Paul. We were almost caught before dinner. Twice would be too much! I don’t want to risk it.
Jeanne. Didn’t you promise to kiss me every time we were in the dark? Yes or no?
Paul. (Excitedly) Do you want to be the wife of a Prefect? Yes or no?
Jeanne. (Equally excited) Yes, but meanwhile I’m not going to be his widow!
(Madame de Céran goes to them.)
Paul. (Aside to Jeanne) The Countess! (Aloud) Really, Jeanne, you prefer the Bhagavata?
Jeanne. Oh, the Bhagavata, my dear——
Mme. de Céran. Did you understand any of that mass of erudition, Madame? Poor Saint-Réault seemed particularly wordy and obscure this evening!
Paul. (Aside) The jealous rival!
Jeanne. But towards the end, Countess, he was clear enough.