MME. DUPONT. Certainly not.
DUPONT. Well, then?
MME. DUPONT. M. Antonin is coming.
DUPONT [understanding] And Julie looks far better when she is—you are quite right. [A bell rings]. There they are! Come into the next room, quick!
MME. DUPONT. Why?
DUPONT. We must keep them waiting a little. It creates an impression. [To the maid, who passes to go to open the door, in an undertone] Ask them to wait a moment.
MAID. Yes, monsieur.
DUPONT. Now, then. [He bustles Madame Dupont out of the room. After a moment M. and Madame Mairaut enter, followed by the maid. Their faces wear a genial smile, which freezes as soon as they see that the room is empty].
MAIRAUT. They are not here?