DUPONT. That always happens in the early days of marriage. People’s angles need rubbing off. That sort of marriage turns out best in the end. [Julie comes in] Here she is. Speak to her. Tell her these things aren’t serious. Make her understand her duty. I must go back to my accounts. [To Julie] Well? What did your sister Angèle say to you?

JULIE. Hardly anything. She didn’t know me, and I shouldn’t have known her.

DUPONT. I told you so. Well, I must be off. Back soon. [He goes out].

MME. DUPONT. My dear—your husband may be rather put out when he comes in.

JULIE. I am getting used to that.

MME. DUPONT. More so than usual, I mean.

JULIE. Why?

MME. DUPONT. Your father has been unable to keep his promise.

JULIE. About the twentyfive thousand francs?

MME. DUPONT. Yes. Antonin will have just heard about it.