Visc. I unhappy? Oh! dear no, I am not so much of a poet for you to think that I but here is the Countess of Escarbagnas; I'll go by this door, so as not to meet her, and will see that everything is got ready for the play I have promised you.
SCENE II. THE COUNTESS, JULIA;
ANDRÉE and CRIQUET in the background
Coun. What, Madam, are you alone? Ah! what a shame! All alone! I thought my people had told me that the Viscount was here.
Ju. It is true that he came, but it was sufficient for him to know that you were not at home; he would not stop after that.
Coun. What! did he see you?
Ju. Yes.
Coun. And did he not stop to talk with you?
Ju. No, Madam; he wished to show you how very much he is struck by your charms.
Coun. Still, I shall call him to account for that. However much any one may be in love with me, I wish them to pay to our sex the homage that is due to it. I am not one of those unjust women who approve of the rudeness their lovers display towards other fair ones.
Ju. You must in no way be surprised at his conduct. The love he has for you shows itself in all his actions, and prevents him from caring for anybody but you.