"I found the twenty-franc piece you slipped into my pocket. I will
not return the money to-day, but I will repay you when we next
meet."

When Madame came, he dared not broach the delicate subject. They
spent the evening together and appointed their next meeting for
Wednesday of the following week, for Mme. de Marelle had a number of
engagements. Duroy continued to accept money from Clotilde and
quieted his conscience by assuring himself: "I will give it back in
a lump. It is nothing but borrowed money anyway." So he kept account
of all that he received in order to pay it back some day.

One evening, Mme. de Marelle said to him: "Would you believe that I
have never been to the Folies-Bergeres; will you take me there?"

He hesitated, fearing a meeting with Rachel. Then he thought: "Bah,
I am not married after all. If she should see me, she would take in
the situation and not accost me. Moreover, we would have a box."

When they entered the hall, it was crowded; with difficulty they
made their way to their seats. Mme. de Marelle did not look at the
stage; she was interested in watching the women who were
promenading, and she felt an irresistible desire to touch them, to
see of what those beings were made. Suddenly she said:

"There is a large brunette who stares at us all the time. I think
every minute she will speak to us. Have you seen her?"

He replied: "No, you are mistaken."