Matrimony is taken for granted as a calamity, an unfortunate episode to be remedied as soon as possible.
In the second act the Charming Wife heavily veiled sweeps into the Jolly Young Man’s modest apartment.
“Enfin!” he cries, and the lovers embrace as if in a dream.
This is quite an exciting part, for it is not long now before you will hear the heavy foot of the deceived husband upon the stairs.
“Ah! voilà! here he comes!” The Charming Wife emits a little stifled scream as she recognizes his step, and the Jolly Young Man, failing to hide her in his wardrobe, puts on as bold a front as possible and awaits the opening of his door.
Enter the Husband!
Not in a frenzy, with cocked revolver as we are used to seeing him, not a bit of it. He comes in pleasantly and bows formally to madame and to the Jolly Young Man. Through all he preserves the dignity of a visiting general with a flag of truce. He even begs the pardon of the Jolly Young Man for his interruption.
“Will you have the goodness, monsieur, to leave madame and myself alone for a moment; I have something which I wish to say in private?”
“Parfaitement, monsieur,” answers as ceremoniously the Jolly Young Man, and goes out.
When the Jolly Young Man has gone, madame attempts the usual distracted flood of explanations, then, realizing the artificiality of them all, shrugs her shoulders.