CLOTILDE--MARCELLE

_Marcelle_--This is going to be highly amusing. At what time, exactly?

_Clotilde_--Ten o’clock.

_Marcelle_--We have still ten minutes. Is everything ready?

_Clotilde_--Yes. Do you know that you look charming in those clothes? If this were truly serious, you’d make me lose my head.

_Marcelle_--My dear, I wanted to say the same thing to you. Ever since I dressed up in men’s garb I find in you a certain charm that makes my heart go pit-a-pat.

_Clotilde_--So much the better. You’ll play the part well.

_Marcelle_--Marvelously.

_Clotilde_--No, no, be careful! Wait till the bell rings.

_Marcelle_--I’m impatient.

_Clotilde_--Ah, there! You’re becoming dangerous.

_Marcelle_--Alas! So little!

_Clotilde_--Come, be careful, I tell you. Ah! Didn’t you hear?

_Marcelle_--Yes, and there’s a second ring.

_Clotilde_--I’ve given orders. He’ll enter at the third. I’m afraid, now, I’m afraid.

_Marcelle_--I’m hugely amused, I am.

_Clotilde_--Marcelle! Why she....