I had arranged a pretty little scene between Croisenois and Van Klopen, by which the Viscountess would be securely trapped.

Unfortunately, though the rehearsal was excellent, the representation was simply idiotic.

Neither of the actors took the least trouble to enter into the spirit of his part.

I had arranged a scene full of delicacy and _finesse_, and they simply made a low, coarse exhibition of it and themselves.

Fools! they thought it was the easiest thing in the world to deceive a woman; and finally the Marquis, to whom I had recommended the most perfect discretion, opened fire, and actually spoke of Sabine and his desire to press his suit.