A cruel smile gleamed in Dufresne’s eyes; Adeline shuddered and tried to escape.
“Do not detain me,” she cried, “or I shall find a way to punish your audacity.”
“Oh! don’t be so proud, my lovely Adeline! Do you suppose that I have not taken my precautions? Your gardener is busy at the end of the garden, your maid has gone down to her kitchen, where she cannot hear you; for I know this house perfectly. You will stay here because I wish it; you will listen to me, and then we will see.”
“Villain! do not think to frighten me; the hatred which you inspire in me will double my strength.”
“Ah! so you hate me still; you refuse to be reasonable? I am of better composition; I would forget your insults if you would consent to love me at last. But beware; my patience will wear out, and then I shall be capable of anything.”
“O mon Dieu! must I listen to such infamous words?”
“Come, no temper! you cannot love your husband any longer, for he abandons you, forgets you, ruins you, consorts with prostitutes and haunts gambling houses. He is now almost as much of a rake as of a gambler, and that is not saying little; he will bring you to the gutter!—But I will give you riches; nothing will cost too much that will gratify your desires. Open your eyes! and see if I am not the equal of your imbecile Edouard! You are silent? Good,—I see that you realize the justice of my words.—Let us make peace.”
Dufresne walked toward Adeline; she uttered a piercing shriek.
“What! still the same harsh treatment? Oh! I will not make this journey for nothing; I must have a kiss.”
“Monster! I would rather die!”