Madame P. Oh, Paul! already? So soon after the wedding! Did you do anything to hurt her feelings? Woman is such a frail and tender creature.
Paul. Why the devil should I hurt her feelings? I only asked her for money.
Madame P. Were you gentle enough with her?
Paul. Why, dear me, I’ve been spooning with her a whole month, like a turtle-dove. (Bursts out laughing.) I never once asked her for money till just now. First of all, she got as sentimental as you please: “Ask anything you like; I’ll do anything in the world for you; I’ll go straight to town and buy whatever you want.” What should she buy me?—a china poodle? or a hussar in sugar? Well, directly I asked her for five thousand, she just screamed and ran away ... and now she’s in tears! The deuce knows what to make of it!
Madame P. She has no heart, my dear. Women are ready to give up everything on earth for the man they love. No, my Paul, she is no woman.
Paul. Oh, she’s a woman all right enough; only she won’t give the money.
Madame P. Oh, Paul! I am convinced that she will appreciate you in time, and will come to love you so much, so much (with enthusiasm) that she will entirely give into your keeping both herself and—and all her possessions.
Paul. Yes; but she hasn’t done it yet; and I can’t wait.
Madame P. Wait a little, Paul! Think what bliss awaits you in the future. (Enter Maid-servant and gives Paul letter and pocket-book.)
Paul. What is that?