MARIE (who soon gets free) Look, let's be serious. (Peltier, who importunes a long explanation sits with bowed head; one hand on the back of a chair, the other playing with his watch chain.) MARIE What is it you risk? You, a man, a bachelor by this pleasant voyage? Nothing. A duel perhaps on return! In this illogical world we live in your reputation will be far from damaged; a world which dislikes adultery in a woman and is passionately fond of all the gallant sins of a fashionable man. Whereas I?!! And yet it's only quite natural and especially on the brink of a final resolution, I hesitate and jump back. Must you be angry about it? Look, are you angry? can you be? ought you to be? PELTIER (as if unexpectedly released and decided, peremptory, brief, confident) Questions! Questions! In my turn I will say to you: Let's be serious. Admit it: You encouraged me to do this thing. And exactly as you say it was quite natural for me to undertake it, and still is; I concur in your reasoning, and will pursue it like a fashionable man or otherwise! (Marie recoils abruptly. Peltier takes a step forward.) PELTIER And I am going to prove it to you! MARIE (rigid and henceforth not giving an inch) Fie! PELTIER You are going to see. (Aubin abruptly opens the door and appears.) AUBIN (addressing himself exclusively to Peltier) Yes, it's I, the one you didn't expect. No need to tell you how I caught wind of your plot and was able to overtake you so soon. The essential thing is that four officers from the garrison are indeed willing to serve as seconds and are awaiting us in a nearby woods with swords and pistols as you please even though I have indeed the right to choose the weapons. PELTIER I'll come with you. AUBIN (to his wife, aloud, taking her hand which he kisses) You, Marie, await me here--dead or alive. Do you understand me, my pretty? (Aubin and Peltier leave)