LUCIE. Jacques?
ANNETTE [in a sudden rush] Yes. It all happened like that, with our music—Gabrielle and me. That was how, and he guessed everything. He sings tenor—oh, not very well. Once [with a laugh]—but I’ll tell you later. That was how it came about; and we’re to be married soon. [Crying again, then gravely pressing Lucie to her] I love him so! Oh, if you only knew! If he hadn’t married me, it would have been so dreadful. You don’t understand?
MADELEINE [smiling] Perhaps we can guess.
ANNETTE. Shall I tell you everything, everything from the beginning?
LUCIE. Yes.
ANNETTE. I should love to tell you. You won’t mind?
MADELEINE. Go on.
ANNETTE. It was like that, when Gabrielle and I were playing duets. At first I hated him because he always laughs at everything, but at bottom he’s good. Do you know what he once—
LUCIE. Never mind that. Go on about the music.
ANNETTE. Well, as I was saying, Gabrielle and I used to play duets. He used to come and listen to us. He stood behind and turned over the pages. Then once he put his hand on my shoulder—