hours of respite. She intended on the following morning to make one further and final endeavour to secure the Count.
"Damn it, how is it that all the women get inflamed for this fellow?" cried Landrillon. "No, no, Claudie, you'll get no further by being obstinate on the subject. Give me a chance, now that he's ruined. I'm worth more than he is from every point of view. Come, only say the word!"
"Not before I have spoken to him for the last time."
"Bother for nothing! As well hope to warm up a frozen dead body, or to make a man of a—"
Landrillon reined himself in and did not let out the abominable word which was on his lips.
"It's only a question of knowing how to go about it, " observed Claudie.
"More attractive girls than thou would lose their pains. Go on now, art really so anxious to become a Countess?"
"Yes, if you'll have it so."
"But when I tell thee there's not a farthing left; it's Blandine who keeps him now. In a few days they'll have left the country and the château will be sold off. If thou wilt,
