l have another gentleman with him. You must show
them straight into Monsieur Nerisse's room and let me know.

BOY. Yes, Madame.

_During this conversation Therese has taken off her hat and
put it into a cupboard. She has opened a green cardboard box
and put her gloves and veil into it--folding the latter
carefully--also Monsieur Nerisse's letter. She has taken out
a little mirror, given some touches to her hair, and has put
it back. Finally she closes the box._

MADAME NERISSE. Monsieur Cazares is bringing us a new backer. We're
going to make changes in the paper. I'll tell you all about it
presently. [_With a change of tone_] Tell me, what was there between you
and Monsieur Cazares?

THERESE [_simply_] Nothing at all.

MADAME NERISSE. Isn't he just a wee bit in love with you?

THERESE. I haven't the least idea. He's said nothing to me about it, if
he is.

MADAME NERISSE. He's always behaved quite nicely to you?

THERESE. Always.

MADAME NERISSE. And Monsieur Nerisse?

THERESE. Monsieur Nerisse? I don't understand.

MADAME NERISSE. Oh, yes, you do. Has he ever made love to you?

THERESE. [_hurt_] Oh, Madame!

MADAME NERISSE. [_looking closely at her and then taking both her hands
affectionately_] Forgive me, dear child. I know how good and straight
you are. You mustn't mind the things I say. Sometimes I'm horrid I know.
I have an idea that Monsieur Nerisse is not as fond of me as he used to
be.

THERESE. Oh, indeed that's only your fancy.

MADAME NERISSE. I hope so. I'm a bit nervous I think. I've such a lot of
trouble with the paper just now. It's not going well. [_Gesture of
Therese_] We're going to try something fresh. This time I think it'll be
all right. You'll see it will. [_A pause_] What's that? Did he call? I'm
sure that idiot of a boy hasn't made up his fire, and he'd never think
of it. He's like a great baby. [_As she goes towards Monsieur Nerisse's
door--the door on the left--the door on the right opens, and
Mademoiselle Gregoire comes in. She has taken off her hat. Madame
Nerisse turns to her_] Why, it's Mademoiselle Gregoire! You know, _Dr._
Gregoire! [_To Mademoiselle Gregoire_] This is Mademoiselle Therese.
[_They shake hands_] I spoke to you about her. She'll explain everything
to you in no time. I'll come back very soon and introduce you to the
others. Excuse me for a minute. [_She goes out to the left_]

THERESE. [_pleasantly_] I really don't know wha