Quarrels began to arise between us; and, propagated and exaggerated by the slanders of the relations of Madame Rigaud, to become notorious to the neighbours.

It has been said that I treated Madame Rigaud with cruelty.

I may have been seen to slap her face--nothing more.

I have a light hand; and if I have been seen apparently to correct Madame Rigaud in that manner, I have done it almost playfully.' If the playfulness of Monsieur Rigaud were at all expressed by his smile at this point, the relations of Madame Rigaud might have said that they would have much preferred his correcting that unfortunate woman seriously.
'I am sensitive and brave.

I do not advance it as a merit to be sensitive and brave, but it is my character.