LUCIE. Yes, do. [Madeleine goes out] It’s the doctor we wanted to consult about the children, you know. He happens to be at Chartres, and Madeleine met him at some friends’.
Madeleine returns with Dr. Hourtin. He is a man of thirtyfive, with short hair and a pointed beard.
HOURTIN [to Madeleine, as they come in] No apology is needed.
MADELEINE [introducing him] My sister, Madame Brignac; Monsieur Brignac. Professor Hourtin. [Greetings].
HOURTIN. I hear that your babies are in the country. If you like, I could come in to see them tomorrow on my way back. But only after dinner, I fear—my train gets in late.
LUCIE. Of course! We shall be extremely grateful.
MADELEINE [to Lucie] I shall arrange to come as soon as possible to hear what the doctor says.
BRIGNAC. Sit down, won’t you? I’m really delighted. [Ringing] Let me offer you a biscuit and a glass of Alicante.
HOURTIN. No, thank you.
BRIGNAC [speaking first in an undertone to Josephine, who answers the bell] Just for the sake of company! And so, here you are at Chartres—a stroke of luck for the town and for us.