Mercedes nursed a special grievance--the grievance of sex.
"You do not know Mercedes; what she threatens she will do."
"Before Mercedes should die," replied Fernand, with the accents of unshaken resolution, "I would die myself!"
I am not in love with Mademoiselle Mercedes; but for you--in the words of the gospel, seek, and you shall find."
Mercedes, who will detest you if you have only the misfortune to scratch the skin of her dearly beloved Edmond!"
The count looked at Mercedes as if to interrogate her, but she continued to walk on in silence, and he refrained from speaking.
It was the cherished belief of each that he did more than his share of the work, and neither forbore to speak this belief at every opportunity. Sometimes Mercedes sided with her husband, sometimes with her brother. The result was a beautiful and unending family quarrel.