After listening to what Serge had just said, she could listen to anything.
"So," said she, "the dream is love; the reality is interest.

And is it you who speak thus to me?
You, for whom I was prepared to endure any sacrifice! You, whom I would have served on my knees! And what reason do you give to justify your conduct?
Money! Indispensable and stupid money! Nothing but money! But it is odious, infamous, low!" Serge received this terrible broadside of abuse without flinching.

He had armed himself against contempt, and was deaf to all insults.

Jeanne went on with increasing rage: "Micheline has everything: family, fortune, and friends, and she is taking away my one possession--your love.

Tell me that you love her! It will be more cruel but less vile! But no, it is not possible! You gave way to temptation at seeing her so rich; you had a feeling of covetousness, but you will become yourself again and will act like an honest man.