Fright and embarrassment kept them motionless and mute for two or three minutes.

Therese was the first to make up her mind to speak and give way.
"After all," said she, "I am a great fool to quarrel with you about this money.

You will succeed in getting hold of it and squandering it, one day or another.

I may just as well give it you at once." She did not seek to conceal her defeat any further.

She seated herself at the counter, and signed a cheque for 5,000 francs, which Laurent was to present to her banker.