FELIAT. That's right. [_She goes out at the back during what follows. Monsieur Feliat turns to Rene and says_] We call Mother Bougne our Minister of the Interior, because she tries to keep the place tidy. She's been a weaver near Rouen since she was eight years old; she's been stranded here. RENE. And she's a member of the Committee of the Union? GUERET. Yes, she's a member. Therese insisted on it. When Therese founded a Woman's Trade Union here she had the nice idea of including among them this poor old creature, wrecked by misery and hard work. Our Therese has ideas like that. [_With a change of tone_] But business, business. What do you want us to do for you? RENE. I've come to ask you two things. The first is to try to get round my people. FELIAT. Well, I'll try. But I know your father. He's even more obstinate than I am myself. I shan't make the smallest impression upon him. What else? RENE. I want to have a talk with Therese in your presence. FELIAT. In our presence! Now listen, my boy. Our presence will be much more useful in the work rooms. We have our hands full here. You've dropped in just at the point of a split between workmen and employers. Besides, to tell you the truth, I think I know pretty well what you have to say to Therese. I'll send her to you. And, look here, don't keep her too long, because she's got her hands full too. [_To Gueret_] Will you go and telephone to Duriot's? GUERET [_looking at his watch_] Yes, there might be some news. [_He goes out_] FELIAT [_to Rene_] And I'll send Therese here. _He goes out and Rene is alone for a few moments. Then Therese comes in. They advance towards each other quietly._ THERESE. How do you do, Rene? RENE. How are you, Therese? _They shake hands, then, giving way to their feelings, they kiss each other tenderly and passionately._ THERESE [_in a low voice_] That'll do; don't, Rene dear. [_She withdraws gently from his embrace_] Don't. Let's talk. Have you seen your people? RENE. Yes. THERESE. Well? RENE. Well, Therese, they won't come to our wedding. THERESE. They still refuse their consent? RENE. We can do without it. THERESE. But they refuse it? RENE. Yes. Forgive me, my dearest, for asking you to take just my own self. Do you love me enough to marry me quite simply, without any relations, since I leave my relations for your sake? THERESE. My dear, we mustn't do that; we must wait.