"Nothing, nothing, I assure you."
"I see that something is the matter; answer me, I implore you."
"Ah, well, if I must tell you, my husband has had some business relations with M. Pascal. Unhappily, a great misunderstanding was the result, and—"
"Why, Sophie, you are very unreasonable to give yourself so much concern, because, in consequence of this misunderstanding with M. Pascal, your husband cannot render me the good office I expected from him."
Madame Dutertre, willing to leave her friend in this error, tried to regain her calmness, and said to her:
"Indeed, it disappoints me very much to think that Charles will not be able to do you the first service that you ask of us."
"Stop, Sophie, you will make me regret having appealed so cordially to you."
"Madeleine—"
"Really, it is not such a great pity! And, besides, to prevent my being deceived, I will address myself directly to this M. Pascal, but I will demand my accounts every week. Your husband can examine them, and, if they are not correct, I will know perfectly well how to complain of them to monsieur, my banker, and to take another."
"You are right, Madeleine," said Sophie, recovering by degrees her self-possession, "and the supervision of my husband will, in fact, be more necessary than you think."