“My husband, madame! I cost that gentleman nothing, thank heaven! All I have was given me by my mother.”
Adolphe turns suddenly about and goes to talk with Madame de Fischtaminel.
After a year of absolute monarchy, Caroline says very mildly one morning:
“How much have you spent this year, dear?”
“I don’t know.”
“Examine your accounts.”
Adolphe discovers that he has spent a third more than during Caroline’s worst year.
“And I’ve cost you nothing for my dress,” she adds.
Caroline is playing Schubert’s melodies. Adolphe takes great pleasure in hearing these compositions well-executed: he gets up and compliments Caroline. She bursts into tears.
“What’s the matter?”