The waiter brought the beer, which the women swallowed rapidly; then
they rose, and the brunette, nodding her head and tapping Duroy's
arm with her fan, said to him: "Thank you, my dear! However, you are
not very talkative."

As they disappeared, Forestier laughed and said: "Tell, me, old man,
did you know that you had a charm for the weaker sex? You must be
careful."

Without replying, Duroy smiled. His friend asked: "Shall you remain
any longer? I am going; I have had enough."

Georges murmured: "Yes, I will stay a little longer: it is not
late."

Forestier arose: "Very well, then, good-bye until to-morrow. Do not
forget: 17 Rue Fontaine at seven thirty."

"I shall not forget. Thank you."

The friends shook hands and the journalist left Duroy to his own
devices.

Forestier once out of sight, Duroy felt free, and again he joyously
touched the gold pieces in his pocket; then rising, he mingled with
the crowd.

He soon discovered the blonde and the brunette. He went toward them,
but when near them dared not address them.