My dear Claude, how wonderfully interesting!
Mrs. Melnotte.
[Rising.] My son, you must not forget your manners. Mrs. Deschappelles is Pauline’s mother. I will go away now, and leave you to make your apologies to her. [Claude tries to prevent her going.] No, no, I will go, really. Good-bye, my son; good-bye, dear Pauline.
[Kisses her and goes out.
Mrs. Deschappelles.
If that woman imagines that I am going to stay here after being insulted by you as I have been, she is much mistaken. Please ring for my carriage. [Claude rings.] As for you, Pauline, I always told you what would happen if you insisted on marrying beneath you, and now you see I’m right.
Pauline.
[Quietly.] You seem to forget, mamma, that papa was practically a bankrupt when I married, and that Claude paid his debts.
Mrs. Deschappelles.
I forget nothing. And I do not see that it makes the smallest difference. I am not blaming your poor father for having his debts paid by Colonel Melnotte; I am blaming you for marrying him. Good-bye.