LÉON

Pardon me, I did see her once in the Champs-Elysées. I was walking with you and my father. A gentleman and lady came toward us; you became excited, quickened your steps, and clutched nervously at my father's arm, and I heard you say in a low voice, “Don't look at them; it is she!”

MME. DE RONCHARD

And what were you doing?

LÉON

I?—I was looking at him.

MME. DE RONCHARD [rises]

And you thought her horrible, didn't you?

LÉON

I really don't know. You know I was only eleven years old.