Œuvres complètes de Alfred de Musset — Tome 5

In a modest Parisian bedroom, Mathilde busily knits a tiny secret—her own little purse—while muttering about the timing of her husband’s return. A cheeky servant delivers a parcel from the jeweler, prompting her to hide the gift before Chavigny arrives. Musset’s witty stage directions already set a light, conspiratorial tone that hints at the playful games of a newly married couple.

When Chavigny steps in, he immediately jokes about forgetting he is her husband, a line that sparks an amusing exchange about love, infidelity, and the absurdities of social etiquette. Mathilde teases him, calling him both lover and friend, while still clutching the concealed purse as a symbol of her affectionate scheming. The dialogue crackles with irony, offering listeners a snapshot of early‑19th‑century French wit and the tender absurdities of marital flirtation.

The play’s brisk pace and sparkling repartee make it ideal for an audio experience, allowing the actors’ timing to bring out the subtle sarcasm and affection woven through each line. Listeners will find themselves drawn into the intimate world of Mathilde and Chavigny, anticipating how this mischievous caprice might unfold.