come just now, dear Madame, so that we can have a few minutes' quiet
talk. I have something most important to say to you.

MADAME NERISSE. Anything I can do for you?

THERESE. Well, I'll explain. And please do talk to me quite openly and
frankly.

MADAME NERISSE. I will indeed.

THERESE. You told me that my article was very much liked. I can quite
believe that you may have exaggerated a little out of kindness to me. I
want to know really whether you think I write well.

MADAME NERISSE. Dear Therese, ask Madame Gueret to tell you what I said
to her just now about that very thing.

THERESE. Then you think my collaboration might be really useful to
_Feminine Art_?

MADAME NERISSE. There's nothing more useful to a paper like ours than
the collaboration of girls in society.

THERESE. Would you like me to send you some more stories like the first?

MADAME NERISSE. As many as you can.

THERESE. And--[_She hesitates a moment_] and would you pay me the same
price for them as for the one you've just published?

MADAME NERISSE. Yes, exactly the same; and I shall be very glad to get
them. I like your work; you have an exceptionally light touch; people
won't get tired of reading your stuff.

THERESE. Oh, I hope that's true! I'm going to tell you some bad news.
For family reasons my godfather and godmother are going to leave Paris.
I shall stay here by myself, and I shall have to live by my pen.

MADAME NERISSE. What an idea!

THERESE. It's not an idea, it's a necessity.

MADAME NERISSE. What do you mean? A necessity? Monsieur Gueret--. But I
mustn't be inquisitive.

THERESE. You're not inquisitive, and I'll tell you all about it very
soon; we haven't got time now. Can you promise to take a weekly article
from me?

MADAME NERISSE [_with less confidence_] Certainly.

THERESE [_joyfully_] You can! Oh, thank you, thank you! I can't tell you
how you've relieved my mind.

MADAME NERISSE. My dear child. I am glad you've spoken to me plainly. I
will do everything I possibly can. I'm extremely fond of you. I don't
think the Directors will object.

THERESE. Why should they have anything to do with it?

MADAME NERISSE [_doubtfully_] Perhaps not, but--the Directors like to
give each number a character of its own. It's a thing they're very
particular about.

THERESE. I could write about very different subjects.

MADAME NERISSE. I know you could, but it would be always the same
signature.

THERESE. Well, every now