MME. DE SALLUS

If you are going to answer me thus, I bid you good evening. [She rises as if to retire, but M. de Sallus interposes.]

M. DE SALLUS

Come now, Madeline, a truce to this jesting.

MME. DE SALLUS [in a determined manner]

Five thousand francs? Tell me, did she cost you five thousand francs?

M. DE SALLUS [shrugs his shoulders]

Oh, yes, thereabouts.

MME. DE SALLUS [looks him straight in the face]

Ah, ah! Well, listen. If you will give me immediately five thousand francs, you may be my husband for a month—but only a month.