Jeanne. (Seriously) “What appears a waste to the vulgar is often a gain”—as M. de Tocqueville has said.
Mme. de Céran. (Looking at her in astonishment—aside to Paul) She is charming! (Saint-Réault rises, and goes toward the door) Saint-Réault, where are you going?
Saint-Réault. (As he goes) To the station—a telegram. Excuse me—I’ll be back in ten minutes. (He goes out)
Mme. de Céran. There is certainly something at the bottom of all this! (She looks among the papers on the table—to Jeanne and Paul) I beg your pardon! (She rings, and after a moment Francois appears) The papers?
Francois. M. de Saint-Réault took them away this morning. They are in his room.
Paul. (Drawing Le Journal Amusant from his pocket) If you wish the——
Jeanne. (Quickly checking him and at the same time producing the Journal des Debats[2] from her pocket and offering it to Mme. de Céran) This is to-day’s paper, Countess.
Mme. de Céran. With pleasure—I am curious about—please pardon me again! (She opens the paper and reads)
Paul. (To his wife) Bravo! Keep it up! The Joubert was excellent and the de Tocqueville—I say!
Jeanne. It wasn’t de Tocqueville—it was I.