DUPONT [_mollified_] Very well, then. Still, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I don’t press you for a definite answer to-day. All I ask is that you won’t be obstinate, or refuse to let us present Antonin to you as a possible husband, if his parents make any advances. That is all. You will, then, talk with him, ask him questions. Naturally, you must get to know each other. MME. DUPONT. Think carefully, my child. DUPONT. Make up your mind whether you wish to follow the example of that great stupid Caroline. MME. DUPONT. You are quite old enough to be married. [_A pause_]. DUPONT. Answer. Aren’t you old enough to be married? JULIE. Quite, father. DUPONT. Have you any other offers? MME. DUPONT. Have you any choice? JULIE. No. DUPONT. You see! MME. DUPONT. You see! DUPONT. Well, then, it’s all settled. [_He looks at his watch_] And only just in time! M. Mairaut is punctuality itself. It’s five minutes to six. In five minutes he will be here. [_Julie is silent, gazing through the open window. The laughter of children is heard outside. To Madame Dupont, irritably_] What’s she looking out of that window for? MME. DUPONT. It’s Madame Brichot. She is just going in with her children. JULIE [_to herself, with a smile of great sweetness, recalling a word which she has just caught while dreaming_] Maman! DUPONT. Well? JULIE. I will do as you wish. DUPONT. Ouf! Now go and change your dress. JULIE. Change my dress? MME. DUPONT. Of course. You will be supposed to know nothing; but you must be tidy. JULIE. What am I to put on? MME. DUPONT [_reflecting_] Let me see. [_A sudden inspiration_] I know. Isn’t there a dance at the Gontiers’ to-night? JULIE. But we said we wouldn’t go. MME. DUPONT [_rising, briskly_] We are going all the same. Put on your ball dress. JULIE. Before dinner? Is he marrying my clothes? MME DUPONT. No. But you look best in your ball dress. Do as I tell you, dear. JULIE. Very well. [_She goes out_]. DUPONT. Are you really going to this ball? MME. DUPONT. Certainly not. DUPONT. Well, then? MME. DUPONT. M. Antonin is coming. DUPONT [_understanding_] And Julie looks far better when she is—you are quite right. [_A bell rings_]. There they are! Come into the next room, quick! MME. DUPONT. Why? DUPONT. We must keep them waiting a little. It creates an impression. [_To the maid, who passes to go to open the door, in an undertone_] Ask them to wait a moment. MAID. Yes, monsieur. DUPONT. Now, then. [_He bustles Madame Dupont out of the room. After a moment M. and Madame Mairaut enter, followed by the maid. Their faces wear a genial smile, which freezes as soon as they see that the room is empty_]. MAIRAUT. They are not here? MAID. I will tell madame. [_She goes out_]. MME. MAIRAUT. Tell madame! [_To her husband_] They saw us coming. MAIRAUT. You think so?