How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
She reflected a few seconds, going over her calculations, and thinking also of the sum which she might ask without meeting an immediate refusal and a frightened exclamation from the frugal clerk. (24)
It looks like Mathilde is milking her husband for all he's worth here. Was her the crying fit put on so she could seize the opportunity to get a fancy dress from him?
Quote #5
"It annoys me not to have a jewel, not a single stone, to put on. I shall look wretched. I would almost rather not go to this party." (33)
OK, so after she's gotten an expensive dress out of her husband, Mathilde refuses to go to the party again. She's still not satisfied. This time, it's jewels. She needs jewels. Does this mean Mathilde actually expects her husband to get her a piece of jewelry?
Quote #6
All at once she discovered, in a box of black satin, a superb necklace of diamonds, and her heart began to beat with boundless desire. Her hands trembled in taking it up. She fastened it round her throat, on her high dress, and remained in ecstasy before herself. (48)
Maybe diamonds are a girl's best friend. Just seeing and touching something expensive and beautiful drives Mathilde crazy. She's in "ecstasy" over a necklace. The necklace may be a symbol for wealth, or glamour in the story. Even if it isn't, it certainly seems to equate to those things for Mathilde.