Macaire (aside). Bitten.
Bertrand (aside). Sold again.
(Aline and Maids extinguish hanging lamps over tables, R. and L. Stage lighted only by guests’ candles.)
Charles. But, sir, I cannot decently retire to rest till I embrace my honoured parent. Which is it to be?
Macaire. Charles, to my—
Dumont. Embrace neither of them; embrace nobody; there has been too much of this sickening folly. To bed!!! (Exit violently R. U. E. All the characters troop slowly upstairs, talking in dumb show. Bertrand and Macaire remain in front C., watching them go.)
Bertrand. Sold again, captain?
Macaire. Ay, they will have it.
Bertrand. It? What?
Macaire. The worst, Bertrand. What is man? a beast of prey. An hour ago, and I’d have taken a crust, and gone in peace. But no: they would trick and juggle, curse them; they would wriggle and cheat! Well, I accept the challenge: war to the knife.