Thérèse. Oh, René, no, no. Don't think that for a moment.
René. But you're not being straight with me. You're hiding something.
Thérèse. Don't ask me.
René. Thérèse!
Thérèse. Oh, please don't ask me!
René. Now, you know very well that's impossible. How can there be secrets between us? You and I are the sort of people who are straight with one another. I must have my share in everything that makes you unhappy.
Thérèse. Well, then, I must tell you. It's about your father and mother. Oh, how I wish I needn't tell you. René, while you've been away your people have been dreadful to me. Your father came here to see me. He wanted me to swear never to see you again—never. Of course I wouldn't. When I refused to give in he said it was through worldly wisdom. He said: "If he wasn't going to inherit my money, you wouldn't hang on to him like this." He dared to say that to me, René—your father whom I have always wanted to respect and love. He thought that of me. And then I swore to him, and I've sworn to myself, that I'll never marry you, never, without his consent. I cannot be suspected of that. You understand, don't you? The poorer I am the prouder I ought to be. [She bursts into tears] My dear—my dear! How unhappy I am! How dreadfully unhappy I am!
René. My darling! [He kisses her]
Thérèse. Don't, René! I couldn't help telling you. But you understand, my dearest, that we've got to wait until he knows me better.
René [forcibly] No. We will not wait.