"What are you going to do with those slips of paper, madame?"
"They are to show each person the seat he or she is to take at table."
"Why, can't they sit wherever they choose?"
"No; it is good form to put each guest's name at his place beforehand; that makes it more convenient about taking seats."
"Then I beg you, madame, not to put me beside this stranger, this Italian count."
"On the contrary, Juliette, you must sit beside him. As he is coming here for the purpose of meeting you, he must be able to talk with you."
"You know that I never talk, madame; put him beside you, he will be much better pleased."
"But, Juliette, I am not the one whom this gentleman wants to marry."
"That's a great pity!"
"What a child it is! The best I can do is to place the count between us, at my left; at my right, I shall put the man who deals in sugar, who is very agreeable, so Madame Putiphar assures me. Whom shall I put next to him? It's very embarrassing! It's a regular science to arrange your company right."