Then came across his brow that look which had probably first induced Marie to declare that she would endure to be "cut to pieces," rather than to yield in this or that direction. The lower jaw squared itself, and the teeth became set, and the nostrils of his nose became extended,--and Marie began to prepare herself to be "cut to pieces." But he reminded himself that there was another game which he had proposed to play before he resorted to anger and violence. He would tell her how much depended on her compliance. Therefore he relaxed the frown,--as well as he knew how, and softened his face towards her, and turned again to his work. "I am sure, Marie, that you will not refuse to do this when I explain to you its importance to me. I must have that property for use in the city to-morrow, or--I shall be ruined." The statement was very short, but the manner in which he made it was not without effect.
"Oh!" shrieked his wife.

A frown came across his brow. The lower jaw squared itself, and the teeth became set, and the nostrils extended - and Marie began to prepare herself to be "cut to pieces." But Melmotte relaxed the frown as well as he knew how, and tried again.
"I am sure, Marie, that you will not refuse to do this when I explain its importance. I must have that property for use in the city tomorrow, or I shall be ruined."
"Oh!" shrieked his wife.
