that seethes against its banks,
And rages deep that its own child, the Earth,
Resists it.--

SEVERINE. Don't, Rollin! We left our carriages there in the
neighborhood. It is a magnificent spectacle--there is always something
so grand about crowds.

FRANCOIS. Yes, yes, if they only did not smell so vilely.

MARQUIS. And my wife would not leave me in peace--I had to bring her
here.

SEVERINE. Well, what is there so very special here?

HOST (to LANSAC). Well, so you're here, are you, you dried-up old
scoundrel? Did you bring your wife along because she wasn't safe enough
for you at home?

MARQUIS (with a forced laugh). He's quite a character.

HOST. But take heed that she is not snatched away from under your nose
in this very place. Aristocratic ladies like her very often get a deuce
of a fancy to try what a real rogue is like.

ROLLIN. I suffer unspeakably, Severine.

MARQUIS. My child, I prepared you for this--it is high time that we
went.

SEVERINE. What ails you? I think it's charming. Nay, let us seat
ourselves.

FRANCOIS. Would you allow me. Marquise, to present to you the Chevalier
de la Tremouille. He is here for the first time, too. The Marquis de
Lansac; Rollin, our celebrated poet.

ALBIN. Delighted. (Compliments; they sit down.) (To FRANCOIS.) Is
that one of those that are playing, or--I can't make it out--

FRANCOIS. Don't be so stupid. That is the lawful wife of the Marquis de
Lansac ... a lady of extreme propriety.

ROLLIN (to SEVERINE). Say that thou lovest me.

SEVERINE. Yes, yes; but ask me not every minute.

MARQUIS. Have we missed a scene already?

FRANCOIS. Nothing much. An incendiary's playing over there, 'twould
appear.

SEVERINE. Chevalier, you must be the cousin of the little Lydia de la
Tremouille who was married today.

ALBIN. Quite so, Marquise; that was one of the reasons why I came to
Paris.

SEVERINE. I remember having seen you in the church.

ALBIN (embarrassed). I am highly flattered, Marquise.

SEVERINE (to ROLLIN). What a dear little boy!

ROLLIN. My dear Severine, you have never yet managed to know a man
without his pleasing you.

SEVERINE. Indeed I did; and what is more, I married him straight away.

ROLLIN. I am always so afraid, Severine--I am sure there are moments
when it's not safe for you to be with your own husband.

HOST (brings wine). There you are. I wish it were poison; but for the
time being, the law won't let us serve it to you