COURTHEZON. It is so long since you left. You must feel it very much, the idea that you are to see him again?
ANGÈLE [very slowly] Yes. But less than I expected. When I got my father’s letter, I felt as if I should faint. That was two months ago. Since then I have thought of this moment every day. I have wondered so often what my father would say to me and what I should answer that now I no longer feel anything. That is strange, is it not? Strange and sad. [She sighs]. After all, M. Courthezon, life is always more commonplace than we expect; simpler, but less beautiful. [A pause. Sadly] And besides, I have seen so much.
COURTHEZON. You have suffered, too?
ANGÈLE. A little.
COURTHEZON. Eighteen years, is it not?
ANGÈLE. Yes. Eighteen years.
COURTHEZON. I hear M. Dupont. I must be going. Au revoir, madame.
Courthezon goes out. A moment later the voice of Dupont is heard without through the half open door, saying: ’Yes, yes; I want you to come with me.’ Then M. and Madame Dupont come in. There is a long pause, and finally Dupont says, with apparent calm
DUPONT. Good morning Angèle.