BRIGNAC [pointing to the door into his office] This way. As you go out I want to shew you a diagram I have had done, by which you can make yourself acquainted at a single glance with the political conditions of the division. There is an arrangement of pins—[They hesitate]. One minute. It will only take a minute. You can go out through the office. One minute—while you are putting on your coats. The coats are in there. I’m going out with you to a reception at the club. You’ll see—it’s rather curious. [To Lucie, aside] You come too. [Aloud] I think the idea is ingenious.
[He talks them all off. When they are gone there is a short pause, and then Catherine opens the door at the back and steps forward.]
CATHERINE [to Annette, who has come into the anteroom] Yes, mademoiselle, they are all gone.
[Annette comes in. She takes off her hat and cloak and hands them to Catherine, who takes them into the anteroom and comes back to turn out the principal electric lights and to take away the tray. Annette, with fixed, staring eyes, sits rigidly upon the couch. Lucie comes in.]
LUCIE. Annette! Where have you been?
ANNETTE. I have been to see Jacques Bernin.
LUCIE. You have seen him? You have spoken to him?
ANNETTE. I went to his father’s house.
LUCIE. Well?
ANNETTE. There is no hope.