LUCIE. Why, what’s the matter with the child?
ANNETTE. No, no. It’s all right—don’t speak to me. I shall soon be better. It’s nervous. [She laughs and cries at the same time]. I tell you I’m happy—only—only—How stupid it is to cry like this. I can’t help it. [She puts her arms round Lucie’s neck]. Oh, little mother, I love you—I do love you. [She kisses Lucie: another little sob]. Oh, I am silly. There now, it’s all right—I’ve done. [She wipes her eyes] There: now I’m going to tell you. [With great joy and emotion, and very simply] I am going to be married. Monsieur and Madame Bernin are coming to see you about it.
LUCIE. Why?
ANNETTE. Because Jacques has told them to.
LUCIE. Jacques!
ANNETTE [very fast, tumbling out the words] Yes, it was when I was practising with Gabrielle. He had guessed—it happened this way—practising—he sings a little—oh, nothing very grand—once—[she laughs] but I’ll tell you about that afterwards—it’s because of that—We shall be married soon. [Fresh tears. Then she says gravely, embracing Lucy] I do love him so, and if he hadn’t asked me to marry him—You don’t understand?
LUCIE [laughing] I guess a little.
ANNETTE. Do you want me to tell you all about it, from the beginning?
LUCIE. Yes.