beautiful friend

Chapter 15

Duroy hesitated, not knowing what to do; it had never happened to him to meet the husband of his mistress.At that time, as long as there is a slight carelessness, or a look, or a movement, the other party will see the flaw.So he stammered and said: "No, it's better not to meet your husband." Madame de Marais was startled, stood in front of him, opened a pair of innocent eyes, insisted: "Why? What's the fuss about? This kind of thing is too common! I didn't expect you to be so clueless!"

Duroy had nothing to say, so he could only agree, "Okay, I'll come to dinner on Monday."

Madame de Marais continued: "In order to make the atmosphere look natural, I also invited the Forestiers. You know, I don't really like entertaining guests at home."

Duroy had not given much thought to the matter until Monday.But on the day of the rendezvous, as he walked up the stairs of Madame de Marais's house, he became inexplicably flustered; not because he did not want to shake hands with her husband, drink his wine, eat his bread, but Because he always felt a little worried, and he couldn't tell what he was worried about.

After entering the living room, Duroy waited for the master to appear as usual.After a while, the door opened.A tall, neatly dressed man with a gray beard and a medal on his chest came in and said politely, "Sir, my wife often mentions you to me. It is a great honor to meet you today."

Duroy hurried up to meet him, trying to make himself more enthusiastic; then, he shook the master's extended hand vigorously.But when he sat down, he didn't know what to say.

M. de Marais added a log to the fireplace and asked: "Have you been a reporter for a long time?"

Duroy replied: "No, only a few months."

"Ah! That's not bad!"

"Yes, it's okay." Afterwards, Duroy started chatting with him.He didn't think too much about what he said, it was nothing more than the usual polite words when people meet for the first time.Gradually, Duroy calmed down and began to find the scene in front of him very interesting.Looking at the serious and respectable face of Mr. de Marais, he smiled secretly, thinking: "Man, I gave you a cuckold, you don't know it yet." At this moment, Duroy is like those who steal Like a thief who got his hands on it unsuspectingly, he felt an unholy satisfaction.Suddenly, he really wanted to become a heart-to-heart friend with the gentleman in front of him, to gain his trust, so that he could tell himself the secrets deep in his heart.

At this moment Madame de Marais came in suddenly.She glanced at the two men with smiling but elusive eyes, then walked up to Duroy to greet him.In the presence of M. de Marais, Duroy did not dare to kiss her hand, although he had done so every time he saw her.

Madame de Marais behaved very calmly, as if she had long been accustomed to everything in front of her.For this cunning woman, the meeting was simple and natural.At this time, Luo Lina appeared at the door.She went up to Duroy, stretched out her forehead to him for a kiss, more subtly than usual.Because of her father's presence, she seemed a little restrained.Madame de Marais asked:
"What's the matter? Why isn't it 'Pretty Friend' today?"

The little girl's face blushed suddenly, as if her mother had said something she shouldn't have said, revealing her little secret.

When the Forestiers came to the living room, everyone couldn't help being startled by Charlie's appearance.For a week, he had grown thinner, paler, and coughing profusely.He announced to everyone that, according to the doctor's orders, the couple will leave for Cannes next Thursday to recuperate.

That evening, the Forestiers took their leave early.As soon as they left, Duroy shook his head and said, "It seems that his condition is not good, and it won't last long."

Madame de Marais echoed unhurriedly:

"Yeah, he's done! But luckily he's got a good wife."

Duroy asked:
"Did his wife help him a lot?"

"That's right, and anything. Don't look at her reclusive, but actually knows everyone. As long as she wants, she can get it at any time. She is smarter than any woman, and she has more ideas. For those who want to For a man who wants to achieve a career, she is undoubtedly a rare woman."

Duroy asked:
"So she will probably marry again soon?"

Madame de Marais replied:
"Yes. I wouldn't be surprised at all if she already has someone suitable...perhaps a MP...unless...the MP doesn't want to...because...because morally...it might be troublesome... ...In short, that's what happened. I don't know the specifics."

M. de Marais grew impatient, and complained in a low voice:

"Why do you always like to talk about things that are speculative? We don't care about other people's housework, let's focus on our own family. This is a rule that everyone should abide by."

Duroy left, distracted, with vague thoughts in his head.

The next day, when he came to Forestier's house, the couple's luggage was almost packed.Charlie was lying on the sofa, looking like a gossamer.He kept saying: "I should leave a month earlier." Then, he explained some newspaper matters to Duroy, even though he had already arranged everything with Mr. Walter. When he left, Duroy He shook the old comrade's hand vigorously, and said: "Goodbye, then, brother. I wish you a speedy recovery!" But when Madame Forestier escorted him to the door, Duroy said excitedly : "You haven't forgotten the agreement between us, have you? We are both friends and partners, right? If you need me, no matter what, please don't be polite. Just send a telegram or write a letter, and I will do it."

Madame Forestier said softly: "Thank you. I will never forget." At the same time, in order to express her gratitude, she gave Duroy a deep look with tenderness in her eyes.

As Duroy descended the stairs, he happened to meet the Comte de Vaudrec, whom Duroy had seen once at the Forestiers', as he was slowly ascending.This time the count looked a little sad, perhaps because the owner of the family was about to go on a long journey!
In order to show his gentlemanly demeanor, Duroy, who is a reporter, hastily saluted him.

The count returned the salute politely, still with a bit of arrogance.

On Thursday evening the Forestiers left Paris.

After Charles left, Duroy's work in the editorial department of "French News" became even more busy.He not only has to write some important articles, but also is responsible for issuing social news releases; because the boss wants everyone to be responsible for their own releases.During this period, he experienced several pen battles, but each time he was dealt with skillfully.Due to his frequent contacts with political figures, Duroy has gradually become a political editor with sharp eyesight and smooth handling of the world.

However, there is always one thing that haunts Duroy: a tabloid called "Pen" keeps attacking the editor-in-chief of the social news column of "French Life"; in the words of an anonymous editor of "Pen", it is Condemn the editor-in-chief of the news column who made shocking news for Walter.Every day they published acerbic and insidious articles attacking Duroy with insinuations.

One day, Jacques Rival replied to Duroy: "You are really patient."

Duroy replied helplessly: "Then what do you say? They didn't name them."

But one afternoon, as soon as Duroy entered the editorial room, Boirene handed him a copy of the Pencil and said: "Look! Another article attacking you."

"Ah? For what?"

"No reason, just the report about the arrest of Mrs. Aubert by the police."

Duroy took the newspaper and saw an article entitled "Duroy's Joke", which read as follows: A well-known reporter from "French Life" claimed today that the newspaper once reported about Auber The fact that Mrs. was arrested by the notoriously depraved policeman is pure fiction and there is no such person in real life.But what are the facts?This lady lives at No. 18, Avenue Eguleil, in the Montmartre district.In fact, the employees of the Walter Bank supported the police who were lenient in their business activities, and thus gained some kind of advantage or other benefits, everyone knew very well.As for the reporter mentioned in this article, it is better to continue to create some explosive news that only he knows the inside story, such as the death of someone whose rumors are debunked the next day, war news that does not exist, and important speeches from the royal family that do not exist at all.In short, everything is centered on "Walter's interests".He might even report on the affairs of those courtesans from a gala, or reveal how well a product has made some of our peers great fortunes.

After reading the article, Duroy was stunned with anger.He knew in his heart that some of the contents were very unfavorable to him.

Boilene asked:

"Who told you this news?"

Duroy thought for a long time, then suddenly said:

"Ah, I remembered, it's Saint-Botain!" After finishing speaking, he read the article just now again.When he read the article accusing him of accepting bribes, Duroy immediately became furious.

He shouted loudly: "What, they actually said that I took benefits, so..."

Boirene interrupted him:

"Yeah, this matter is enough to bother you. The boss has always paid special attention to this kind of matter. In our column, these things have become commonplace..."

Just as he was talking, Saint-Botin walked in.Duroy hurried over and asked:

"Have you read the report in the Pencil News?"

"Look. I just came back from Madame Auber's. There was such a person, but she was not arrested by the police. Their reports are groundless."

So Duroy hurried to see the boss.Walter's face was gloomy, and there was a trace of suspicion in his eyes.After listening to what happened, Walter said: "Go to that lady's house yourself to clarify the relevant facts, so as not to write similar reports. In any case, you must be careful in the future. If this happens, It is very troublesome to the newspaper, to me, and to you. As a reporter, you should speak and act like Caesar’s wife, and you should not cause any doubts.”

Duroy asked Saint-Botin to lead him the way, and the two boarded the carriage and said loudly to the coachman, "No. 18, Avenue Eguleil, Montmartre."

The car stopped in front of a building, and Duroy and Boilene climbed up to the sixth floor in one go.The person who came to open the door was an old woman in a rough wool coat. Seeing Saint-Botin, she asked, "What are you looking for me again?"

Saint-Botain replied: "This is Mr. Police, I want to know the situation from you." The old woman let them into the house, and said: "After you left last time, two reporters came to me. I don't know which newspaper it belongs to." Then, she turned to Duroy and said, "Is this gentleman wanting to know the situation?"

"Yes, have you ever been arrested by the depraved police?"

The old woman raised her hands and said excitedly:

"Never, sir, never. The fact is, I used to go to a butcher shop to buy meat, and the owner was nice, but he liked to be short. Although I knew it, I didn't say anything. My daughter and son-in-law were coming that day, so I asked him to weigh me two kilos of pork ribs. Instead, he gave me some bits and pieces of bones. Yes, those were ribs, but they weren't what I wanted. Those scattered bones can only be used to make chowder; what I want are spare ribs, not the broken bones left over from other people's purchases. Therefore, I refuse to take them. Who knows, the butcher shop owner actually called me an "old mouse" , I called him an 'old liar'. In this way, we quarreled with each other. In front of the back bunk, more than 100 people soon gathered around to watch the fun. Finally, a policeman came Now, let us go to the police station and explain the matter; but we were sent away after a while. From then on, I went to other houses to buy meat, and I didn't even want to pass his shop, for fear of another quarrel."

When the old woman said this, she stopped.Duroy asked:

"that's it?"

"Yes, sir, this is the truth of the matter." After speaking, she handed Duroy a glass of black tea wine.Duroy refused to drink it, but the old woman insisted that he drink it, and told him that when he wrote the report, he must include the fact that the butcher shop owner was short of money.

After returning to the newspaper office, Duroy began to contemplate an article to refute the Penholder:

A poor reporter of "Pen Pole News", who did not want to be named, published an article to attack wantonly because he denied their report about the old woman being arrested by the depraved police.I have personally met this Madame Aubert, who is at least sixty years old.She personally told me the ins and outs of the matter.At that time, she had an argument with the butcher shop owner because the amount of ribs she bought was not enough, and she was taken to the police station for an explanation.

That's the truth of the matter.

As for the other insinuations made by the editor of the Penholder, I really disdain to refute them one by one; there is no need to reply to such anonymous attacking articles.

Mr. Georges Durois Walter and Jacques Rival who just walked in both thought the article was very important and decided to print this article on the same day and put it behind the social news.

On this day, Duroy returned home very early, feeling anxious all the time.How will the other party respond?Who is it?Why do you want to have trouble with him?News reporters have a bad temper, and if they don't make things right, things will get worse.That night, Duroy couldn't sleep.

Duroy re-read the article the next day.He felt that the typeface was more provocative, and that some of the language could have been toned down.

He was in a trance all day and didn't sleep well at night.As soon as it was dawn, he got up and hurried out to buy a copy of "Pen Pole Newspaper", wanting to see how the other party responded.

The weather has turned cooler.There was a strong wind blowing outside, and a thin layer of ice had formed on the ditches on both sides, like two ice belts bordering the road; at first glance, the water seemed to be still flowing.

At this time, the newspaper had not yet been delivered, and Duroy couldn't help but think of the scene on the day when "A Brief Note on Service in Africa" ​​was published.Gradually, he felt his hands and feet were cold, especially his fingertips, which were still aching.So he started running around the newsstand with its glass door.Inside the newsstand, the female boss was squatting in front of the stove to enjoy the fire.Through the small window, Duroy could only see her red nose and cheeks exposed by the woolen hood.

At last the newspaperman came and pushed a bundle of newspapers through the window.The female boss took out an open copy of "Pen-holder News" and handed it to Duroy.Duroy browsed quickly, but couldn't find his name.Just as I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, I suddenly saw such a text between two dashes:
Monsieur Duroy of Le Vie published a statement refuting the rumour, attempting to overturn our report.In fact, he was lying.Because, he has admitted that there is indeed a lady named Aubert, and also admitted that she was indeed taken to the police station by the police.As long as the word "weathering" is added in front of "police", it will be exactly the same as our report.

It can be seen that some journalists are as bad as they are talented.

My signature: Louis Langremont After reading this passage, Duroy's heart began to beat wildly.He walked home in a daze, dressed and washed, not even knowing what he was doing.That Louis Langremont had insulted him so brazenly, he could no longer hesitate now.Why exactly?Do nothing.Just got into a fight with the butcher over an old lady.

Duroy dressed hastily and hurried to Mr. Walter's.At this time, it was still eight o'clock in the morning.

Mr. Walter has got up and is reading the Pencil.Seeing Duroy, he said solemnly:
"How? You won't let it go, will you?"

Seeing that Duroy was silent, Walter said:
"Hurry up to Rival and let him arrange it for you."

Duroy muttered something and ran to Rival.At this time, the column editor was still sleeping at home; when he heard the doorbell, he quickly got up.After reading the passage, Rival said: "Shit! There's only one way. Who else do you want to see as a witness?"

"I do not know."

"What do you think of Boirene?"

"Okay, let's find him."

"Are you proficient in swordsmanship?"

"Knowing nothing."

"Damn! What about marksmanship?"

"Mouth Meeting - Occupation"

"Okay. I'll arrange everything, you hurry up and practice well. Now please wait a moment."

After speaking, Rival walked into the bathroom.In a blink of an eye, he came out; not only washed and shaved, but also neatly dressed.

"Come with me," he said.

Rival lives on the ground floor of a small hotel.He took Duroy to the basement.The basement area is very large, and all the windows facing the street have been sealed, turning it into a fencing and shooting place.

The basement is divided into two rooms, the front and the back. Rival lit up a row of gas lamps hanging on the wall one by one, and walked to the second small room in the basement.At the far end of the room stood a mock iron target painted in red and blue.Rival put two new rear-loaded pistols on the table and began shouting commands as if this was the scene of a duel.

"Are you ready?"

"One, two, three! Fire!"

Duroy had to follow his command, raise the gun, aim, and shoot.Because he used his father's old-fashioned carbine to shoot birds in the yard at home when he was a boy, and he kept hitting the belly of the iron target.Jacques Rival was very satisfied with his performance, and exclaimed happily: "Okay... great... great... you can do it... you can do it."

Before leaving, he said to Duroy:

"You can practice like this until noon. There are plenty of bullets here, and it doesn't matter if you shoot them all. I will pick you up for dinner and tell you the latest news."

After he finished speaking, he went out.

Only Duroy was left in the basement.He fired a few more shots, then sat down, lost in thought.

How did things get like this?It's ridiculous.What can the duel prove?Is a liar not a liar after a duel?What would a decent man gain if he fought desperately with those who insulted him?Duroy suddenly remembered what Nobel de Wallen said not long ago: people's thinking is shallow, their considerations are vulgar, and their morals are low!

(End of this chapter)