But it actually
contained only six thousand eight hundred and odd francs. Thereupon the
tempest burst forth.
"Ten thousand francs in three months!" he yelled. "By God! What have you
done with it all? Eh? Answer! It all goes to your jade of an aunt, eh?
Or you're keeping men; that's plain! Will you answer?"
"Oh well, if you must get in a rage!" said Nana. "Why, the calculation's
easily made! You haven't allowed for the furniture; besides, I've had to
buy linen. Money goes quickly when one's settling in a new place."
But while requiring explanations he refused to listen to them.
"Yes, it goes a deal too quickly!" he rejoined more calmly. "And look
here, little girl, I've had enough of this mutual housekeeping. You know
those seven thousand francs are mine. Yes, and as I've got 'em, I shall
keep 'em! Hang it, the moment you become wasteful I get anxious not to
be ruined. To each man his own."
And he pocketed the money in a lordly way while Nana gazed at him,
dumfounded. He continued speaking complaisantly:
"You must understand I'm not such a fool as to keep aunts and likewise
children who don't belong to me. You were pleased to spend your own
money--well, that's your affair! But my money--no, that's sacred! When
in the future you cook a leg of mutton I'll pay for half of it.
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