human
You are not well, my dear? he said, as he sat down on the other side of the chimney-piece.
gpt
A little headache, isn't it? Excuse my coming to worry you with my business rigmaroles, but the matter is somewhat serious.
human
I found this bill on my table, yesterday, he continued,
gpt
As you know, my dear, I'm not in the habit of looking into your expenses. I don't say that certain items in this bill haven't surprised me a little. For instance, on the second page, I find this: 'Ball dress: material, 70 francs; making up, 600 francs; money lent, 5000 francs; perfumery, 6 francs.' That seventy franc dress comes to rather a stiff figure. But you know very well that I understand all kinds of weaknesses. Your bill amounts to a hundred and thirty-six thousand francs, and you have been almost moderate, relatively speaking, I mean--Only, I must repeat it, I can't pay, I'm hard up.
human
Very well, she said curtly,
gpt
I see that you don't believe me, muttered Saccard, enjoying his wife's incredulity respecting his financial embarrassment, as much as if it had been a triumph.
human
I don't say that my position is threatened, but business is very queer for the moment. I worry you, no doubt, but let me explain our position to you. You confided your dowry to me, and I owe you complete frankness.