LUCIE. But surely it has some interest for us women! I hear everyone else consulted about it—political people and business people—but nobody ever thinks of consulting us.
BRIGNAC. Far from not welcoming the children that are born, society—
LUCIE [to Brignac] Stop! Do you remember what happened lately, not a hundred miles from here? I mean about the servant who was turned out into the street because she was going to have a baby. She will have to go to some hospital for her confinement. And after that what will happen to her and her child?
BRIGNAC [to the others] Madame Brignac speaks of something which took place recently in a most respectable family. The incident has nothing whatever to do with the principles we are defending. It is clear that one cannot have a servant in that condition in a well-kept house. And there are higher considerations which will always prevent a respectable citizen from even appearing to condone immorality by sheltering it. One must not offer a premium to evil-doing.
CHEV. Very true.
LUCIE. And the unfortunate girl, who is very likely only the victim of another person, is condemned by everyone.
BRIGNAC [timidly] No, no, I don’t say that. I myself am very liberal, and I confess that in—exceptional circumstances—one should be indulgent to her.
LUCIE. Very well. Don’t forget you have said that.
COL. Good night, madame. I must be going. Thank you for a charming evening.
CHEV. I also, madame—charming.