Calp- A great deal run after, isn't she ?

Luc. I believe you ! Coquettish, rich, a widow. You are
too young, Calpuiina, you can't understand what good luck
it is to be a widow. And to think that I shall never be one !

Calp. And why not ?

Luc. Because it is a long and difficult affair. To become
a widow, it isn't enough to find a husband, you've got to
lose him. See what a business it is. . . . Puff ! A beastly
life an unmarried girl. . . . {Changing tone) Quick, let's
go and jump into the water. It is stiU the best thing that
remains to do on the earth. {They move towards the exit
between the two groups — to the Countess Ortensia in an in-
sinuating voice) Good day. Countess. Good day, Sigra
Nobeffi.
Ort. {with cold courtesy). Good day.
Luc. Have you had your bath already ?

Ort. No, I don't feel quite the thing this morning.
Luc. Take care of yourself. Your health is very precious.
(J'hey move towards the door and stop again to speak to the other
group.) Oh, Signora Lasio ! and our good doctor, caught ' in
flagrante.'

Sigra Nobelli {low, to Ortensia). Two young monkeys, I
can't stand them.
Ort. Poor girls. You must be indulgent to them. They
wear two such very reassvuing names, and they can't find a
husband.
Luc. {to Sigra Lasio.) If so, good-bye till lunch time.
Sigra L. I hope you'll enjoy yourselves.
Calp. Thanks.
Luc. {to Calp. as they go out). How thick they are, those
two. They are simply nauseating. [Exeunt.
