Thérèse takes up the bell, which is on the table.
Madame Guéret. I was going to forget it! Oh, what a nuisance! All this is so new to me.
Féliat. Excuse me! I really didn't recognize you for the moment.
Thérèse [laughing] Ah, my dress. Startling, isn't it?
Madame Guéret [with meaning] Startling is the right word.
René [appearing at the back, disappearing again immediately, and calling] The bell! And you, on the stage, Mademoiselle Thérèse!
Thérèse. I'm coming. [She rings] Here I am!
She goes out.
Madame Guéret [with a sigh] And I had it let down!