[Exit at back—Bevannes comes down to Marquis.

Mad. L. Sir, we are indebted to you for devoting your talents to our service; we really require them, for we have the misfortune to be immensely rich.

Mad. A. Misfortune, dear?

Mad. L. Yes, love; wealth is a heavy burthen.

Mad. A. But a very pleasant one.

Mad. L. You'd find it hard to bear, dear.

Mad. A. I should like to try, darling.

Mad. L. I feel that I was born for the devotion and self-sacrifice entailed by poverty. Ah! my dear Bevannes, should I not have made an excellent Sister of Charity?

Bev. You are already the next thing to it, Madame?

Mad. L. How so?