Finding a button off his waistcoat, he was struck dumb. He stared at his wife with a look so severe that it made her flush.
"I don't know how I missed it," she stammered. "It came off when the waistcoat was washed. I put it aside to sew it on. I was called to the kitchen, and after all I forgot all about it."
"Nothing, it is nothing! Of what consequence is one button more or less?" he said with a sarcastic smile.
"You know I am very sorry about it."
"Have I not told you it is nothing, madam? Why do you worry about it? One button, one button! What does one button signify compared to a bit of gossip with the laundress?"
"But, man, for heaven's sake, don't be like that!" she cried in anguish.
"Have I said anything?" he shouted, furious.
Matilde controlled herself and occupied herself with sewing on the button.
"How should I be? Say!" he persisted with unabated fury.
His wife did not look up.