Mademoiselle Hortense
(Eyeing Saint Anthony with scorn and disgust. In a shrill and angry voice.) Who is this person? Who has dared to let a bare-footed tramp into my drawing-room? He’s dirtied all the carpets as it is!... Put him out at once!... Virginie, how often have I told you not to let beggars....
Saint Anthony
(Raising his hand imperiously.) Silence!
(The Aunt stops suddenly in the middle of her sentence, and sits up open-mouthed, unable to utter a sound.)
Gustave
You must forgive her, she does not yet know how much she owes you. But we, we know. There’s no question but that what you have done was more than most people could have done. It may have been an accident or ... something else; upon my word, I don’t know. But what I do know is that I am proud and happy to shake you by the hand.
Saint Anthony
I should like to go, please. I have work to do.