She goes across to the door at the back and disappears. After a moment Lucie enters. She is twentyfive years old, and her simple, but becoming, dress contrasts with her elder sister’s exquisite and fashionable appearance.
LUCIE [going gaily to Madeleine and kissing her] My dear, how are you?
MADELEINE. Lucie, sweet!
LUCIE. How ravishing you look!
MADELEINE. One must, to please one’s husband. Tell me—but first, how are the children?
LUCIE. About as usual.
MADELEINE. I’ve a piece of good news. You know Dr. Hourtin?
LUCIE. No, no; I don’t think so.
MADELEINE. Yes; you do. The famous Hourtin, you know. The man they call Providence for nervous diseases.