MME. DE RONCHARD [seated L.]

He is lacking in distinction of manner.

LÉON [inadvertently]

How about yourself, Aunt?

MME. DE RONCHARD

What do you mean?

LÉON [corrects himself and approaches Mme. de Ronchard]

I said, how about yourself? You know what I mean—you have such an intimate knowledge of the world that you are a better judge of human nature than anyone I know.

MME. DE RONCHARD

Indeed, I am. You were too small a boy to recollect it, but nevertheless, I went a great deal into society before my husband spent all my money, and let me tell you that I was a great success. For instance, at a grand ball given by the Turkish ambassador, at which I was dressed as Salammbô—