Maurice.  There is no jealousy in you!

Jeanne.  Don’t mention that word, for evil thoughts spring from it.

Maurice.  Just now I feel as if I could give up this evening’s victory—­for I am going to win—­

Jeanne.  Hush, hush!

Maurice.  And go home with you instead.

Jeanne.  But you mustn’t do that!  Go now:  your destiny is waiting for you.

Maurice.  Good-bye then!  And may that happen which must happen! [Goes out.]

Jeanne. [Alone with Marion] O Crux!  Ave spes unica!

(Curtain.)

SECOND SCENE

(The Cremerie.  On the right stands a buffet, on which are placed an aquarium with goldfish and dishes containing vegetables, fruit, preserves, etc.  In the background is a door leading to the kitchen, where workmen are taking their meals.  At the other end of the kitchen can be seen a door leading out to a garden.  On the left, in the background, stands a counter on a raised platform, and back of it are shelves containing all sorts of bottles.  On the right, a long table with a marble top is placed along the wall, and another table is placed parallel to the first further out on the floor.  Straw-bottomed chairs stand around the tables.  The walls are covered with oil-paintings.)

(Mme. Catherine is sitting at the counter.)

(Maurice stands leaning against it.  He has his hat on and is smoking a cigarette.)

Mme. Catherine.  So it’s tonight the great event comes off, Monsieur Maurice?

Maurice.  Yes, tonight.

Mme. Catherine.  Do you feel upset?

Maurice.  Cool as a cucumber.

Mme. Catherine.  Well, I wish you luck anyhow, and you have deserved it, Monsieur Maurice, after having had to fight against such difficulties as yours.

Maurice.  Thank you, Madame Catherine.  You have been very kind to me, and without your help I should probably have been down and out by this time.

Mme. Catherine.  Don’t let us talk of that now.  I help along where I see hard work and the right kind of will, but I don’t want to be exploited—­Can we trust you to come back here after the play and let us drink a glass with you?

Maurice.  Yes, you can—­of course, you can, as I have already promised you.

(Henriette enters from the right.)

(Maurice turns around, raises his hat, and stares at Henriette, who looks him over carefully.)

Henriette.  Monsieur Adolphe is not here yet?

Mme. Catherine.  No, madame.  But he’ll soon be here now.  Won’t you sit down?

Henriette.  No, thank you, I’ll rather wait for him outside. [Goes out.]