LUCIE. Why didn’t they come sooner?

ANNETTE. Well—Jacques begged them to, but they didn’t want it at first. They wanted Gabrielle to be married first. It was even arranged that I should pretend I didn’t know they had been told. Then, to-day, I met Jacques in the street—

LUCIE. In the street?

ANNETTE. Yes. Lately he has not been coming to our practices—so I meet him—

LUCIE. In the street!

ANNETTE. Generally we only bow to one another, and that’s all. But to-day he said to me as he passed, ‘My mother is going to your house. She’s there behind me.’ Then I hurried in to tell you. [With a happy smile] He was quite pale. Please don’t scold me, I am so happy. Forgive me.

LUCIE [kissing her] Yes: I forgive you. Then you’re going away from me, you bad thing.

ANNETTE. Yes, I am bad. Bad and ungrateful. That’s true.

LUCIE. Marriage is a serious thing. Are you sure you will suit one another?

ANNETTE. Oh, I’m certain of it. We’ve quarrelled already.