Serge received this terrible broadside of abuse without flinching. He had armed himself against contempt, and was deaf to all insults. Jeanne went on with increasing rage:
“Micheline has everything: family, fortune, and friends, and she is taking away my one possession--your love. Tell me that you love her! It will be more cruel but less vile! But no, it is not possible! You gave way to temptation at seeing her so rich; you had a feeling of covetousness, but you will become yourself again and will act like an honest man. Think, that in my eyes you are dishonoring yourself! Serge, answer me!”
She clung to him again, and tried to regain him by her ardor, to warm him with her passion. He remained unmoved, silent, and cold. Her conscience rebelled.
She remained silent and sullen, seeming to forget he was there. She was thinking deeply. Then she walked wildly up and down the room, saying:
“So, it is that implacable self-interest with which I have just come in contact, which is the law of the world, the watchword of society! So, in refusing to share the common folly, I risk remaining in isolation, and I must be strong to make others stand in awe of me. Very well, then, I shall henceforth act in such a manner as to be neither dupe nor victim. In future, everything will be: self, and woe to him who hinders me. That is the morality of the age, is it not?”
“Was I not stupid? Come, Prince, you have made me clever. Many thanks for the lesson; it was difficult, but I shall profit by it.”
The Prince, astonished at the sudden change, listened to Jeanne with stupor. He did not yet quite understand.
Jeanne looked at him with a fiendish expression. Her eyes sparkled like stars; her white teeth shone between her lips.
“I intend,” replied she, “to lay the foundation of my power, and to follow your advice, by marrying a millionaire!”
She ran to the window, and, looking out toward the shady garden, called:
Serge, full of surprise, and seized by a sudden fit of jealousy, went toward her as if to recall her.
“Jeanne,” said he, vaguely holding out his arms.
“Well! what is it?” she asked, with crushing haughtiness. “Are you frightened at having gained your cause so quickly?”
“Come,” added she, “you will have a handsome fee; Micheline’s dower will be worth the trouble you have had.”