Countess. Very willingly—but it’s rather embarrassing, it seems to me.
Prince. Not at all. It’s very easy. Always the same thing: Two people who chat about the rain and about fine weather—more or less wittily, as it happens to come. Well, are you ready?
Countess. Yes, yes—go on.
Prince. First we must write down the persons: “The Count, the Countess ——,” is it not?
Countess. Yes, of course—but is this to be a proverbe?
Prince. Yes, it’s a proverbe.
Countess. But what proverbe? That must be decided first.
Prince. Oh! Mon Dieu, why? It’s of no use—it will develop itself in time—it will evolve naturally from the conversation—it will be the finishing touch.
Countess. So be it. Go on.
Prince. “The Count, the Countess. First scene—” Well?