"I shall frighten her if she does not do as I bid her. Bid her come now." This was said in French. Then Madame Melmotte left the room, and Melmotte arranged a lot of papers in order upon a table. Having done so, he called to Croll, who was standing on the landing-place, and told him to seat himself in the back drawing-room till he should be called. Melmotte then stood with his back to the fire-place in his wife's sitting-room, with his hands in his pockets, contemplating what might be the incidents of the coming interview. He would be very gracious,--affectionate if it were possible,--and, above all things, explanatory. But, by heavens, if there were continued opposition to his demand,--to his just demand,--if this girl should dare to insist upon exercising her power to rob him, he would not then be affectionate,--nor gracious! There was some little delay in the coming of the two women, and he was already beginning to lose his temper when Marie followed Madame Melmotte into the room. He at once swallowed his rising anger--with an effort. 
"I shall frighten her if she does not do as I say. Bid her come now."
Madame Melmotte left the room, and Melmotte arranged papers upon a table. Having done so, he told Croll to wait in the back drawing-room till he should be called.
Melmotte then stood with his back to the fire-place in his wife's sitting-room, contemplating the coming interview. He would be very gracious - affectionate, if possible - and above all, explanatory. But, by heavens, if this girl should dare to oppose him, he would not be affectionate, nor gracious!
He was already beginning to lose his temper when Marie followed Madame Melmotte into the room. He swallowed his rising anger with an effort.
