La guerre de Troie commence demain

This title already rings out like the ironic premises of a joust launched against Jean Giraudoux. Tragicomedy or farce, the reader might ask themselves depending on whether they lean toward the serious, lightened by a wink, or toward the lightness of the writing. Brune has chosen "entertainment."

Agamemnon: We wish to know if Paris abducted you, Helen.

Helen: It was difficult for me to leave alone, by swimming, all the way to the coast of Asia.

Agamemnon: Indeed!... But did Paris take you by force, after a short struggle and despite your protests, your cries? Did you not call Menelaus for help?

Helen: No. I preferred not to disturb him.

Agamemnon: A woman who is being abducted does not disturb her husband if she calls him.

Helen: Lovers do not need to be alerted to guess that a girl is leaving them, Agamemnon. It is not always the same for husbands. They are willingly distracted. They never notice the departure of their spouse and generally only learn of it from the popular rumor when it becomes deafening.

Agamemnon: So Menelaus saw nothing?

Helen: No! He was watching for the green flash.

Agamemnon: And you maintain that Paris did not use violence against you. He did not tear your clothes, for example?

Helen: No! I was naked.