Great heavens! you have such a satisfied and triumphant air--an air so desirous of calm at home. If I am deceived I am sorry--for your sake.
Well, we will assume that you are deceived and--
Well, my dear, Jacques remains. He has consented for my sake.
I congratulate you. And how did you achieve that miracle?
Oh, easily enough, in the course of conversation.
Of the happiness that comes to a man who remains quietly at home.
That sort of happiness has but little attraction for me. I like the excitement of travel.
There is a time for everything; and travel is very often inopportune and very inconvenient.
But how about that important appointment of yours at nine o'clock? Have you given it up altogether, Monsieur de Randol?
No, no, I am simply adapting myself to circumstances.
Will you pardon me if I write a note? [_Sits at desk at the other end of the drawing-room._]
I am sure that he is laying a trap for us.
Not at all. He is very quiet, very contented, and has absolutely no suspicion.
I tell you it is. He has made me the confidant of all his happiness.
It is just a trick; he wishes to watch us.
Oh, no; he is confiding and conciliatory. The only fear he has is of you.
Yes; in the same way that you are, all the time, afraid of him.
Great heavens! You have lost your head. You are talking at random.
Listen--I am sure that he intends to go out this evening.
No, no,--I tell you there is nothing more for us to fear.
What nonsense! You will end by maddening me with your blindness.
M. DE SALLUS [_from the other end of the drawing-room_]
My dear, I have some good news for you. I have been able to get another night at the Opera for you every week.
Really, it is very good of you to afford me the opportunity of applauding Madame Santelli so often.
Yes; it is only such women who please men.
Oh, my dear Randol; it is only for such women that men commit follies, and [_sarcastically_], understand me, the measure of a man's folly is often the measure of his love.
Oh, no, my dear girl,--men do not marry them, and marriage is the only real folly that a man can commit with a woman.
A beautiful idea, truly, when a woman has to endure all man's caprices.
Oh, no, not having anything to lose, they have nothing to risk.