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Page 264
Chapter II
A short episode which, without directly relating to the action, gives the clientele some notions of our heroes' way of life.
One day, however, it was worse than usual.
Or, rather, one night.
They were at the Théâtre d'Application, where, among other things, a play by M. Porto-Riche, The Faithless Wife, was being given.
''Let me know,'' snarled Raoul, "when you're through looking at Grosclaude."
"And as for you," hissed Marguerite, "pass me the opera glasses when you've got Mademoiselle Moreno down pat."
Begun on this note, the conversation could end only in the most unfortunate reciprocal insults.
In the hansom cab that took them home, Marguerite delighted in plucking at Raoul's vanity as at an old, broken-down mandolin.
So it was that no sooner back home than the belligerents took up their respective positions.
Hand raised to strike, with a remorseless gaze, and a moustache bristling like that of a rabid cat, Raoul bore down on Marguerite, who quickly stopped showing off.
The poor thing fled, as hasty and furtive as the doe in the north woods.
Raoul was on the point of laying hands on her.
It was at that moment that the brilliant invention of the greatest anxieties flashed within her little brain.
Turning suddenly about, she threw herself into the arms of Raoul, crying, "Help, my darling Raoul, save me!"
Chapter III
In which our friends are reconciled as I would wish you also to be frequently reconciled, smart-alecks.
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Chapter IV
As to how people who get involved in things that are none of their affair would do better to mind their own business.
One morning, Raoul received the following message:

 
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