she came to the conclusion that he still lacked proofs, and to hearten
him up the said:

"You see now? I was on the wrong tack. Your wife's an honest woman, on
my word of honor! And now, my little friend, you must go home to bed.
You want it badly."

He did not stir.

"Now then, be off! I can't keep you here. But perhaps you won't presume
to stay at such a time as this?"

"Yes, let's go to bed," he stammered.

She repressed a violent gesture, for her patience was deserting her. Was
the man going crazy?

"Come, be off!" she repeated.

"No."

But she flared up in exasperation, in utter rebellion.

"It's sickening! Don't you understand I'm jolly tired of your company?
Go and find your wife, who's making a cuckold of you. Yes, she's making
a cuckold of you. I say so--yes, I do now. There, you've got the sack!
Will you leave me or will you not?"

Muffat's eyes filled with tears. He clasped his hands together.