Paul. (Taking her hand) Sh! (To Francois, gravely) Is Madame la comtesse de Céran in the château at present?
Francois. Yes, Monsieur.
Jeanne. (Gaily) Very well, tell her that Monsieur and Madame Paul——
Paul. (As before, coldly) Be good enough to announce to her that M. Raymond, Sub-prefect[1] of Agenis, and Mme. Raymond, have arrived from Paris, and await her pleasure in the drawing-room.
Jeanne. And that——
Paul. (As before) Sh! That’s all, please.
Francois. Very well, M. le sous-préfet. (Aside) Newlyweds!—Shall I take Monsieur’s—? (He takes their bags and rugs, and goes out)
Jeanne. Now, Paul——
Paul. No “Paul” here: “M. Raymond!”
Jeanne. What, d’you want me to——?