DUPONT [to Mairaut, offering the box] Have a cigar?
MAIRAUT. No, thanks. I never smoke before dinner.
DUPONT. Take one, all the same. You can smoke it afterwards. They are my usual brand, but pretty fair.
MAIRAUT [taking one] Thank you.
MME. MAIRAUT. If Antonin is not married already it is because his father and I wished him to find a wife who is worthy of him. The question of money, with us, is of secondary importance.
MME. DUPONT. And with us. I’m so glad we agree about that.
MME. MAIRAUT. Antonin might have made quite a number of good matches.
DUPONT. It is just the same with Julie. In spite of that unfortunate affair in the family.
MAIRAUT. Yes, we know.
MME. MAIRAUT. Unfortunate affair? We have heard nothing of any unfortunate affair. What are you saying, my dear?