Duchess. (To Roger) So that is the young poet! He’s an odd one!

Mme. Arriégo. (Aside to the other ladies) How awful!

Baroness. He’s gray!

Mme. de Saint-Réault. Bald!

Mme. de Loudan. He has no talent: he’s much too ugly, my dear!

Mme. de Céran. We are very happy, Monsieur, my guests and I, to be favored with your presence!

Mme. de Loudan. (Approaching him) A virgin triumph, Monsieur! How grateful we are!

Des Millets. (Confused) Ah, Madame!

Mme. de Céran. And it is really your first work, Monsieur?

Des Millets. Oh, but I have written several poems!