Suzanne. I do realize it!
Mme. de Céran. Then listen to me! Before you commit any more of the follies you are threatening us with, think the matter over! You, least of all, Mademoiselle de Villiers, can afford to have a scandal connected with your name!
Duchess. Take care, take care!
Mme. de Céran. Well, Duchess, she ought to know, at least——
Suzanne. (Holding back her tears) I do know!
Duchess. You know? What?
Suzanne. (Throwing herself into the Duchess’s arms and crying) Aunt! Aunt!
Duchess. There, there, Suzanne, my child! (To Mme. de Céran) That was considerate of you—to start that here! (To Suzanne) There, there, what is it you know? (She takes Suzanne on her knees)
Suzanne. (Weeping and talking at the same time) W-what? I—I don’t know! But I do know there is something against me—and there has been for a long time!
Duchess. Why, what makes you think——?