De la Brive
Madame?
Mme. Mercadet
Forgive me, sir!
De la Brive
Kindly excuse me, madame, I must be going—
Mme. Mercadet
You must not go.
De la Brive
But you are not aware—
Mme. Mercadet
I know all.
De la Brive
How is that?
Mme. Mercadet You and my husband are bent upon resorting to some very ancient expedients proper to the comic drama, and I have employed one which is more ancient still. And as I told you, I know all—
De la Brive (aside)
She must have been listening.
Mme. Mercadet Sir, the part which you have been induced to undertake is blameworthy and shameful, and you must give it up—