Think, that in my eyes you are dishonoring yourself! Serge, answer me!" She clung to him again, and tried to regain him by her ardor, to warm him with her passion.

He remained unmoved, silent, and cold.

Her conscience rebelled.
"Well, then," said she, "marry her." She remained silent and sullen, seeming to forget he was there.

She was thinking deeply.

Then she walked wildly up and down the room, saying: "So, it is that implacable self-interest with which I have just come in contact, which is the law of the world, the watchword of society! So, in refusing to share the common folly, I risk remaining in isolation, and I must be strong to make others stand in awe of me.