Van Elst. Madam never weeps or is sad? I ask these questions for madam's sake.
Sophie. Oh, yes, she weeps sometimes. But it's mostly when she hasn't had a drink and feels out of sorts. But it's soon cured when I fetch the wine.
Van Elst. Then she occasionally thinks of her home. That may help us.
Sophie. May I suggest something, sir? [She busies herself clearing off the table.] If I were you, I should go away quietly.
Van Elst. Go away?
Sophie. For madam can't bear men folks around her when she sobers up. If I were you, I'd go away.
Van Elst. No, I'll stay. If she's sober after a while, perhaps she'll be able to talk to me coherently.
Sophie. You must know best. But I warn you, madam can't bear to have anybody else with her.
Van Elst. What! Do you think I came for that purpose?
Sophie. Of course. You're not trying to tell me that you came to read the newspaper with her.