Thérèse stands as if hypnotized by terror, her eyes wide open and fixed upon the door of the workshop. The noise still increases; there is a revolver shot, then a silence. Finally the voice of Monsieur Féliat is heard speaking, though the words are not intelligible, and a shout of men's voices. Then Monsieur Guéret comes in very pale.
Guéret. Don't be frightened, it's all over. The shot was fired in the air. The men have gone out; there are only the women now—crying in the workshop.
Thérèse. Are you sure nobody is killed? Is it true, oh, tell me, is it really true?
Monsieur Féliat comes in.
Féliat. Poor Thérèse! Don't be frightened.
Thérèse. Oh, those screams! Those dreadful screams! Is it true, really, nobody was hurt?
Féliat. Nobody, I assure you.
Thérèse. The shot?
Féliat. Fired in the air, to frighten the women. The men broke in the door, and upset a bench, and made a great row. I got there just in time. As soon as they were promised what they want they were quiet.
Thérèse [after a pause, slowly] They were promised what they want. So it's done. [A silence] Then there's nothing left for me but to go.