It is perfect, just as a gentleman should do!" He said this with a good-natured air.

Then, suddenly lifting his eyes, and with an ironical smile playing on his lips, he added: "You are bowled out, my dear fellow, don't you know ?" "Sir!" protested Serge with haughtiness.
"Don't cry out; it is too late, and would be useless," replied the financier.

"Let me explain your position to you.

Your hands are tied.
You cannot dispose of a sou belonging to your wife without her consent.
It is true, you have influence over her, happily for you.

Still you must foresee that she will be guided by her mother.