In that way the capital would remain intact.

This arrangement somewhat tranquillised Therese, who nevertheless made her husband swear that he would never go beyond the sum allowed him.

But as to that matter, she said to herself that Laurent could not get possession of the 40,000 francs without her signature, and she was thoroughly determined that she would never place her name to any document.
On the morrow, Laurent took a small studio in the lower part of the Rue Mazarine, which his eye had been fixed on for a month.

He did not mean to leave his office without having a refuge where he could quietly pass his days far away from Therese.

At the end of the fortnight, he bade adieu to his colleagues.