Philosophy in the Bedroom

DIALOGUE THE SECOND

DIALOGUE THE SECONDMADAME DE SAINT-ANGE —Welcome, my pet I have beenawaiting

you with an impatience you fully appreciate if you can read thefeelings I have in my heart.

EUGENIE — Oh, my precious one, I thought I should neverarrive, so eager was I to find myself in your arms. An hour beforeleaving, I dreaded all might be changed; my mother was absolutelyopposed to this delightful party, declaring it ill became a girl ofmy age to go abroad alone; but my father had so abused her the daybefore yesterday that a single one of his glances was quite enoughto cause Madame Mistival to subside utterly, and it ended with herconsenting to what my father had granted me, and I rushed here.

I have two days; your carriage and one of your servants mustwithout fail take me home the day after tomorrow.

MADAME DE SAINT-ANGE — How short is this period, mydearest angel, in so little time I shall hardly be able to expressto you all you excite in me… and indeed we have to talk. Youknow, do you not, that 'tis during this interview that I am toinitiate you into the most secret of Venus' mysteries; shall twodays be time enough?

EUGENIE — Ah, were I not to arrive at a completeknowledge, I should remain… I came hither to be instructed,and will not go till I am informed…

MADAME DE SAINT-ANGE, kissing her — Dear love, how manythings are we going to do and say to one another! But, by the way,do you wish to take lunch, my queen? For the lesson may beprolonged.

EUGENIE — I have no need, dear friend, than to listen toyou; we lunched a league from here; I'll be able to wait untileight o'clock this evening without feeling the least hunger.

MADAME DE SAINT-ANGE — Then let's go into my boudoir,where we will be more at our ease. I have already spoken to theservants. You may be certain no one shall take it into his head tointerrupt us. (They enter the boudoir, linked arm in arm.)