“She has been generous enough to forgive me! really, that is most noble of her! But I, monsieur, I do not forgive that lady, whom you esteem, for having the assurance to dance with you in my presence. That her clown of a husband should not object is quite worthy of him; but you, monsieur, have you no shame?”

“Yes, madame, I was ashamed this evening, and I was ashamed because I was the husband of a woman who behaved as you did!”

“What an abominable thing! You dare reprove me?”

“Yes, you, who slander in public a respectable woman.”

“Say a prostitute, monsieur.”

“You who publicly exhibit your absurd jealousy!”

“In truth, I am absurd to be jealous of you, you are not worth the trouble!”

“But do not expect, madame, that I will put up with such conduct! that you can insult my friends and that I shall keep quiet!”

“You ought to have made a scene before your mistress; that would have pleased her.

“You did not hesitate to humiliate me before the world; for it is humiliating for a man to be put in the position in which I was put at that ball.”