Pierre had defended himself in a very dignified manner.
"Look here," he said at last, "you're unfortunate, and I pity you.
Although you have cruelly insulted me, I can't forget that we are children of the same mother.

If I give you anything, however, you must understand I give it you out of kindness, and not from fear.

Would you like a hundred francs to help you out of your difficulties ?" This abrupt offer of a hundred francs dazzled Antoine's companion.

He looked at the other with an air of delight, which clearly signified: "As the gentleman offers a hundred francs, it is time to leave off abusing him." But Antoine was determined to speculate on his brother's favourable disposition.

He asked him whether he took him for a fool; it was his share, ten thousand francs, that he wanted.
"You're wrong, you're wrong," stuttered his friend.
At last, as Pierre, losing all patience, was threatening to turn them both out, Antoine lowered his demands and contented himself with claiming one thousand francs.