Joseph (announcing a visitor)
Their graces the Duchesse de Christoval and the Princess d'Arjos.
The Duchess (aside)
How excessively awkward!
The Duke (to his son)
Do not go; leave all to me. They are trifling with us.
SCENE NINTH. The same persons, the Duchesse de Christoval and the Princesse d'Arjos.
The Duchesse de Montsorel Ah! madame, it is extremely kind of you thus to anticipate my visit to you.
The Duchesse de Christoval
I come in this way that there may be no formality between us.
The Duchesse de Montsorel (to Inez)
Have you read my letter?
Inez
One of your maids has just handed it to me.
The Duchesse de Montsorel (aside)
It is evident that Raoul is also coming.
The Duke (to the Duchesse de Christoval, whom he leads to a seat) I hope we see in this informal visit the beginning of a family intimacy?