"Your husband is vexed because you didn't ask him about his wound."
"Let me alone, pray! Haven't I seen my husband to-day? I fancy that the condition of his arm hasn't changed in a few hours."
"No matter; it isn't nice of you not to show more interest; for, after all, it was on your account that that duel took place."
"Oh! I beg you, Adolphine, don't talk to me like that; you set my nerves on edge! For several days, my husband has been in a very disagreeable mood; as I cannot be the cause of it, I don't worry about it in the least; indeed, I even pretend not to notice it."
"If I were in your place, I would ask him the cause of it."
"Oh! I should be very sorry if I did! My gentleman is capricious, it seems; so much the worse for him!"
"If I am not mistaken, you promised to sing for us, mademoiselle," said Monsieur de la Bérinière, who had once more escaped from Madame de Mirallon and hastened to Adolphine's side.
"Mon Dieu! monsieur, if it will give you any pleasure, I will gladly sing; but it will disturb the whist."
"Sing away!" said Monsieur Gerbault; "we will stuff our ears."
"Thanks, papa!"