MME. MAIRAUT. Indeed! So it’s you who propose to insult us just when—
DUPONT. I am a father and I love my children. When their interests are at stake I have the sense to keep on good terms with those who may be useful to them later on.
MME. MAIRAUT [after a moment’s thought] I see. Uncle Maréchal?
DUPONT. You knew it. You did it on purpose!
MME. MAIRAUT. Uncle Maréchal! [She bursts out laughing uproariously].
MAIRAUT. Charlotte. My dear. Don’t laugh like that.
MME. MAIRAUT. Why shouldn’t I laugh? You aren’t going to forbid me, I suppose, [looking full at Dupont and laughing more] nor monsieur.
DUPONT. Well, since you take it like that, I propose to give you my view of the situation. Either you are hopelessly selfish or else you are hopelessly stupid.
MAIRAUT. Monsieur Dupont!
MME. MAIRAUT. You hold your tongue. Leave me to deal with him.