CATHERINE. Because of his politics. He says he’s not going to vote for M. Brignac, so he doesn’t want to owe him anything.
MADELEINE. But why not from me? I don’t ask him to vote for me!
CATHERINE. That’s all one. You see, when you’re in want, it turns a body sulky.
LUCIE. In want? He’s still at the electric works, isn’t he? He makes a good living.
CATHERINE. So he does. If there were just the two of us, we’d live like lords. But it’s the little ones, that’s what it is: there are too many of us.
MADELEINE. Oh, come, come, Catherine!
CATHERINE. Well, ma’am, I ask you. We don’t go spending our money at the theatre—
Brignac enters. He is a dark, good looking fellow of five-and-thirty, rather stout, with a strong, vibrating voice, and a southern accent.
BRIGNAC [to Josephine] And bring me the biscuits and the bottle I told you to bring up this morning. The one with the green seal.