ANTONIN. My dear Caroline, I love you very much, but I can’t help pointing out to you that the best possible way to aggravate a dispute between husband and wife is to interfere in it either on one side or on the other. If you don’t realize that already, you may take it from me.
MME. MAIRAUT. If you spoke less, mademoiselle, it would certainly be better for all parties.
CAROLINE. Why? What have I said?
ANTONIN. Among other things you might refrain from proclaiming on the housetops that you are reduced to working for your living.
CAROLINE. There is nothing dishonorable in that.
MME. MAIRAUT. Very likely. But one doesn’t talk about it.
ANTONIN. I thought every moment you were going to ask M. Pouchelet for an order. Not very pleasant for us, that.
CAROLINE. I am sorry. I didn’t mean to do anything wrong. [She begins to cry]. But I’m so unfortunate. I always make mistakes.
ANTONIN [irritably] Oh, for goodness sake, my dear Caroline, don’t begin to cry. There’s no earthly good in that.