She even at this time felt some regret at ever having married Rougon; his family connections were so objectionable.

She would have given all she had in the world to prevent Antoine from parading his rags.

But Pierre, who was maddened by his brother's conduct, would not allow his name to be mentioned.

When his wife tried to convince him that it would perhaps be better to free himself from all annoyance by giving Antoine a little money: "No, nothing; not a sou," he cried with rage.

"Let him starve!" He confessed, however, at last that Antoine's demeanour was becoming intolerable.