had been told to do so? No.

SYLVETTE. Then perhaps you suspected--?

PASQUINOT. Of course we did.

SYLVETTE. Our meetings?

BERGAMIN. I heard you every time!

SYLVETTE. But the benches?

PASQUINOT. We put them there on purpose.

SYLVETTE. The duel?

BERGAMIN. A trick--prepared beforehand.

SYLVETTE. The bravadoes?

PASQUINOT. Actors!

SYLVETTE. Then my abduction--? It was all a joke!

BERGAMIN. [Searching in his pocket] Joke? Here's the bill!

SYLVETTE. [Snatching the bill from him] Give it to me! [She
reads] "Straforel, Confidential affairs: One abduction, setting
and scenery--for purposes of bringing about a marriage--" Oh!
"Eight assistants at five francs a head; eight masks--"