Duchess. (Snatching the letter from him and reading it) From—? But it isn’t signed. And the handwriting——?
Roger. Yes, disguised. Oh, he’s a crafty one! But “I shall arrive Thursday” applies to me as well as to him!
Duchess. (Reading) “This evening at ten in the conservatory. Say you have a headache.” A rendezvous! (Giving him the letter) Quick, put it back, I hear her coming!
Roger. (Agitated) All right. (Puts letter back in place)
Duchess. Come now.
Roger. Very well.
Duchess. Hurry up! (Roger resumes his position by the side of the Duchess) And be calm! Here she is. (Suzanne re-enters. The Duchess turns over the leaves in the notebook) Well, these are very good, very good!
Suzanne. Here’s your mantle, Aunt.
Duchess. Thank you, dear. (Aside to Roger) Speak up.
(Suzanne goes to the table, takes the letter, glances through it, turning away as before.)