Maurice. [Moved against his own will] My dear, beloved Jeanne!

(Jeanne and Marion go toward the right; Maurice toward the left.  Both turn around simultaneously and throw kisses at each other.)

Maurice. [Comes back] Jeanne, I am ashamed of myself.  I am always forgetting you, and you are the last one to remind me of it.  Here are the tickets for tonight.

Jeanne.  Thank you, dear, but—­you have to take up your post of duty alone, and so I have to take up mine—­with Marion.

Maurice.  Your wisdom is as great as the goodness of your heart.  Yes, I am sure no other woman would have sacrificed a pleasure to serve her husband—­I must have my hands free tonight, and there is no place for women and children on the battle-field—­and this you understood!

Jeanne.  Don’t think too highly of a poor woman like myself, and then you’ll have no illusions to lose.  And now you’ll see that I can be as forgetful as you—­I have bought you a tie and a pair of gloves which I thought you might wear for my sake on your day of honour.

Maurice. [Kissing her hand] Thank you, dear.

Jeanne.  And then, Maurice, don’t forget to have your hair fixed, as you do all the time.  I want you to be good-looking, so that others will like you too.

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.)