MARTHE. That you say nice things about him? Nonsense! He pleases and amuses you. You don't want me to apply for a separation because you want him near you, and because you are afraid of what people will say. Be frank and admit it.
MADAME BAIL. Marthe, that's not at all nice of you.
MADAME BAIL. No, no, nothing of the sort.
MARTHE. Another thing that grates on me in this life we are leading is to see the way my mother takes her son-in-law's part against me. You find excuses for him on every occasion; and your one fear seems to be that he should hear some random word that will wound him; and the proof is that he never interrupts one of our conversations--which are always on the same subject--but that you don't fail to make desperate signs to me to keep still!
MADAME BAIL. What an idea! [_Marthe is about to reply, when Madame Bail perceives Lamblin reëntering, and signs to Martha to say nothing more._] It's he! [_Marthe shrugs her shoulders._]
LAMBLIN [_joyfully_]. There, that's done. One hundred and two signatures. Kiss me, little one. In less than an hour I've earned a thousand francs for us. Isn't that splendid?
SERVANT [_embarrassed_]. Some one--from the office--who wishes to speak with Monsieur.
LAMBLIN. Say that I am with my family, and that I am not receiving any one.
SERVANT. That is what I said, but the--person--insists.
MADAME BAIL. See him, dear, Marthe and I will go out and you may see him here. No one will disturb you.
MARTHE. Yes, it's best to see him! [_They make ready to go out; pick up their work, and so on._]
LAMBLIN [_to the servant_]. Tell him to come in. [_The servant goes out._]
MARTHE [_to Madame Bail, as she points after the servant_]. Did you notice? Adolphe was very embarrassed!
MADAME BAIL. Now what are you going to worry about?
MARTHE. I tell you, I saw it! [_The women go out._]
LAMBLIN. This is too much! Not a moment of peace!
MADAME COGÉ. What do you think of my trick?
LAMBLIN. Detestable as well as dangerous.
MADAME COGÉ. Come, come. I wanted to go to the _Bouffes_, and I wanted you to go with me. It's nine o'clock, but we'll be in time for the principal play.
LAMBLIN. No, no, no, impossible. And what do you mean by falling upon me this way without warning! My dear Mathilde, what were you thinking about?