"He was astonished and asked me the reason for it, and begged me to insist or to make them prevail upon you to accept it in your own interests, and if you refuse for yourself, then in the interests of Marie Louise and Philippe, who are in your charge."
After giving this explanation with a severe authority due to embarrassment, he looked at the young woman whose confusion he noted; either coming from the cold air outside to the warm air of the room had caused the blood to mount to her cheeks, or else this flush was caused by the awkwardness she experienced in advance, knowing what her answer must be. Blushing, her eyes filled with tears, she regained her breath as if she were choking, and replied with great effort:
"My husband has wrecked his home himself. He has deprived us of his moral support. From now on, I have decided to dispense with his financial support.
"I will bring them up myself. Later, they can do as they like."
"It is the tenth month. The lawyer has already received ten thousand francs in your name. He does not wish to keep it."
"Let him send it back to M. Derize."
"Albert will not take it back. You know him well. He has pride ... like you."
With a gesture of indifference, she indicated that she had nothing to do with the disposal of the money. However, Philippe Lagier's answer, that allusion to Albert's unselfish nature, was secretly pleasant to her. It put an end to the unpleasant memories which the presence of the lawyer would otherwise have awakened. He replied, with a little less assurance:
"May I ask you a question? Do you not need this allowance, which is legal and which you can—which you ought to receive?"
She explained her situation with simplicity. She had received a dowry of two hundred thousand francs, the interest of which would be sufficient for her. She did not add that her parents had not yet given her the last quarter of it, and that she found her income reduced to six thousand francs a year. Philippe really knew this, but only said: