civil question?

LADY (deeply offended by his violence). Why do you ask me? You
have the explanation.

NAPOLEON. Where?

LADY (pointing to the letters on the table). There. You have only
to read it. (He snatches the packet up, hesitates; looks at her
suspiciously; and throws it down again.)

NAPOLEON. You seem to have forgotten your solicitude for the
honor of your old friend.

LADY. She runs no risk now: she does not quite understand her
husband.

NAPOLEON. I am to read the letter, then? (He stretches out his
hand as if to take up the packet again, with his eye on her.)

LADY. I do not see how you can very well avoid doing so now. (He
instantly withdraws his hand.) Oh, don't be afraid. You will find
many interesting things in it.

NAPOLEON. For instance?

LADY. For instance, a duel--with Barras, a domestic scene, a
broken household, a public scandal, a checked career, all sorts
of things.