MME. MAIRAUT. Precisely. That is what I said [looking at her husband]. Under these circumstances, we regret very much, but M. Mairaut must decline. It really is not enough.
DUPONT. How much are you giving M. Antonin?
MME. MAIRAUT. Not a sou! On that point we are quite decided and quite frank. As soon as he marries his father will take him into partnership, and his wife’s dot will be the capital which he will put into the business.
MAIRAUT. That is the exact position.
MME. MAIRAUT. Antonin will have nothing except what may come to him after our death.
MME. DUPONT. And I am glad to think you are both in excellent health.
MME. MAIRAUT [modestly] That is so.
MME. DUPONT [meditatively]. Hasn’t your son an uncle, by the way?
MME. MAIRAUT. Yes, madame.
MAIRAUT. Uncle Maréchal.