Madame Nérisse. It can't be done.
Thérèse [pulling herself together] Very well, that's settled. I will go at the end of the month; that's to say to-morrow.
Madame Nérisse. Take a little time to consider it.
Thérèse. I have considered it. They propose that I should commit suicide. I say no!
Madame Nérisse. I'm sorry, truly sorry. [She rings. While she waits for the bell to be answered, she looks searchingly at Thérèse, who does not notice it. To the page boy who comes in] Go and call me a taxi, but first say to Monsieur Nérisse—
Boy. Monsieur Nérisse has just gone out, Madame.
Madame Nérisse. Are you quite sure?
Boy. I called him a taxi.
Madame Nérisse. Very well, you can go. [To Thérèse] I'll ask you for your final answer this evening. [She hands her two large books] If you make up your mind to stay, make me these two bibliographies.
Thérèse does not answer. Madame Nérisse goes out to the left. Left alone Thérèse begins to sort the papers on her bureau rather violently. She seizes a paper knife, flings it upon the couch, and afterwards walks up and down the room in great agitation. The door on the right opens and there come in such exclamations as No! Never! It's monstrous! I shall leave! It's an insult!