My sister, your kind and ever-indulgent mistress, is dead.
You know this, and it is your opinion that I summoned up the thunderstorm which caused her death.

Be it so.

Report it so, if you will, through Paris; your words do not affect me.

You have been excellent machines, and for your services many thanks! As soon as my sister's funeral is over, your wages, with an additional present, will be sent to you.

You can then leave my house when you please; and, contrary to the usual custom of accepted devils, I am able to say, without perishing in the effort--God speed you all!" The faces of those he addressed exhibited various emotions while he spoke--fear contending with a good deal of shame.