Laurent began to laugh, shrugging his shoulders.

He merely replied: "You learn some pretty expressions in the company you keep now." This was the only allusion he ventured to make to the love affairs of Therese.

She quickly raised her head, and bitterly replied: "Anyhow, I don't keep the company of murderers." Laurent became very pale, and for a moment remained silent, with his eyes fixed on his wife; then, in a trembling voice, he resumed: "Listen, my girl, don't let us get angry; there is no good in that neither for you nor me.

I've lost all courage.

We had better come to an understanding if we wish to avoid a misfortune.