MADELEINE. There’s no hurry; but we must see that no harm happens to our little pet.

LUCIE. Good heavens! I should never forgive myself.

Annette, fair, eighteen years old, runs in, overflowing with joy.

ANNETTE. What luck! Madeleine, too! Here, Josephine! [She throws her hat to Josephine, who drops it on the floor] Oh, stupid! [Recovering herself] All right, there. Don’t be cross, Fifine. [She kisses Josephine and shoves her out].

LUCIE. What’s the matter?

MADELEINE. Why so radiant?

ANNETTE. Yes, I am! I am! Oh, I’m so happy!

LUCIE. Is that why you kissed Josephine?

ANNETTE. Josephine! Why, I could have kissed the passers by in the street!

MADELEINE [laughing] Our little girl’s gone cracked.