The Duchesse de Montsorel (to the Duchesse de Christoval)
You were very severe.
The Duchesse de Christoval You may not be aware, madame, that for the last three months this young man has danced attendance on my daughter wherever she went, and that his admission into society was brought about a little incautiously.
The Duke (to the Duchesse de Christoval)
He might easily be taken for a prince in disguise.
The Marquis
Is he not rather a nobody disguised as a prince?
The Duchesse de Montsorel
Your father will tell you that such disguises are difficult to assume.
Inez (to the marquis) A nobody sir? We women can be attracted by one who is above us, never by him who is our inferior.
The Duchesse de Christoval
What are you talking about, Inez?
Inez It is of no consequence, mother! Either this young man is crazed or these people are ungenerous.
The Duchesse de Christoval (to the Duchesse de Montsorel)
I can plainly see, madame, that any explanation is impossible,
especially in the presence of the duke; but my honor is at stake, and
I shall expect you to explain.
The Duchesse de Montsorel
To-morrow, then.