He abused his scandalous conduct in good set terms, and was exceedingly severe upon the dishonest scamp of a painter.
However, he thought it best to let them off the punishment they so richly deserved; and ended by suggesting that it would perhaps be prudent, wise, noble even to pay.
The unfortunate word "pay" brought Madame d'Arlange to her feet in the fiercest attitude.
"Pay!" she screamed.

"In order that these scoundrels may persist in their obduracy! Encourage them by a culpable weakness! Never! Besides to pay one must have money! and I have none!" "Why!" said M.Daburon, "it amounts to but eighty-seven francs!" "And is that nothing ?" asked the marchioness; "you talk very foolishly, my dear sir.

It is easy to see that you have money; your ancestors were people of no rank; and the revolution passed a hundred feet above their heads.

Who can tell whether they may not have been the gainers by it?
It took all from the d'Arlanges.

What will they do to me, if I do not pay ?" "Well, madame, they can do many things; almost ruin you, in costs.