Chapter 3 - Page 2

thither, with what results
we have seen. He awoke from his reflections as the locomotive
whistled shrilly, closed his window, and began to disrobe,
muttering: "Bah, I shall be able to work better to-morrow morning.
My brain is not clear to-night. I have drunk a little too much. I
can't work well under such circumstances." He extinguished his light
and fell asleep.

He awoke early, and, rising, opened his window to inhale the fresh
air. In a few moments he seated himself at his table, dipped his pen
in the ink, rested his head upon his hand and thought--but in vain!
However, he was not discouraged, but in thought reassured himself:
"Bah, I am not accustomed to it! It is a profession that must be
learned like all professions. Some one must help me the first time.
I'll go to Forestier. He'll start my article for me in ten minutes."

When he reached the street, Duroy decided that it was rather early
to present himself at his friend's house, so he strolled along under
the trees on one of the boulevards for a time. On arriving at
Forestier's door, he found his friend going out.

"You here--at this hour! Can I do anything for you?"

Duroy stammered in confusion: "I--I--cannot write that article on
Algeria that M. Walter wants. It is not very surprising, seeing that
I have never written anything. It requires practice. I could write
very rapidly, I am sure, if I could make a beginning. I have the
ideas but I cannot express them." He paused and hesitated.

Forestier smiled maliciously: "I understand that."

Duroy continued: "Yes, anyone is liable to have that trouble at the
beginning; and, well--I have come to ask you to help me. In ten
minutes you can set me right. You can give me a lesson in style;
without you I can do nothing."

The other smiled gaily. He patted his companion's arm and said to
him: "Go to my wife; she will help you better than I can. I have
trained her for that work. I have not time this morning or I would
do it willingly."

But Duroy hesitated: "At this hour I cannot inquire for her."

"Oh, yes, you can; she has risen. You will find her in my study."

"I will go, but I shall tell her you sent me!"

Forestier walked away, and Duroy slowly ascended the stairs,
wondering what he should say and what kind of a reception he would
receive.

The servant who opened the door said: "Monsieur has gone out."

Duroy replied: "Ask Mme. Forestier if she will see me, and tell her
that M. Forestier, whom I met on the street, sent me."

The lackey soon returned and ushered Duroy into Madame's presence.
She was seated at a table