Thérèse. I've thought this carefully over. I'm twenty-three. I won't be a burden to you any longer.
Guéret. Is that because you are too proud and independent?
Thérèse. If I thought I could really be of use to you, I would stay with you. If I could help you to face your troubles, I would stay with you. But I can't, and I mean to shift for myself.
Madame Guéret. And you think you can "shift for yourself," as you call it, all alone?
Thérèse. Yes, godmamma.
Madame Guéret. A young girl, all alone, in Paris! The thing is inconceivable.
Guéret. But, my poor child, how do you propose to live?
Thérèse. I'll work.
Madame Guéret. You don't mean that seriously?
Thérèse. Yes, godmamma.