SCENE SECOND. The preceding and Felicite. (To explain his presence in his wife's room, the duke looks over articles lying on the table, and discovers a letter in a book.)
The Duke (reading) "To Mademoiselle Inez de Christoval." (aside) Why should my wife have concealed a letter of such slight importance? She no doubt wrote it after our quarrel. Is it concerning Raoul? This letter must not go to the Christoval house.
Felicite (looking for the letter in the book)
Now, where is that letter of madame's? Can she have forgotten it?
The Duke
Aren't you looking for a letter?
Felicite
Yes, your grace.
The Duke
Isn't this it?
Felicite
The very one, your grace.
The Duke It is astonishing that you should leave the very hour your mistress must need your services; she is getting up.
Felicite Her grace the duchess has Therese; and besides I am going out by her orders.
The Duke
Very good. I did not wish to interfere with you.