Mademoiselle Grégoire. I must go and see to the "Doctor's Page."

Madame Chanteuil. And I to the "Gleaner's Column."

They go out to the right. Thérèse rests her chin on her two hands and reflects profoundly. Monsieur Nérisse comes in at the back.

Nérisse [speaking back to the people he has left in his office in an irritated voice] Do as you like. I've told you my opinion. I wash my hands of it. When your draft is ready show it to me. [He shuts the door. Thérèse, when she hears his voice, has gathered up her papers and is making for the door on the right. He calls her back] Mademoiselle!

Thérèse. Monsieur!

Nérisse. Listen. I have something to say to you. [Thérèse returns] Did Madame Nérisse give you the letter of introduction I wrote for you?

Thérèse. Yes, Monsieur. Please forgive me for not having thanked you before.

Nérisse. It's nothing.

Thérèse. Indeed it's a great deal.

Nérisse. Nothing.