It is likely that here Madame Arriégo would rise and go to Saint-Réault. Two or three others would follow her.
SEVERAL VOICES. You must rest!
MADAME DE LOUDAN. You can't always remain in the clouds. Come down to earth, Baron.
SAINT-RÉAULT. Thank you, but—well, you see, I had already finished.
(Everybody rises).
Saint-Réault's audience may then form into small groups, somewhat as follows:
Care must be taken not to give the stage a crowded appearance, nor yet an air of too well-ordered symmetry. To continue:
SEVERAL VOICES. So interesting!—A little obscure!—Excellent!—Too long!
BELLAC (to the ladies). Too materialistic!
PAUL (to Jeanne). He's bungled it.
SUSANNE (calling). Monsieur Bellac!
BELLAC. Mademoiselle?
SUSANNE. Come here, near me.
(Bellac goes to her).
ROGER (aside to the Duchess). Aunt!
The direction "aside to the Duchess" shows that (1) Roger, after the company rose, either went to the Duchess; or that, (2) meantime he goes to her. This may be done either way, so long as the two are within reasonable whispering distance.
DUCHESS (aside to Roger). She's doing it on purpose!
SAINT-RÉAULT (coming to table). One word more! (General surprise. The audience sit down in silence and consternation).
Bearing in mind the change of position of Bellac, Roger, and Saint-Réault, we may reseat the characters as follows:
