true.

MAURICE (rolls some money over the table). That is for you, my
friends, so that you can see that we all stick to one another.

FRANCOIS. Properties, dear Albin. (He stands up and takes a few
coins.) We, too, you see, come in for a share.

HOST. You take it--you have never earned anything so honestly in your
life.

MAURICE (holds in the air a garter set with diamonds). And to whom
shall I give this? (GEORGETTE, MICHETTE, and FLIPOTTE make a rush
after it.) Patience, you sweet pusses. We will speak about that later
on. I will give it to the one who devises a new caress.

SEVERINE (to ROLLIN). Would you not like to let me join in the
competition!

ROLLIN. I protest you will drive me mad, Severine.

MARQUIS. Severine, had we not better be going now? I think--

SEVERINE. Oh, no. I am enjoying myself excellently. (To ROLLIN.) Ah
well, my mood is getting so--

MICHETTE. How did you get hold of the garter?

MAURICE. There was such a crush in the church--and when a lady thinks
one is courting her-- (All laugh.)

[GRAIN has stolen FRANCOIS'S purse.]

FRANCOIS (showing the money to ALBIN). Mere counters. Are you
satisfied now?

[GRAIN wants to get away.]

HOST (going after him softly). Give me the purse at once which you
took from this gentleman.

GRAIN. I--

HOST. Straightaway ... or it will be the worse for you.

GRAIN. You need not be churlish. (Gives it to him.)

HOST. And stay here. I have no time to search you now. Who knows what
else you have pouched. Go back to your place.

FLIPOTTE. I shall win the garter.

HOST (throwing the purse to FRANCOIS). Here's your purse. You lost it
out of your pocket.

FRANCOIS. I thank you, Prosper. (To ALBIN.) You see, we are in
reality in the company of most respectable people.

[HENRI, who has already been present for some time and has sat
behind, suddenly stands up.]

ROLLIN. Henri--there is Henri.

SEVERINE. Is he the one you told me so much about?

MARQUIS. Assuredly. The man one really comes here to see.

[HENRI comes to the front of the stage, very theatrically; is
silent.]

THE ACTORS. Henri, what ails you?

ROLLIN. Observe the look. A world of passion. You see, he is playing
the man who commits a crime of passion.

SEVERINE. I prize that highly.

ALBIN. But why does he not speak?

ROLLIN. He is beside himself. Just watch. Pay attention..