To give the effect of this scene it is necessary to dramatize it, and to picture Mademoiselle Cormon occupied in pouring out the coffee of her imaginary suitor, with her back to the fireplace.
Monsieur de Valois.

"Monsieur le vicomte has come, I am told, to settle in Alencon ?" Monsieur de Troisville.

"Yes, monsieur, I am looking for a house." [Mademoiselle Cormon, cup in hand, turns round.] "It must be a large house" [Mademoiselle Cormon offers him the cup] "to lodge my whole family." [The eyes of the old maid are troubled.] Monsieur de Valois.

"Are you married ?" Monsieur de Troisville.

"Yes, for the last sixteen years, to a daughter of the Princess Scherbellof." Mademoiselle Cormon fainted; du Bousquier, who saw her stagger, sprang forward and received her in his arms; some one opened the door and allowed him to pass out with his enormous burden.