If I ask you for 5,000 francs it is because I want them; and I will even tell you what I intend to do with them, so as to ensure our tranquillity." He gave her a peculiar smile, and continued: "Come, reflect, let me have your last word." "I have thoroughly made up my mind," answered the young woman, "and it is as I have told you.

You shall not have a sou." Her husband rose violently.

She was afraid of being beaten; she crouched down, determined not to give way to blows.

But Laurent did not even approach her, he confined himself to telling her in a frigid tone that he was tired of life, and was about to relate the story of the murder to the commissary of police of the quarter.
"You drive me to extremes," said he, "you make my life unbearable.

I prefer to have done with it.