THERESE. I have considered it. They propose that I should commit suicide. I say no! MADAME NERISSE. I'm sorry, truly sorry. [_She rings. While she waits for the bell to be answered, she looks searchingly at Therese, who does not notice it. To the page boy who comes in_] Go and call me a taxi, but first say to Monsieur Nerisse-- BOY. Monsieur Nerisse has just gone out, Madame. MADAME NERISSE. Are you quite sure? BOY. I called him a taxi. MADAME NERISSE. Very well, you can go. [_To Therese_] I'll ask you for your final answer this evening. [_She hands her two large books_] If you make up your mind to stay, make me these two bibliographies. _Therese does not answer. Madame Nerisse goes out to the left. Left alone Therese begins to sort the papers on her bureau rather violently. She seizes a paper knife, flings it upon the couch, and afterwards walks up and down the room in great agitation. The door on the right opens and there come in such exclamations as No! Never! It's monstrous! I shall leave! It's an insult!_ _Caroline Legrand, Mademoiselle Gregoire, Madame Chanteuil, and Mademoiselle de Meuriot come in. Mademoiselle de Meuriot is the only one who has kept her self-possession._ MADEMOISELLE GREGOIRE [_speaking above the din_] Good-bye, all. [_She goes to the small salon from which she originally came in, and during the conversation that follows comes in putting on her hat, and goes out unnoticed at the back_] THERESE. Well, what do you think of this? MADAME CHANTEUIL AND CAROLINE LEGRAND [_together_] It's an insult. MADEMOISELLE DE MEURIOT. You must try and keep quiet. [_To Therese_] What shall you do? THERESE. I shall leave. MADEMOISELLE DE MEURIOT. You ought to stay. MADAME CHANTEUIL. No, Therese is right. We must all leave. THERESE. We must leave to-morrow--no, this evening. MADEMOISELLE DE MEURIOT [_quietly_] Do you think that you'll be able to make better terms anywhere else? THERESE. That won't be difficult. MADEMOISELLE DE MEURIOT. You think so? THERESE. Rather. CAROLINE LEGRAND. Where, for instance? THERESE. There are other papers in Paris besides this one. MADEMOISELLE DE MEURIOT. Then you know a lot of others that pay better? THERESE. One will be enough for me. CAROLINE LEGRAND. And you think you'll find a place straight off? You know there are other people-- THERESE. I'll give lessons. I took my degree. CAROLINE LEGRAND. Much good may it do you. MADEMOISELLE DE MEURIOT. You think you'll be a governess? At one time a governess could get 1,200 francs, now it's 650 francs--less than the cook. And if you were to be a companion-- THERESE. Why not a lady's maid at once? CAROLINE LEGRAND. Yes; lady's maid. That's not a bad idea. It's the only occupation a girl brought up as rich people bring up their daughters can be certain to get and to keep, if she's only humble enough. THERESE. I shall manage to get along without taking to that.