MADELEINE. We must tell her about the engagement. She mustn’t be left to hear of it from strangers.
LUCIE. No, no.
MADELEINE. And your husband?
LUCIE. He’s working in there. There’s to be a political meeting, a smoking concert or something, after the dinner at the Prefecture to-night. He heard at the last moment that he was expected to speak, on the budget of the Department, I think. I don’t know exactly. Anyway, he’s there.
MADELEINE. Fetch Annette, then.
LUCIE. Yes. [She goes out. A short silence. Then she calls outside] Madeleine! Madeleine!
MADELEINE [running to the door] What is it?
LUCIE [returning] She isn’t there.
MADELEINE. Where is she?
LUCIE. Gone! She’s left a note. She’s gone to look for him. Quick! Your carriage is here. Go and find her. Help her!