en honestly you
think Therese has some little talent?

MADAME NERISSE. Little talent! No, but very great talent. Haven't you
read her two articles?

MADAME GUERET. Oh, I? I belong to another century. In my days it would
have been considered a very curious thing if a young girl wrote novels.
My brother feels this too. By the way, I have not introduced my brother
to you. Monsieur Feliat, of Evreux--Madame Nerisse, editress of
_Feminine Art_. Madame Nerisse has been kind enough to help us with our
little party. [_To Madame Nerisse_] Yes--you were speaking about--what
was it--this story that Therese has written. No doubt your readers were
indulgent to the work of a little amateur.

MADAME NERISSE. I wish I could find professionals who'd do half as well.
I'm perfectly certain the number her photograph is going to be in will
have a good sale.

FELIAT. You'll publish her photograph?

MADAME NERISSE. In her dress as Kalekairi.

MADAME GUERET. In her dress as Kalekairi!

MADAME NERISSE. On the front page. They tell me it's a first-rate
likeness. I'll bring you one of them before long, and your country
relations will be delighted. If you'll excuse me, I'll hurry away and
change my dress.

MADAME GUERET. Oh, please excuse me for keeping you.

MADAME NERISSE. Good-bye for the present. [_She goes to the door_] I was
looking for Maud and Nadia to take them away with me. I see them over
there having a little flirtation. [_She looks through the door and
speaks pleasantly to Maud and Nadia, who are just outside_] All right,
all right; I won't interrupt. [_To Madame Gueret_] They'd much rather
come home alone. Good-bye. [_She bows to Feliat_] Good-bye, Monsieur.
[_Turning again to Madame Gueret_] Don't look so upset because you have
a goddaughter who can be a great writer or a great painter if she
chooses; just as she would have been a great actress if she had taken a
fancy for that. Good-bye again and many congratulations.

_She goes out._

MADAME GUERET. Well! Anyway, she's not _my_ daughter! I must go and say
good-bye to everybody. When I've got rid of them, I'll come back and see
Therese. Will you wait for me? You'll find some papers on that little
table. Oh, goodness, what times we live in!

_Madame Gueret goes out. Feliat, left alone, strolls to the
door and looks in the direction in which Madame Nerisse had
seen Maud and Nadia. After a moment he shows signs of
indignation._

FELIAT [_shoc