Marcel. From Passy! I know that hand! [Aside, with surprise.] Madame Guérin—Madeleine! Well! [Reading.] "My dear friend I lunch to-day with my aunt Madame de Monglat, at La Muette—as I used to. Come and see me before noon, I have serious things to discuss with you." [He stops reading; aside, much pleased.] A rendezvous! And after three years! Poor Guérin! No! It wouldn't be decent now! No!
Françoise [aside]. He seems to be waking up!
Marcel [aside]. They must have returned! Françoise was right—a minute would suffice! The dear girl!
Françoise. No bad news?
Marcel [in spite of himself]. On the contrary!
Françoise. Oh!
Marcel [embarrassed]. It's from that American woman who saw my picture the other day—at Goupil's, you remember? She insists that I give it to her for ten thousand francs. I really think I'll let her have it. Nowadays you never can tell—
Françoise. I think you would be very wise to sell.
Marcel [handing her the letter]. Don't you believe me?
Françoise. Absolutely.