Roger. Oh, the dear child! Where is she?
Duchess. Attending a course of lectures on Comparative Literature.
Roger. Suzanne?!
Duchess. Yes, Bellac’s course.
Roger. Bellac, who is he?
Duchess. One of this winter’s crop! The season’s fad in scholars. A gallant knight from the Normal School, who makes love to the ladies, is made love to by them—and consequently makes a comfortable living. The Princess Okolitch, who is mad about him, like all the old ladies, conceived the idea of having him deliver a course of lectures in her salon, with literature as an excuse, and gossip as a result. It appears that your pupil, having seen all these grand ladies smitten with this young, amiable, and loquacious genius, has followed in the footsteps of her elders.
Mme. de Céran. It is no use, Duchess——
Duchess. I beg your pardon; Roger is her tutor and he ought to know everything!
Roger. But what does all this mean, Aunt?
Duchess. It means that Suzanne is in love with this gentleman; now do you understand?