Everything in the house went on as usual, and all looked at me in astonishment, questioningly.

The children's eyes were full of reproach for me.
"And always the same feeling of anxiety about her, and of hatred because of this anxiety.
"Toward eleven o'clock in the morning came her sister, her ambassadress.
Then began the usual phrases: 'She is in a terrible state.

What is the matter ?' 'Why, nothing has happened.' I spoke of her asperity of character, and I added that I had done nothing, and that I would not take the first step.

If she wants a divorce, so much the better! My sister-in-law would not listen to this idea, and went away without having gained anything.

I was obstinate, and I said boldly and determinedly, in talking to her, that I would not take the first step.