Suzanne. Yes, defend her! Oh, I know what to do in order to please you! Here! (Taking the Duchess’s lorgnette and putting it up to her eyes and looking through it) How esthetic! Schopenhauer! The Ego, the non-Ego! Et Cetera, nyah! nyah!
Mme. de Céran. We can dispense with your impertinence, Mademoiselle!
Suzanne. (Bowing ceremoniously) Thank you, cousin!
Mme. de Céran. Yes, impertinence! and your absurd pranks——
Suzanne. Well, what can you expect from a “street gamin” like me! No wonder I don’t behave any better! (A little excited) Of course I misbehave! I do it on purpose and I’ll continue to do it!
Mme. de Céran. Not under my roof!
Suzanne. I did go out with Monsieur Bellac, and I spoke with Monsieur Bellac, and I have a secret with Monsieur Bellac!
Roger. You dare——!
Suzanne. And he knows more than you do! And he’s more of a man than you are! And I like him better than you! I love him! I love him! I love him!
Mme. de Céran. I sincerely hope that you do not realize the gravity of what you are saying!