put into exactly that
position.

FELIAT. The right thing for woman is marriage. That's her proper
position.

THERESE. It's sometimes an unhappy one. [_A maid comes in bringing a
card to Therese, who says_] Ask the lady kindly to wait a moment.

MAID. Yes, Mademoiselle. [_The maid goes out_]

FELIAT. Well, I'm off. I shall go and see Rene. Then you'll write to
him?

THERESE. This very evening.

FELIAT. He'll want to see you. My child, will you have the courage to
resist him?

THERESE. You needn't trouble about that.

FELIAT. If he was mad enough to want to do without his parents' consent,
they wish me to tell you that they would never speak to him again.

THERESE. I see.

FELIAT. That he would be a stranger to them. You understand all that
that means?

THERESE [_discouraged_] Yes, yes; oh yes.

FELIAT. If you are not strong enough to stand out against his
entreaties, you will be his ruin.

THERESE. I quite understand.

FELIAT. People would think very badly of you.

THERESE. Please don't say any more, I quite understand.

FELIAT. Then I may trust you?

THERESE. You may trust me.

FELIAT [_fatherly and approving_] Thank you. [_He holds out his hand_]
Therese, you're--well--you're splendid. I like courage. I wish you
success with all my heart. I really wish you success. But if, in the
future, you should want a friend--the very strongest may find themselves
in that position--let me be that friend.

THERESE [_taking the hand which Feliat holds out to her_] I'm grateful,
very grateful, Monsieur. Thank you. But I hope I shall be able to earn
my own living. That is all I want.

FELIAT. I wish you every success. Good-bye, Mademoiselle.

THERESE. Good-bye, Monsieur. [_He goes out. She crosses to another door
and brings in Madame Nerisse_] How good of you to come, dear Madame. Too
bad you should have the trouble.

MADAME NERISSE. Nonsense, my dear. I wanted to come. I'm so anxious to
show you these two photographs and consult you about which we're to
publish. I expected to find you very tired.

THERESE. I am not the least tired, and I'm delighted to see you.

MADAME NERISSE [_showing Therese the photographs_] This is more
brilliant, that's more dreamy. I like this one. What do you think?

THERESE. I like this one too.

MADAME NERISSE. Then that's settled. [_Putting down the photographs_]
What a success you had this evening.

THERESE. Yes; people are very kind. [_Seriously_] I'm so glad you've