MADELEINE. Love her, my friend, and if my husband doesn't kill you to-morrow, continue to love her in peace and quiet. You are made for a virtuous life now--any one can see that. I flatter you when I consider you a libertine. You've been spoiled by too much happiness, that's the trouble with you! MARCEL [_trying to kiss her_]. Madeleine, if you only--! MADELEINE [_evading him_]. Are you out of your wits? MARCEL. Forgive me: I haven't quite forgotten! Well, if I am killed it will be for a good reason. MADELEINE. Poor dear! MARCEL. It will! This duel is going to compromise you fearfully. Come now, every one will accuse you to-morrow; what difference does it make to you? MADELEINE. I'm not in the mood! MARCEL. Now _you_ are lying! MADELEINE. I don't love you. MARCEL. Nonsense! You're sulking! MADELEINE. How childish! Don't touch me! You want me to be unfaithful to everybody! Never! [_Changing._] Yet--! No; it would be too foolish! Good-by. MARCEL [_kissing her as she tries to pass him_]. Not before-- MADELEINE. Oh, you've mussed my hat; how awkward of you! [_Trying to escape from Marcel's embrace._] Let me go! MARCEL [_jokingly_]. Let you go? In a few days! MADELEINE. Good-by. My husband may come any moment. MARCEL. Are you afraid? MADELEINE. Yes, I'm afraid he might forgive me! MARCEL. One minute more! MADELEINE. No! I have just time. I'm going away this evening-- MARCEL. Going away? MADELEINE. To London. MARCEL. With--_him_, the other? MADELEINE. I hope so. MARCEL. Who knows? He may be waiting for you this moment at Madame de Montglat's, your aunt's-- MADELEINE. They are playing cards together. MARCEL. The way we are! What a family! MADELEINE. Impudent! MARCEL. That's why you came. MADELEINE [_about to leave_]. Shall I go out through the models' door, as I used to? MARCEL. If I were still a bachelor you wouldn't leave me this way! You would miss your train this evening, I'll tell you that! MADELEINE. You may very well look at that long sofa! No, no, my dear: not to-day, thanks! MARCEL. In an hour, then, at Madame de Montglat's! MADELEINE. Take care, or I'll make you meet your successor! MARCEL. Then I can see whether you are still a woman of taste. MADELEINE. Ah, men are very--I'll say the word after I leave. [_She goes out through the little door._] MARCEL [_alone_]. "Men are very--!" If we were, the women would have a very stupid time of it! [_He is about to follow Madeleine._] [_Enter Françoise._] FRANÇOISE. Who was that stylish looking woman who just left, Marcel? MARCEL [_embarrassed_]. Madame Jackson, my American friend. FRANÇOISE. Well? MARCEL. My picture? Sold! FRANÇOISE. Ten thousand? Splendid! Don't you think so? You don't seem very happy! MARCEL. The idea! [_He picks up his hat._] FRANÇOISE [_jealously_]. Are you going to leave me? MARCEL. I am just going to Goupil's and tell him.