Ernest Pérochon

“ Madeleine was appalled and tried to raise his head.
"Don't talk like this, for God's sake! What is it you need? You asked for money:—you'll have it. I'll give you all you want;—only don't talk like that don't!"
"Money! yes, give me some. Give me five francs—It's the last time I'll ask you—I'm short of just five francs to buy the watch she wants."
And he added, utterly crushed:
"And then, someone else will give her a chain.—I'm a coward; I'm not a man; just as you said once."
Madeleine emptied her purse and, without a word, slipped the money into his pocket. ”

“ Madeleine worked herself into a temper.
"That woman, I know her! She's just a braggart! She makes me tired, she does! Every chance she sees me, she gives me a dig! ... Three dolls! The idea of throwing money away like that!— All right, let her! Let her buy all she wants! ... it won't make her big Germaine any the cleverer nor any the prettier, either! ... Just let her try and compare her with Lalie! ... As soon as All-Saints day comes around, if I don't buy a doll that costs all of five francs, I'll lose my name. ”

“ His words came heavily, brokenly:
"Yes!—poor sister! Work! Work your hands off, work your eyes out!—I'm there,—waiting to take your money and throw it to the winds; and when you are old, you'll live on charity!" ”