RENÉ. And she's a member of the Committee of the Union?
GUÉRET. Yes, she's a member. Thérèse insisted on it. When Thérèse founded a Woman's Trade Union here she had the nice idea of including among them this poor old creature, wrecked by misery and hard work. Our Thérèse has ideas like that. [_With a change of tone_] But business, business. What do you want us to do for you?
RENÉ. I've come to ask you two things. The first is to try to get round my people.
FÉLIAT. Well, I'll try. But I know your father. He's even more obstinate than I am myself. I shan't make the smallest impression upon him. What else?
RENÉ. I want to have a talk with Thérèse in your presence.
FÉLIAT. In our presence! Now listen, my boy. Our presence will be much more useful in the work rooms. We have our hands full here. You've dropped in just at the point of a split between workmen and employers. Besides, to tell you the truth, I think I know pretty well what you have to say to Thérèse. I'll send her to you. And, look here, don't keep her too long, because she's got her hands full too. [_To Guéret_] Will you go and telephone to Duriot's?
GUÉRET [_looking at his watch_] Yes, there might be some news. [_He goes out_]
FÉLIAT [_to René_] And I'll send Thérèse here.
_He goes out and René is alone for a few moments. Then Thérèse comes in. They advance towards each other quietly._
_They shake hands, then, giving way to their feelings, they kiss each other tenderly and passionately._
THÉRÈSE [_in a low voice_] That'll do; don't, René dear. [_She withdraws gently from his embrace_] Don't. Let's talk. Have you seen your people?
RENÉ. Well, Thérèse, they won't come to our wedding.
THÉRÈSE. They still refuse their consent?
RENÉ. Yes. Forgive me, my dearest, for asking you to take just my own self. Do you love me enough to marry me quite simply, without any relations, since I leave my relations for your sake?
THÉRÈSE. My dear, we mustn't do that; we must wait.
RENÉ. No, I won't wait. I won't lose the best time of my life, and years of happiness, for the sake of prejudices I don't believe in. Do you remember what you said to me the night we played _Barberine_? You were splendid. You said: "Marry me all the same, in spite of my poverty." [_She makes a movement to stop him_] Oh, let me--please let me go on! I was only a miserable weakling then, I was frightened about the future. But you roused me and set me going. If I'm a man now, it's to you I owe it. Thanks to you I know how splendid it is to trust one's self and struggle, and hope, and succeed. Now I can come to you and say: "I am the man you wanted me to be, let us marry and live together." Oh, together, together! How splendid it sounds! Do you remember how you said that night long ago: "Let us conquer our place in the world together"?