General. Fine subject! Good military subject!—In verse, isn’t it?

Des Millets. Oh, General! A tragedy——!

General. A good many acts, I suppose?

Des Millets. Five.

General. Ha! Ha! Good! Good!

Jeanne. (Aside to Paul) Five acts! How lovely! We’ll have plenty of time——!

Paul. Sh-h!

Mme. de Loudan. The road to Parnassus is long!

Mme. de Saint-Réault. What a mighty effort!

Mme. Arriégo. It must be encouraged!