The suit will only increase the enmity of the Gravelots, for the expenses will be even heavier on them.

You will be their bugbear; you will be called litigious and calumniated in every way; still, you can win--" "Then, what's to be done ?" repeated the general, on whom Sibilet's arguments were beginning to produce the effect of a violent poison.
Just then the remembrance of the blows he had given Gaubertin with his cane crossed his mind, and made him wish he had bestowed them on himself.

His flushed face was enough to show Sibilet the irritation that he felt.
"You ask me what can be done, Monsieur le comte?
Why, only one thing, compromise; but of course you can't negotiate that yourself.

I must be thought to cheat you! We, poor devils, whose only fortune and comfort is in our good name, it is hard on us to even seem to do a questionable thing.

We are always judged by appearances.