Lucienne. It's done. Armand has been to his people and they've come to see mine. So I needn't play any more piano, nor sing any more sentimental songs; I needn't be clever any more, nor flirt any more, nor languish at young men any more. And how do you suppose it was settled? Just what one wouldn't have ever expected. You know my people were doing all they could to dress me up, and show me off, and seem to be richer than they are, so as to attract the men. On my side I was giving myself the smartest of airs and pretending to despise money and to think of nothing but making a splash. Everything went quite differently from what I expected. I wanted to attract Armand, and I was only frightening him off. He thought such a woman as I was pretending to be too expensive. It was just through a chance conversation, some sudden confidence on my part, that he found out that I really like quite simple things. He was delighted, and he proposed at once.
Thérèse. Dear Lucienne, I'm so glad. I hope you'll be very, very happy.
Lucienne. Ah, that's another story. Armand is not by any means perfect. But what can one do? The important thing is to marry, isn't it?
Thérèse. Of course. Well, if your engagement is on, mine's off.
Lucienne. Thérèse! Why I've just been talking to René. I never saw him so happy, nor so much in love.
Thérèse. He doesn't know yet. Or perhaps they're telling him now.
Lucienne. Telling him what?
Thérèse. I've lost all my money, my dear.
Lucienne. Lost all your money!
Thérèse. Yes. The lawyer who had my securities has gone off with them.