“He was silent, stupefied, in dismay, at the sight of his wife weeping. He
stammered, “What is the matter? What is the matter?”
By a violent effort, she had controlled her vexation and responded in a calm
voice, wiping her moist cheeks, “Nothing. Only I have no dress and
consequently I cannot go to this affair. Give your card to some colleague
whose wife is better fitted out than I.’’
He was grieved, but answered, “Let us see, Matilda. How much would a
suitable costume cost, something that would serve for other occasions,
something very simple?”
She reflected for some seconds thinking of a sum that she could ask for
without bringing with it an immediate refusal and a frightened exclamation
from the economical clerk.”