And he became royally condescending without, however, lowering his dignity before any of her advances.

In fact, he let himself be caressed and taken by force, as became a man whose forgiveness is worth the trouble of winning.

Then he was seized with anxiety, fearing that Nana was playing a part with a view to regaining possession of the treasury key.

The light had been extinguished when he felt it necessary to reaffirm his will and pleasure.
"You must know, my girl, that this is really very serious and that I keep the money." Nana, who was falling asleep with her arms round his neck, uttered a sublime sentiment.
"Yes, you need fear nothing! I'll work for both of us!" But from that evening onward their life in common became more and more difficult.

From one week's end to the other the noise of slaps filled the air and resembled the ticking of a clock by which they regulated their existence.