"Very possibly, monsieur, as you bring it into this discussion. I don't know enough about it to judge, however."
"Then understand, once for all, madame, that the Civil Code expressly states that a woman is expected, obliged, compelled to follow her husband."
"To the Caucasus?"
"Wherever he may see fit to take her."
"I am in no mood for jesting, monsieur. But for that, your interpretation of the Civil Code would amuse me immensely."
"I, too, am in earnest, madame,—very much in earnest."
"That is what makes the whole affair so irresistibly comical."
"Take care, madame, do not drive me to desperation."
"Oh, threaten me with the North Pole at once, and let that be the end of it."
"I have no intention of resorting to threats, madame. I merely wish to impress upon your mind the fact that the time for weakness is past, so when it suits me to start on a journey,—and that moment is, perhaps, nearer than you think,—I shall notify you one week in advance, so you may have time to make all needful preparations; then, willing or not, when the post-horses come, you will enter the carriage."