Hypocrite! You make me thirsty with so much talk. [_Goes to a chiffonier, where there is a decanter and various liqueurs, and pours herself out a glass of water. At the instant she begins to drink_, M. de Sallus _steals up and kisses her on the back of the neck. She turns with a start and throws the glass of water in his face_.] M. DE SALLUS I suppose you think that funny. MME. DE SALLUS It may or may not be. Certainly what you have done, or tried to do, was ridiculous. M. DE SALLUS Madeline, I ask-- MME. DE SALLUS Five--thousand--francs. M. DE SALLUS But that would be idiotic. MME. DE SALLUS And why? M. DE SALLUS Ask me why a husband should pay his wife--his lawful wife--when he has the right? MME. DE SALLUS Oh, no, no. You may have the strength, but I can have my revenge. M. DE SALLUS Madeline-- MME. DE SALLUS Five--thousand--francs. M. DE SALLUS I should be an object of ridicule forever if I were to pay my wife--yes--not only an object of ridicule, but an idiot, an imbecile. MME. DE SALLUS Well, don't you think it is still more imbecile, when you have such a wife as I, to--to go outside and--pay mistresses? M. DE SALLUS Madeline, I confess it; but now--we are husband and wife, and it is not necessary to ruin me, is it? MME. DE SALLUS Allow me. When you took your wealth--the wealth which was also partly mine by marriage--to pay for your folly, you committed an action that was more than doubtful. In fact, it was criminal, for you ruined me at the same time you ruined yourself. I use your own language. I have refrained from asking you more about the folly that is in question; moreover, the five thousand francs that you must give me will be spent upon your own house. You must admit that is practical economy. But I know you; I know that you are never in love with anything that is lawful and right; so in paying dearly--very dearly, because I shall probably seek an increase--for what you have the right to take, you will find our--_liaison_--far more to your taste. [_Smiles_.] Good night, I am going to bed. M. DE SALLUS [_angrily_] Will you take it in cash, or have a cheque? MME. DE SALLUS [_haughtily_] I prefer cash. M. DE SALLUS [_opening a pocketbook_] I have only three bank-notes. I will give you the rest in a cheque. [_Writes a cheque and hands it to_ Mme. de Sallus.] MME. DE SALLUS [_takes the cheque, looks at_ M. de Sallus _with disgust, and Speaks in harsh tones_]