How can one help worshipping that woman? (_He takes her head between his hands and kisses her hair._) There.
RICHARD (_taking the hand of_ LIONNETTE).
The fact is that she has the blood of a good race in her, and that they named you very appropriately, calling you Lionnette--little lioness; but unfortunately it is not with that that creditors are paid, and I offer you the only way which is open to you.
God has hitherto given, God will give again; if He forget us, then chance must take us.
Tell me, Countess, are we, yes or no, Godler the ever youthful, Nourvady the ever grave, and I, Trévelé, the ever jesting--are we, yes or no, invited by you, Countess, the ever beautiful, and by your husband, the ever blissful (it would be difficult for him to be otherwise)--are we, yes or no, invited to dine at your table and to spend the evening with you afterwards?
Then, lovely countess, permit me to observe that you are never where we are. Kindly give us information. When one sees you one loves you; but when one loves you where does one see you?
We supposed so, but it is now two hours since....
Three hours ago you forsook us in the middle of the conservatory. First, a domestic came to look for the count; we accepted that affliction: but, in your turn, you disappeared without even troubling any one to come and look for you. Well, we are all three charming--Godler, Nourvady, and I; it is difficult to find three more delightful and witty men, but we have such a habit of seeing each other that we do not enjoy ourselves at all when we are by ourselves. So if, after having us for seven hours, you discover you have had enough of us, tell us so without ceremony. We are going to drive back to the club, where we shall have a good game of baccarat; we will try, Godler and I, to win a hundred thousand francs from that millionaire Nourvady;--that will make him cheerful, perhaps.
Gentlemen, I offer you every excuse. It was on account of a most important and unforeseen affair. (_She presents_ RICHARD.) Master Richard, solicitor, an old friend of mine. (_She introduces the gentlemen._) Mr. de Trévelé, Mr. Godler, Mr. Nourvady. (_The gentlemen bow._) And now, to strengthen you after all your fatigue and trouble, I am going to offer you a cup of tea, iced coffee, or chocolate.