_Cha._ Would you be kind enough to return me my letter?
_Luc._ (_embarrassed_). Sir, I’ll ring in order that your letter may be brought to you.
_Cha._ A thousand pardons, madam; but pray don’t trouble to ring. Can’t you slip it under the door?
_Cha._ Thanks. (_Aside._) A charming voice,—soft as a bird’s; and, if the plumage only corresponds—(_He goes to examine fastening._) Confound this bolt! Infamous hotel! (_He returns to table, and prepares to write._) By the way, I should like to know if she’s read this (_looking at letter_). Well, there’s a very old method for ascertaining that: ask her. (_Goes to door, and knocks._) Madam, pardon me—
_Cha._ Madam, my letter was left open on the table; and in taking it up—without, of course, the slightest desire—your eye must naturally have fallen upon it, and—
_Luc._ (_aside_). I understand. (_Aloud._) I don’t understand you, sir; and, inasmuch as I’ve done what you desire, I must beg that we have no further conversation, as I shall refuse to answer.
_Cha._ Why, may I ask? I was asleep just now, and dreaming charmingly. If you like, I’ll tell you the dream.
_Cha._ Very good: it’ll keep for another time; but then, inasmuch as it was you that woke me up, permit me at least to converse with you as a compensation.
_Luc._ (_aside_). What have I to dread? He seems a gentleman. (_Aloud._) Well, sir, proceed, as you consider yourself aggrieved; only remember that I trust to your feelings as a gentleman, and your discretion.
_Cha._ Madam, you may depend upon it. (_Wheeling arm-chair to door, and speaking through keyhole._) Are you married?
_Luc._ (_affronted and aside_). Upon my word! (_Aloud._) Do you call that discretion, sir?
_Cha._ Most certainly; as a subject of conversation I see nothing against it. Society prescribes certain forms of conversation; and, to ascertain what forms to use, one must know whether one is speaking to a widow or a young girl, to an old maid or a married woman.
_Cha._ (_aside_). So much the worse. I, madam, am a bachelor, and I’m going to Baden. Where may you be going?
_Cha._ By the way, madam, do you love your husband?
_Luc._ Excuse me, sir, but, if you don’t mind, we’ll change the conversation.
_Cha._ Whatever pleases you, madam, pleases me. (_Pause._) A charming hotel, madam, is this Golden Lion. So well furnished, so well decorated! My goodness me! it gives me the inclination to set fire to the place.