MME. DUPONT. Have you any choice?

JULIE. No.

DUPONT. You see!

MME. DUPONT. You see!

DUPONT. Well, then, it’s all settled. [He looks at his watch] And only just in time! M. Mairaut is punctuality itself. It’s five minutes to six. In five minutes he will be here. [Julie is silent, gazing through the open window. The laughter of children is heard outside. To Madame Dupont, irritably] What’s she looking out of that window for?

MME. DUPONT. It’s Madame Brichot. She is just going in with her children.

JULIE [to herself, with a smile of great sweetness, recalling a word which she has just caught while dreaming] Maman!

DUPONT. Well?

JULIE. I will do as you wish.

DUPONT. Ouf! Now go and change your dress.