JEANNE Clean your teeth; you didn't do it yesterday, Maurice. MAURICE _Grumbling. _ What's the use of it now? Very well, I'll do it. _At the door. _ Papa, do you know, well have good news today; I feel it. _He is heard calling in a ringing voice, "Silvina."_ EMIL GRELIEU I feel better. JEANNE I'll let you have your coffee directly. You are looking much better today, much better. EMIL GRELIEU What is this? JEANNE Perfume, with water. I'll bathe your face with it That's the way. Now I again have little children to wash. You see how pleasant it feels. EMIL GRELIEU Yes. What did he say about good news? JEANNE He didn't mean anything. He is very happy because he is a hero. EMIL GRELIEU Do you know any news? JEANNE _Irresolutely._ Nothing. What news could there be? EMIL GRELIEU Tell me, Jeanne; you were firmer before. Tell me my dear. JEANNE Was I firmer? Perhaps.... I have grown accustomed to talk to you softly at night. Well--how shall I tell it to you? They are coming. EMIL GRELIEU Coming? JEANNE Yes. You know their numbers and ours. Don't be excited, but I think that it will be necessary for us to leave for Antwerp today. EMIL GRELIEU Are they near? JEANNE Yes, they are near. Very near. _Sings softly._ "Le Roi, la Loi, la Liberté." Very near. I have not told you that the King inquired yesterday about your health. I answered that you were feeling better and that you will be able to leave today. EMIL GRELIEU Of course I am able to leave today. And what did he say about them? JEANNE What did the King say? _Singing the same tune._ He said that their numbers were too great. EMIL GRELIEU What else did he say? What else, Jeanne? JEANNE What else? He said that there was a God and there was righteousness. That's what I believe I heard him say--that there was still a God and that righteousness was still in existence. How old these words are, Emil! But it is so good that they still exist. _Silence._ EMIL GRELIEU Yes, in the daytime you are so different. Where do you get so much strength, Jeanne? JEANNE Where? EMIL GRELIEU I am forever looking at your hair. I am wondering why it hasn't turned gray. JEANNE I dye it at night, Emil. I'll bring in some more flowers. Now it is very cozy here. Oh, yes, I haven't told you yet--some one will be here to see you today--Secretary Lagard and some one else by the name of Count Clairmont. EMIL GRELIEU Count Clairmont? I don't know him. JEANNE It is not necessary that you should know him. He is simply known as Count Clairmont, Count Clairmont--. That's a good name for a very good man. EMIL GRELIEU I know a very good man in Belgium-- JEANNE Tsh! You must not know anything. You must only remember--Count Clairmont. They have some important matters to discuss with you, I believe. And they'll send you an automobile, to take you to Antwerp. EMIL GRELIEU _Smiling._ Count Clairmont? JEANNE _Also smiling._