LÉON
A sudden and grave circumstance compelled him to go out for an hour.
GILBERTE [excitedly]
What is going on? What is it that you are hiding from me? Your story is impossible. Some awful misfortune must have happened.
LÉON AND MARTINEL [together]
Oh, no, no!
GILBERTE
Then, what is it? Tell me! Speak!
LÉON
I cannot tell you anything. Be patient for an hour. It is Jean's duty to tell you of the sudden and unexpected call which has summoned him hence at such a time.