M. DE SALLUS
Madeline, I confess it; but now—we are husband and wife, and it is not necessary to ruin me, is it?
MME. DE SALLUS
Allow me. When you took your wealth—the wealth which was also partly mine by marriage—to pay for your folly, you committed an action that was more than doubtful. In fact, it was criminal, for you ruined me at the same time you ruined yourself. I use your own language. I have refrained from asking you more about the folly that is in question; moreover, the five thousand francs that you must give me will be spent upon your own house. You must admit that is practical economy. But I know you; I know that you are never in love with anything that is lawful and right; so in paying dearly—very dearly, because I shall probably seek an increase—for what you have the right to take, you will find our—liaison—far more to your taste. [Smiles.] Good night, I am going to bed.
M. DE SALLUS [angrily]
Will you take it in cash, or have a cheque?
MME. DE SALLUS [haughtily]
I prefer cash.
M. DE SALLUS [opening a pocketbook]
I have only three bank-notes. I will give you the rest in a cheque. [Writes a cheque and hands it to Mme. de Sallus.]