Peaceably, without disturbing the folk, or treading on their toes!--Oh, fie!
Fie!
(Recognizing some other gentlemen who have entered a little before him):
Cuigy! Brissaille!

(Greetings and embraces.)

CUIGY:
True to our word!. . .Troth, we are here before the candles are lit.

THE MARQUIS:
Ay, indeed! Enough! I am of an ill humor.

ANOTHER:
Nay, nay, Marquis! see, for your consolation, they are coming to light up!

ALL THE AUDIENCE (welcoming the entrance of the lighter):
Ah!. . .

(They form in groups round the lusters as they are lit. Some people have
taken their seats in the galleries. Ligniere, a distinguished-looking roue,
with disordered shirt-front arm-in-arm with christian de Neuvillette.
Christian, who is dressed elegantly, but rather behind the fashion, seems
preoccupied, and keeps looking at the boxes.)



Scene 1.II.

The same. Christian, Ligniere, then Ragueneau and Le Bret.