Roger. (Agitated) There are—well—er—certain—you have made wonderful progress—er—I am astonished—(Aside to Duchess, pointing to Suzanne) Aunt!
Duchess. (Aside) Yes, she’s picked it up again; I saw her. (The dinner-gong sounds) The second bell! Hurry and get dressed, Suzanne! You’ll never be ready in time.
Suzanne. (Aside as she looks at Roger) A rendezvous! With Lucy! Oh!
(She goes up to Roger without saying a word and, looking him straight in the eye, takes her notebooks out of his hand, tears them and throws the pieces angrily to the floor; then she goes out.)
Roger. (Astonished; turning to the Duchess) Aunt!
Duchess. A rendezvous!
Roger. With Bellac!
Duchess. Nonsense!
Roger. (Falling into a chair) Who could have imagined such a thing!
(Voices heard outside. The door at the back opens.)