DUPONT. In any case, in acting as I did I was doing my duty. I can hold my head up and fear nothing. Call Julie. She will help you to put the room tidy. [Madame Dupont goes out].
DUPONT [rubbing his hands] I think I’ve managed things pretty well this time! I think so!
Julie and Madame Dupont come in.
JULIE. Father, is it someone who wants to marry me?
DUPONT. It is. [To Madame Dupont, pointing to the chairs] Take off those covers. [To Julie] You know young M. Mairaut—M. Antonin Mairaut? [He sits down]. You have danced together several times.
JULIE. Yes.
DUPONT. What do you think of him?
JULIE. As a husband?
DUPONT. As a husband. Don’t answer in a hurry. Take off that cover from the chair you are sitting on and give it to your mother.