Only he would come to her a bit less often and would give the countess the nights not passed with her.

She had got to the end of her strength and left off, speaking under her breath: "After that I shall feel I've done a good action, and you'll love me all the more." Silence reigned.

She had closed her eyes and lay wan upon her pillow.
The count was patiently listening to her, not wishing her to tire herself.

A whole minute went by before she reopened her eyes and murmured: "Besides, how about the money?
Where would you get the money from if you must grow angry and go to law?
Labordette came for the bill yesterday.
As for me, I'm out of everything; I have nothing to put on now." Then she shut her eyes again and looked like one dead.

A shadow of deep anguish had passed over Muffat's brow.