He witnessed one of the most awful bursts of rage that it was possible to expect from a violent woman.

The mistress treated the friend of the family as one would not have dared to treat a petty commercial traveller who came to a private house to offer his wares.

She showed him the door, and desired him not to darken the threshold again.
But if Cayrol was resolute he was equally patient.

He listened without saying a word to the reproaches of Madame Desvarennes, who was exasperated that a candidate should be set up in opposition to the son-in-law of her choosing.

He did not go, and when Madame Desvarennes was a little calmed by the letting out of her indignation, he argued with her.