The Lady.
Monsieur?
Ah! it is three. Then Monsieur's name
Is Jolicœur?...
M. Jolicœur.
Madame, the same.
The Lady.
And Monsieur's goodness has to say?...
Your note?...
M. Jolicœur.
Your note.
The Lady.
Forgive me.—Nay.
(Reads)
"If Madame [I omit] will be
Beside the Fountain-rail at Three,
Then Madame—possibly—may hear
News of her Spaniel. Jolicœur."
Monsieur denies his note?
M. Jolicœur.
I do.
Now let me read the one from you.
"If Monsieur Jolicœur will be
Beside the Fountain-rail at Three,
Then Monsieur—possibly—may meet
An old Acquaintance. 'Indiscreet.'"
The Lady (scandalized).
Ah, what a folly! 'Tis not true.
I never met Monsieur. And you?
M. Jolicœur (with gallantry).
Have lived in vain till now. But see:
We are observed.
The Lady. (looking round).
I comprehend....
(After a pause.)
Monsieur, malicious brains combine
For your discomfiture, and mine.
Let us defeat that ill design.
If Monsieur but ... (hesitating).
M. Jolicœur (bowing).
Rely on me.