Bellac. Ladies, if Revel should die—which God forbid!—I recommend myself to your good graces, and your influence.
Ladies. You may count on us, Bellac!
Bellac. (Approaching the Duchess) And you, Duchess, may I hope——?
Duchess. You mustn’t ask me anything before dinner. The weakness of the flesh “dominates me,” as Madame de Loudan says. (The clock strikes) There, you have only fifteen minutes! Get dressed at once, and we’ll talk the matter over at table.
Mme. de Céran. At table? But M. Toulonnier hasn’t arrived yet, Duchess.
Duchess. That makes no difference to me. We dine sharp at six, whether he is here or not.
Mme. de Céran. Dine without him, a General Secretary?
Duchess. Oh, under the Republic!
(Enter Suzanne, with her notebooks under her arm; she puts them on the table, right.)
Mme. de Céran. I am going to meet him. (To Bellac) My dear Professor, you will be shown to your room. (She rings and, a moment later, enter Francois)