Summary

In Chapter 4, one of Georges’ new colleagues, Saint-Potin, gives him the gossip on all the journal’s executives, including the wife of M. Forestier, whom he claims is involved with Vaudrec. Georges goes to the Forestiers again to ask for Mme. Forestier’s help with his second article, but M. Forestier ushers him out. Georges’ second article does not get published as M. Forestier says it needs revision. Georges goes out to the Folies Bergeres again, where he sees the brunette, Rachel, again. Georges abandons his Algeria series but becomes a valuable reporter. Still, he is convinced he earns less than the other reporters and is determined to get to the bottom of the matter.

Georges calls upon Clotilde de Marelle in Chapter 5. He plays with her daughter, Laurine, which pleases Clotilde. Clotilde nicknames him Bel Ami, for his handsomeness. The next time...