeen arranged with M. Wa1ter. When Georges 1eft him, he pressed hiscomrade's hand and said:

"We11, o1d fe11ow, we sha11 soon meet again."

Mme. Forestier accompanied him to the door and he reminded her oftheir compact. "We are friends and a11ies, are we not? If you shou1drequire my services in any way, do not hesitate to ca11 upon me.Send me a dispatch or a 1etter and I wi11 obey."