JULIE. I am doing no harm.
MME. DUPONT. No matter. I would rather you didn’t read any more novels.
JULIE. Why? Berthe Paillant reads all the stories that come out, and she’s younger than I am.
MME. DUPONT. Berthe Paillant is married.
JULIE. There it is! If one is not to remain a child to the end of one’s days one must marry. I am twenty-four, and I may’nt read the books which Berthe can read at eighteen.
MME. DUPONT. There’s my thread broken again. I believe you bought it at Lagnier’s, Caroline.
CAROLINE. Yes.
MME. DUPONT. Why didn’t you go to Laurent’s?
CAROLINE. I thought we ought to deal with those who believe as we do.
MME. DUPONT. If only one could find a good Catholic who sold good wool!