a variety of considerations. But the
moment is ill chosen for dispute; to-night, at least, let our felicity be
unalloyed. (_Looking off L.C._) Our guests arrive: here is our good
Curate, and here our cheerful Notary.

CHARLES. His old infirmity, I fear.

DUMONT. But, Charles--dear boy!--at your wedding feast! I should have
taken it unneighbourly had he come strictly sober.

SCENE II

_To these, by the door L.C., the CURATE and the NOTARY arm in arm; the
latter owl-like and titubant_

CURATE. Peace be on this house!

NOTARY (_singing_). "Prove an excuse for the glass."

DUMONT. Welcome, excellent neighbours! The Church and the Law.

CURATE. And you, Charles, let me hope your feelings are in solemn
congruence with this momentous step.

NOTARY (_digging CHARLES in the ribs_). Married? Lovely bride? Prove an
excuse!

DUMONT (_to CURATE_). I fear our friend? perhaps? as usual? eh?

CURATE. Possibly; I had not yet observed it.

DUMONT. Well, well, his heart is good.

CURATE. He doubtless meant it kindly.

NOTARY. Where's Aline?

ALINE. Coming, sir! (_NOTARY makes for her._)

CURATE (_capturing him_). You will infallibly expose yourself to
misconstruction. (_To CHARLES._) Where is your commanding officer?

CHARLES. Why, sir, we have quite an alert. Information has been received
from Lyons that the notorious malefactor, Robert Macaire, has broken
prison, and the Brigadier is now scouring the country in his pursuit. I
myself am instructed to watch the visitors to our house.

DUMONT. That will do, Charles: you may go. (_Exit CHARLES._) You have
considered the case I laid before you?

NOTARY. Considered a case?

DUMONT. Yes, yes. Charles, you know, Charles. Can he marry? under these
untoward and peculiar circumstances, can he marry?

NOTARY. Now, lemme tell you: marriage is a contract to which there are
two constracting parties. That being clear, I am prepared to argue
categorically that your son Charles--who, it appears, is not your son
Charles--I am prepared to argue that one party to a contract being null
and void, the other party to a contract cannot by law oblige or
constrain the first party to constract or bind himself to any contract,
except the other party be able to see his way clearly to constract
himself with him. I donno if I make myself clear?

DUMONT. No.

NOTARY. Now, lemme tell you: by applying justice of peace might possibly
afford relief.

DUMONT. But how?

NOTARY. Ay, th