LUCIE. Do you know why the children are ill? Because of Julien’s intemperance.
MADELEINE. My poor darling! But you knew that before. Our doctor said so; and when they went to Paris with me, the man there said the same.
LUCIE. I tried to make myself believe it wasn’t true.
MADELEINE. And Annette?
LUCIE. Has anything fresh happened?
MADELEINE. Yes; the Bernins have announced Jacques’ engagement to his cousin. They want to put an end to the business. People were talking of the engagement this evening.
LUCIE. Ah! And they’re still going away this evening.
MADELEINE. At ten o’clock. How does she take it?
LUCIE. She is in her room, waiting as though she expected something. She said just now she knew the Bernins would not go this evening. What can she hope?