Marguerite She would skin a flint! She has taken away the keys from me—from me who always had the confidence of the former mistress; do you know why she did so?
Felix
I suppose she is saving up her pile.
Marguerite Yes, out of the fortune of Mlle. Pauline, and the profits of the factory. That is the reason why she puts off the marriage of the dear child as long as she can, for she has to give up her fortune when she marries her.
Felix
Yes, that's the law.
Marguerite I would forgive her everything, if only she made Mademoiselle happy; but I sometimes catch my pet in tears, and I ask her what is the matter, and she says nothing but "Good Marguerite!" (Exit Felix.) Let me see, have I done everything? Yes, here are the card tables—the candles—the cards—Ah! the sofa. (She catches sight of Ramel) Good Lord! A stranger!
Ramel
Don't be startled, Marguerite.
Marguerite
You must have heard all we said.
Ramel Don't be alarmed. My business is to keep secrets. I am the state's attorney.
Marguerite
Oh!