the
province,--you know that, but for the Revolution, which has defrauded
me of my titles, I should be noble. May I, then, trust that you will not
reject my alliance? I offer you my hand and heart.

Pauline [aside.] He has the air of a man who confers a favor!--[Aloud.]
Sir, you are very condescending--I thank you humbly; but, being duly
sensible of my own demerits, you must allow me to decline the honor you
propose. [Curtsies, and turns away.

Beau. Decline! Impossible!--you are not serious!--Madam, suffer me to
appeal to you. I am a suitor for your daughter's hand--the settlements
shall be worthy of her beauty and my station. May I wait on M.
Deschappelles?

Mme. Deschap. M. Deschappelles never interferes in the domestic
arrangements,--you are very obliging. If you were still a marquis, or if
my daughter were intended to marry a commoner,--why, perhaps, we might
give you the preference.

Beau. A commoner!--we are all commoners in France now.

Mme. Deschap. In France, yes; but there is a nobility still left in the
other countries in Europe. We are quite aware of your good qualities,
and don't doubt that you will find some lady more suitable to your
pretensions. We shall be always happy to see you as an acquaintance, M.
Beauseant!--My dear child, the carriage will be here presently.

Beau. Say no more, madam!--say no more!--[Aside.] Refused! and by
a merchant's daughter!--refused! It will be all over Lyons before
sunset!--I will go and bury myself in my chateau, study philosophy,
and turn woman-hater. Refused! they ought to be sent to a madhouse!--
Ladies, I have the honor to wish you a very good morning. [Exit.

Mme. Deschap. How forward these men are!--I think, child, we kept up our
dignity. Any girl, however inexperienced, knows how to accept an
offer, but it requires a vast deal of address to refuse one with proper
condescension and disdain. I used to practise it at school with the
dancing-master.

Enter DAMAS.

Damas. Good morning, cousin Deschappelles.--Well, Pauline, are you
recovered from last night's ball?--So many triumphs must be very
fatiguing. Even M. Glavis sighed most piteously when you departed; but
that might be the effect of the supper.

Pauline. M. Glavis, indeed!

Mme. Deschap. M. Glavis?--as if my daughter would think of M. Glavis!

Damas. Hey-day!--why not?--His father left him a very pretty fortune,
and his birth is higher than yours, cousin Deschappelles. But perhaps
you are looki