MONSIEUR MAFFLU. I should like her to see for herself how nice you are.

Her friends have been talking to her. They thought that you--well--they say feminist women are like the women were in the time of the Commune.

They said perhaps you'd even go on a deputation!

MADAME NeRISSE. You wouldn't approve of that?

MONSIEUR MAFFLU. Oh, talkin' of that, one of my friends has an argument n.o.body can answer. "Let these women," he says, "let 'em do their military service."

MADAME NeRISSE. Well, you tell him that if men make wars, women make soldiers; and get killed at that work too, sometimes.

MONSIEUR MAFFLU [_after reflecting for some moments_] I'll tell him, but he won't understand.

MADAME NeRISSE. Well, no matter. I won't detain you any longer, Monsieur Mafflu.

MONSIEUR MAFFLU. Oh! Madame. I should like to stay and talk to you for hours.

MADAME NeRISSE [_laughing_] You're too kind.

MONSIEUR MAFFLU. Then you forgive me?

MADAME NeRISSE [_going to the door with him_] What would one not forgive you?

MONSIEUR MAFFLU [_turning back_] I say--

MADAME NeRISSE. No, no. Good-bye, Monsieur.

MONSIEUR MAFFLU. Good-bye, Madame.

_He goes out._

MADAME NeRISSE [_to herself_] One really couldn't be angry!

_Therese comes in with a little moleskin bag on her arm. She is in a light dress, is very gay, and looks younger._

THeReSE. Good-morning, Madame. I'm so sorry to be late. I met Monsieur Feliat, my G.o.dmother's brother.

MADAME NeRISSE. How is Madame Gueret?

THeReSE. Very well, he says.

MADAME NeRISSE. And does Monsieur Gueret like his new home?

THeReSE. Yes, very much.

MADAME NeRISSE. And Madame Gueret?

THeReSE. She seems to be quite happy.

MADAME NeRISSE. What a good thing. Here's the letter Monsieur Nerisse has written for you to that editor. [_She hands her an unsealed letter_]

THeReSE. Oh, thank you!

MADAME NeRISSE. Did you find out when he could see you?

THeReSE. To-morrow at Two O'clock. Can you spare me then?

MADAME NeRISSE. Yes, certainly.

THeReSE. Thank you.

MADAME NeRISSE. Why don't you read your letter? You see it's open.

THeReSE. I'll shut it up.

MADAME NeRISSE. Read it.

THeReSE. Shall I?

MADAME NeRISSE. Yes, do.

THeReSE [_reading_] Oh, it's too much. This is too kind. With a letter like this my article is certain to be read. Monsieur Nerisse _is_ kind!

Will you tell him how very grateful I am?

MADAME NeRISSE [_coldly_] Yes. [_She makes an effort to be kind_] I'll tell him, of course. But I dictated the letter myself. Monsieur Nerisse only signed it. [_She rings_]

THeReSE. Then I have one more kindness to thank you for.

MADAME NeRISSE [_to the page boy_] I expect Monsieur Cazares.

BOY. Monsieur--?

MADAME NeRISSE. Our old editor--Monsieur Cazares. You know him very well.

BOY. Oh, yes, Madame, yes!

MADAME NeRISSE. He will have another gentleman with him. You must show them straight into Monsieur Nerisse's room and let me know.

BOY. Yes, Madame.

_During this conversation Therese has taken off her hat and put it into a cupboard. She has opened a green cardboard box and put her gloves and veil into it--folding the latter carefully--also Monsieur Nerisse's letter. She has taken out a little mirror, given some touches to her hair, and has put it back. Finally she closes the box._

MADAME NeRISSE. Monsieur Cazares is bringing us a new backer. We're going to make changes in the paper. I'll tell you all about it presently. [_With a change of tone_] Tell me, what was there between you and Monsieur Cazares?

THeReSE [_simply_] Nothing at all.

MADAME NeRISSE. Isn't he just a wee bit in love with you?

THeReSE. I haven't the least idea. He's said nothing to me about it, if he is.