Chapter VII

Abstract

It would be easier to paint than to describe Théodore’s confusion at finding himself treated thus by a woman whose woes he had expected to drive into his arms. ‘What pride!’ he said to Laurent, bemoaning the scene he had just experienced. ‘My friend, what must I do to crush this arrogant creature?’ ‘The very opposite of what you are doing, Monsieur,’ his confidant replied. ‘Once she starts to treat you this way, you can be sure you will triumph over her only by following her example: she is cruel, so be the same towards her; take away all the comforts you procured for her, and deprive her of something new each day; let her know that her hopes rest on you alone, that you alone are the key to her happiness, that you alone can reconcile her with her husband, and finally, that you alone can bring her innocence to light. You will then see submission replace pride in her heart of stone, and necessity inevitably force her into the only arms she will feel are still willing to embrace her.’