Chapter 3

"What's wrong? What's wrong?"

With extraordinary exertion she conquered her distress and answered in a quiet voice, as she cleaned her wet cheeks:

"Nothing. Just I have no dress thus I can't show up at this party. Give your solicitation to a companion whose spouse has preferable garments over I do."

He was troubled, however attempted once more:

"How about we see, Mathilde. What amount could a reasonable dress cost, one which you could utilize again on different events, something extremely basic?"

She thought briefly, processing the expense, and furthermore considering what sum she could want without a quick refusal and a frightened interjection from the frugal assistant.

Finally she addressed reluctantly:

"I don't know precisely, however I figure I could do it with 400 francs."

He turned somewhat pale, since he had been saving that careful sum to purchase a firearm and indulge himself with a hunting trip the accompanying summer, in the nation close to Nanterre, with a couple of companions who went songbird shooting there on Sundays.

Nonetheless, he said:

"Great, I can give you 400 francs. Be that as it may, attempt and get a truly lovely dress."

The day of the party moved close, and Madame Loisel appeared to be miserable, fretful, restless. Her dress was prepared, in any case. One night her significant other told her:

"What's wrong? You've been acting bizarre these most recent three days."

She answered: "I'm disturbed that I have no gems, not a solitary stone to wear. I will look modest. I would prefer not to hit up the party."

"You could wear blossoms, " he said, "They are truly in vogue during this season. For ten francs you could get a few heavenly roses."

She was not persuaded.