Bataille de dames
Page 1.
[Footnote 1: #salon d'été#, summer parlor, which of course implies
a mansion of some elegance.]
[Footnote 2: #plan#. French playwrights divide the stage into three
or four lateral divisions called plans, and corresponding to similarly
designated side-scenes, or pans coupés, between which are passages
called coulisses; but those speaking from the coulisses, or
addressing persons supposed to be in or behind them, are said to speak
à la cantonade. The rear of the stage is called fond, and to this
actors are said to remonter while they descendre toward the _premier
plan_, nearest the footlights. These are all the stage terms used in
this play that present any difficulty.]
ACT I. SCENE 1.
[Footnote 3: #madame#. French and German usage requires that a title
of courtesy be prefixed to designations of adult relatives of the person
addressed, as, e.g., _madame votre mère, monsieur votre frère,
mademoiselle votre soeur_; but Charles, as valet, should have said,
madame la comtesse alone. The reader should note that from the first
his speeches show a refinement which to Léonie seems a surprising
presumption. The disguised noble is too courteous to act a menial part
successfully.]