Toulonnier. (To whom Mme. de Céran introduces Bellac) Monsieur! (He and Bellac shake hands and talk)
Mme. de Céran. (Coming to the Duchess) Be nice to him, Aunt; please.
Duchess. Your Republican friend? Nonsense! A man who gives us twenty minutes of his time as if he were a king! The idea!
Mme. de Céran. You will at least allow him to escort you to the table?
Duchess. I should think not! Keep him yourself! I’ll take little Raymond. He’s much more amusing.
(Enter Roger, dressed for dinner.)
Roger. (To the Duchess, frightened) Aunt!
Duchess. Well, what is it now?
Roger. Oh, something—I just overheard something in the corridor upstairs. It’s unbelievable.
Duchess. Well, what?