Mme. de Céran. (Rising) And suppose I tell her to leave!
Duchess. Be still!
Jeanne. And it’s just horrid of her! Yes, she does it on purpose! A woman knows very well that new-married people always—have things to say to each other.
Paul. (Tenderly) Yes, always!
Jeanne. Always? Really?—Always like this?
Paul. What a sweet voice you have! I heard it a little while ago—talking about the treaties of 1815! Soft, sweet, all-enveloping. Ah, the voice is the music of the heart—as Monsieur de Tocqueville says!
Jeanne. Oh, Paul! I don’t like you to laugh at such serious things!
Paul. Oh, let me be a little nonsensical, please, dear! I’m so happy here! By Jove, just now I don’t care a rap whether I’m Prefect of Carcassonne or not!
Jeanne. It’s always “just now” with me, Monsieur! That’s the difference!
Paul. Dear little wife! (He kisses her hands)