Translated for 'A Library of the World's Best Literature,' by E. Irenæus Stevenson AN ARMED TRUCE From 'A Friend of the Sex' [The following conversation in the first act of the play takes place in the pleasant morning-room of a country-house near Paris, the home of M. and Madame Leverdet. M. Leverdet is asleep in his chair. The speakers are Madame Leverdet, a coquettish, sprightly lady approaching middle age, and young M. De Ryons, a friend and neighbor. Madame Leverdet is determined to marry off De Ryons advantageously, and as soon as possible. Unfortunately he is a confirmed bachelor, not to say woman-hater, whose cynicism is the result of severely disappointing experiences. Under that cynicism there is however genuine respect and even chivalry as to the right sort of woman,--the superior and sincere type, which he does not happen often to encounter.] _Madame Leverdet_--Let us come to serious topics while we are alone, my friend. _De Ryons_--And apropos of them? _Madame Leverdet_--Are you willing to be married off yet? _De Ryons_ [_with a start of terror_]--Pardon me, my dear lady! At what hour can I take the first train for Paris? _Madame Leverdet_--Now listen to me, at least. _De Ryons_--What! Here it is two years since I have called on you; I come to make you a little visit of a morning, in all good friendship, with the thermometer forty, centigrade; I am totally unsuspecting; all I ask is to have a little lively chat with a clever woman--and see how you receive me. _Madame Leverdet_ [_continuing_]--A simple, charming young girl-- _De Ryons_ [_interrupting her, and in the same tone_]-- --musical, speaks English, draws nicely, sings agreeably, a society woman, a domestic woman,--all at the choice of the applicant. _Madame Leverdet_ [_laughing_]--Yes, and pretty and graceful and rich; and, by-the-by, one who finds you a charming fellow. _De Ryons_--She is quite right there. I shall make a charming husband--I shall; I know it. Only thirty-two years old; all my teeth, all my hair (no such very common detail, the way young men are nowadays); lively, sixty thousand livres income as a landed proprietor--oh, I am an excellent match: only unfortunately I am not a marrying man. _Madame Leverdet_--And why not, if you please? _De Ryons_ [_smiling_]--It would interfere severely with my studies. _Madame Leverdet_--What sort of studies? _De Ryons_--My studies of--woman. _Madame Leverdet_--Really! I don't understand you.