_Marquis [rising]_--There's the _hic_. It's only very clever men, too
clever, who court you, and you want a fool.

_Baroness_--Why?

_Marquis_--Because you don't want a master. You want a husband whom you
can keep in your parlor, like a family portrait, nothing more.

_Baroness_--Have you finished, dear diviner? What you have just said
lacks common-sense, but you are amusing, and I can refuse you nothing.

_Marquis_--Maréchal shall have the oration?

_Baroness_--Or I'll lose my name.

_Marquis_--And you _shall_ lose your name--I promise you.


A SEVERE YOUNG JUDGE

From 'The Adventuress'

_Clorinde_ [_softly_]--Here's Célie. Look at her clear eyes. I love her,
innocent child!

_Annibal_--Yes, yes, yes! [_He sits down in a corner._]

_Clorinde_ [_approaching Célie, who has paused in the doorway_]--My
child, you would not avoid me to-day if you knew how happy you make me!