Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 12

The story opens on a warm Parisian night when two old college friends, Jean and Léon, stroll slowly down a bustling boulevard after leaving a lively café. The city glows with lantern light, horse‑drawn carriages flash by, and the air is filled with the chatter of summer revelers. Jean, elegant and slightly weary, carries a cigar and a relaxed air, while the towering Léon exudes the confidence of a man accustomed to attention. Their easy banter reveals a friendship tempered by years of shared experiences and a subtle rivalry.

Their leisurely walk soon leads them to the entrance of the Vaudeville theatre, where Léon is eager to meet the Marquise Obardi, a woman rumored to be both charming and cunning. Jean, the skeptical observer, offers a witty warning about the risks of courting such a figure, hinting at the delicate dance of desire and social ambition that will unfold. As the two friends step into the bright glow of the theatre’s foyer, the night promises a mix of romance, intrigue, and the subtle power games that define Parisian high society.