He flung himself back into his chair.
"Why does she live in my house if she dislikes me as much as that?"
"She doesn't dislike you, my dear. It's an extraordinary nature. Do you remember the unfortunate girl in the fairy tale? Every time she opened her mouth toads and snails and other horrid things came out of it. Well, that's Louise. That old hag jealousy has bewitched her. She's not happy, poor thing."
"I don't suppose she is happy. I don't see how she can be. But I can't make her happy, and she can't help making me miserable. I can't even ignore her."
"Try living apart for six months."
"She suggested that herself. Of course she expects me to go down on my knees and beg her to stay."
"Don't you do it! Let her go. Make her go. Give it out to your friends that the doctor says she must live in the country for a while. Insist on her going."
"And who would look after the house? I could shut it up I suppose and go to a hotel."
"No, no. Don't do that. I'll find some one," said Madame Claire. "You leave that to me."
"You mean a housekeeper?"
