MADAME NÉRISSE. We want to start a really smart, respectable woman's paper; of course without sacrificing our principles. Our title by itself proves that. It's to be called _Woman Free_.
THÉRÈSE. I'll give you my answer to-morrow--or this evening, if you like.
MADAME NÉRISSE [_hesitatingly_] Before I go--as we're to be thrown a good deal together--I must tell you something about myself--a secret. I hope you won't care for me less when you know it. I call myself Madame Nérisse. But I have no legal right to the name. That's why I've always found some reason for not introducing Monsieur Nérisse to you and your people. He's married--married to a woman who's not worthy of him. She lives in an out-of-the-way place in the country and will not consent to a divorce. My dear Thérèse, it makes me very unhappy. I live only for him. I don't think a woman can be fonder of a man than I am of him. He's so superior to other men. But unfortunately I met him too late. I felt I ought to tell you this.
THÉRÈSE. Your telling me has added to my friendship for you. I can guess how unhappy you are. Probably I'll go this very evening to your house and see your husband and hear from him if he thinks I can be of use. Anyway, thank you very much.
MADAME NÉRISSE. And thank _you_ for the way you take this. Good-bye for the present.
_She goes out. Thérèse stands thinking for a moment, then René comes in. He is very much upset._
RENÉ. Thérèse, it can't be true! It's not possible! It's not all over--our love?
THÉRÈSE. I've lost every penny, René dear.
RENÉ. But I don't love you any the less for that. I can't give you up, Thérèse. I _can't_ give you up. I love you, I love you.
THÉRÈSE. Oh, René, don't! I need all my courage to face this. Help me. Don't you see, your people will never consent now.
RENÉ. My uncle told me so. But I'll see them. I'll persuade them. I'll explain to them.
THÉRÈSE. You know very well they never really liked me, and that they'll be glad of this opportunity of breaking it off.
RENÉ. I don't know what to do. But I _cannot_ give you up. What would become of me without you? You're everything to me, everything. And suddenly--because of this dreadful thing--I must give up my whole life's happiness.