In the meantime, while he was being discussed, Duroy walked gaily
down Boulevard Malesherbes.

The following week he was appointed editor of the "Echoes," and
invited to dine at Mme. Walter's. The "Echoes" were, M. Walter said,
the very pith of the paper. Everything and everybody should be
remembered, all countries, all professions, Paris and the provinces,
the army, the arts, the clergy, the schools, the rulers, and the
courtiers. The man at the head of that department should be wide
awake, always on his guard, quick to judge of what was best to be
said and best to be omitted, to divine what would please the public
and to present it well. Duroy was just the man for the place.

He was enjoying the fact of his promotion, when he received an
engraved card which read:

"M. and Mme. Walter request the pleasure of M. Georges Duroy's
company at dinner on Thursday, January 20."

He was so delighted that he kissed the invitation as if it had been
a love-letter.

Then he sought the cashier to settle the important question of his
salary. At first twelve hundred francs were allowed Duroy, who
intended to save a large share of the money. He was busy two days
getting settled in his new position, in a large room, one end of
which he occupied, and the other end of which was allotted to
Boisrenard, who worked with him.

The day of the dinner-party he left the office in good season, in