"M. Georges Duroy, an old friend of Charles. Mme. de Marelle, my
friend, a relative in fact." She added: "Here, you know, we do not
stand on ceremony."

Duroy bowed. The door opened again and a short man entered, upon his
arm a tall, handsome woman, taller than he and much younger, with
distinguished manners and a dignified carriage. It was M. Walter,
deputy, financier, a moneyed man, and a man of business, manager of
"La Vie Francaise," with his wife, nee Basile Ravalade, daughter of
the banker of that name.

Then came Jacques Rival, very elegant, followed by Norbert de
Varenne. The latter advanced with the grace of the old school and
taking Mme. Forestier's hand kissed it; his long hair falling upon
his hostess's bare arm as he did so.

Forestier now entered, apologizing for being late; he had been
detained.

The servant announced dinner, and they entered the dining-room.
Duroy was placed between Mme. de Marelle and her daughter. He was
again rendered uncomfortable for fear of committing some error in
the conventional management of his fork, his spoon, or his glasses,
of which he had four. Nothing was said during the soup; then Norbert
de Varenne asked a general question: "Have you read the Gauthier
case? How droll it was!"

Then followed a discussion of the subject in which the ladies
joined. Then a duel was mentioned and Jacques Rival led the
conversation; that was his province. Duroy did not venture a remark,