During this conversation Thérèse has taken off her hat and put it into a cupboard. She has opened a green cardboard box and put her gloves and veil into it—folding the latter carefully—also Monsieur Nérisse's letter. She has taken out a little mirror, given some touches to her hair, and has put it back. Finally she closes the box.
Madame Nérisse. Monsieur Cazarès is bringing us a new backer. We're going to make changes in the paper. I'll tell you all about it presently. [With a change of tone] Tell me, what was there between you and Monsieur Cazarès?
Thérèse [simply] Nothing at all.
Madame Nérisse. Isn't he just a wee bit in love with you?
Thérèse. I haven't the least idea. He's said nothing to me about it, if he is.
Madame Nérisse. He's always behaved quite nicely to you?
Thérèse. Always.
Madame Nérisse. And Monsieur Nérisse?
Thérèse. Monsieur Nérisse? I don't understand.
Madame Nérisse. Oh, yes, you do. Has he ever made love to you?