LUCIE. Because I’ve just found out what the future of my poor, penniless little girls is to be. It’s to be Annette’s fate, or mine. Oh, to think I’ve been cruel enough to bring three of them into the world already!
BRIGNAC. You’re mad. And be good enough not to put on these independent airs. They’re perfectly useless.
LUCIE. You think so?
BRIGNAC. I am sure of it. If you have had enough of me, get a divorce.
LUCIE. But you would keep the children?
BRIGNAC. Naturally. And let me tell you that as long as you are my wife before the world, you’ll be my wife really.
LUCIE. And you will force me to have a child whenever you please?
BRIGNAC. Most certainly.
LUCIE. My God! They think a woman’s body is like the clay of the fields; they want to drag harvest after harvest from it until it is worn out and done for! I refuse this slavery, and I shall leave you if you turn out my sister.
BRIGNAC. And your children?