He cast a fearful look upon her, and said, with a laugh which chilled her blood:
—Oh, you want to go away. Well, how about the money I have spent on you, and on your journey?
—Your money! I did not ask you for it. But I will let you have it back again, be assured; when I have worked and earned it.
—And you believe that I shall be satisfied with this fine promise? You will let me have my money back immediately, or I shall certainly accuse you of being a thief … an adventuress.
—I will say what happened. It was you who compelled me to take the money for the coach-fare.
—I make you a present of that, but you will have to pay all that you have spent here; if not, you will be put in prison, you understand, little good-for-nothing? Do you think people are going to keep you and let you enjoy yourself for nothing?
—And who has told you that I shall not pay, replied Zulma, struck by the logic of this objection.
—Then you will pay immediately, said the worthy man, for I have been answerable for you, and it is on my recommendation that they have received a trollop like you into this respectable house. Madame Connard, he cried at the door, dear Madame Connard, will you bring up the bill, the little bill?
Madame Connard appeared at once:
—What, Mademoiselle is going away, is she not sleeping here?