[Not seeing her.] Ah, my dear son [runs across the room to Claude before the eyes of the deeply scandalised James, and kisses him repeatedly], how glad I am to see you again! And your grand house! And your fine servants! In livery, too!

[Pauline shudders, and so does James. The latter goes out.

Claude.

My dearest mother!

[Kisses her.

Mrs. Melnotte.

[Beaming on Pauline.] How do you do, my dear? Let me give my Claude’s wife a kiss.