However, her signature was necessary, and she herself, according to the terms of the deed, could not alienate the property without the count's authorization.
The day before he had indeed resolved to talk to his wife about this signature.

And now everything was ruined; at such a moment he would never accept of such a compromise.

This reflection added bitterness to the frightful disgrace of the adultery.

He fully understood what Nana was asking for, since in that ever-growing self-abandonment which prompted him to put her in possession of all his secrets, he had complained to her of his position and had confided to her the tiresome difficulty he was in with regard to the signature of the countess.
Nana, however, did not seem to insist.

She did not open her eyes again, and, seeing her so pale, he grew frightened and made her inhale a little ether.