[Throwing open the door.] Mrs. Deschappelles.
Pauline.
Great Heavens, my mother!
[Falls back, overwhelmed, into her chair.
[In her most elaborate manner.] My dear child, you are unwell. My coming has been a shock to you. But there, a daughter’s affection, Claude—[shaking hands with him]—how wonderful it is!
Pauline.
Dear mother, we are delighted to see you.
Mrs. Deschappelles.
Of course I ought to have called before. I have been meaning to come ever since you returned from your honeymoon. But I have so many visits to pay; and you have only been back ten weeks!