Féliat. Alone!
Guéret. Alone! I repeat, I don't understand.
Féliat. Nor do I. But no doubt you have reasons to give to your godfather and godmother. [He moves to go]
Thérèse. There's no secret about my reasons. All the world may know them. When I've explained you'll see that it's all right.
Madame Guéret. I must confess to being extremely curious to hear these reasons.
Thérèse. I do hope my decision won't make you angry with me.
Madame Guéret. Angry! When have I ever been angry with you?
Thérèse [protesting] You've both been—you've all three been—most good and kind to me, and I shall always remember it and be grateful. You may be sure I shan't love you any the less because I shall live in Paris and you at Evreux. And I do beg of you to feel the same to me. I shall never forget what I owe to you. Father was only your friend; we're not related in any way: but you took me in, and for four years you've treated me as if I was your daughter. From my very heart I'm grateful to you.
Guéret [affectionately] You don't owe us much, you know. For two years you were a boarder at the Lycée Maintenon, and we saw nothing of you but your letters. You've only actually lived with us for two years, and you've been like sunshine in the house.
Madame Guéret. Yes, indeed.