Mademoiselle de Meuriot. You think you'll be a governess? At one time a governess could get 1,200 francs, now it's 650 francs—less than the cook. And if you were to be a companion—
Thérèse. Why not a lady's maid at once?
Caroline Legrand. Yes; lady's maid. That's not a bad idea. It's the only occupation a girl brought up as rich people bring up their daughters can be certain to get and to keep, if she's only humble enough.
Thérèse. I shall manage to get along without taking to that.
Mademoiselle de Meuriot. But, Thérèse, have you really been blind to all that's been going on here? Haven't you constantly seen unfortunate women, as well brought up and as well educated as yourself, coming hunting for work? Don't you remember that advertisement of the girl that Caroline Legrand was interested in? That advertisement has been appearing in the paper for the last three months. I'll read it to you. [Caroline Legrand takes up a number of "Women Free" and passes it to Mademoiselle de Meuriot] Here it is. [Reading] "A young lady of distinguished appearance, who has taken a high certificate for teaching. Good musician. Drawing, English, shorthand, etc." I know that girl. She told me all about her life. D'you know what she's offered? She asked two francs an hour for teaching the piano. They laughed in her face, because for that they could get a girl who'd taken first prize at the Conservatoire. They gave her seventy-five centimes. Deduct from that seventy-five centimes the price of the journey in that underground, the wear and tear of clothes, the time lost in going and coming, and then what do you think is left?
Caroline Legrand. Let's be just. She got answers from doubtful places abroad, letters from old satyrs, and invitations to pose for the "movies."
Mademoiselle de Meuriot. What's left then? The stage. It's quite natural you should think of the stage.
Thérèse. If one must.
Caroline Legrand. If one must! You'd condescend to it, wouldn't you? You poor child!
Mademoiselle de Meuriot. You can't get into the Conservatoire after twenty-one. Are you under that? No. Are you a genius? No. Well then?