ll go to my
notary's; he shall draw up the contract: she is yours.

_Dor._ Softly, my friend, softly.

_Ger._ [_With heat._] What now? Do you wish still to vex me--to annoy me
with your slowness--with your cold blood?

_Dor._ Then you wish--

_Ger._ Yes, to give you a sensible, honest, virtuous girl, with a
hundred thousand crowns for her fortune, and a hundred thousand livres
at her marriage. Perhaps I affront you?

_Dor._ By no means; you do me an honour I do not deserve.

_Ger._ [_With warmth._] Your modesty on this occasion is most
inopportune.

_Dor._ Do not get angry; do you wish me to take her?

_Ger._ Yes.

_Dor._ Then I take her--

_Ger._ [_With joy._] Indeed!

_Dor._ But on condition--

_Ger._ Of what?

_Dor._ That Angelica consents to it.

_Ger._ Do you make no other obstacle?

_Dor._ No other.

_Ger._ I am delighted. I answer for her.

_Dor._ So much the better if you are sure.

_Ger._ Most sure--most certain. Embrace me, my dear nephew.

_Dor._ Let us embrace, my dear uncle.

[Dalancourt _enters by the middle door; sees his uncle; listens as he
passes; goes towards his own apartment, but stops at his own door to
listen._]

_Ger._ This is the happiest day of my life.

_Dor._ My dear friend, how very kind you are!

_Ger._ I am going to the notary's. This very day it shall all be
concluded. [_Calls._] Piccardo!

_Enter_ Piccardo.

_Ger._ My cane and hat. [_Exit_ Piccardo.

_Dor._ I will now go home.

[Piccardo _returns, and gives his master his cane and hat, and
withdraws._ Dalancourt _is still at his door._]

_Ger._ No, no, you must wait here for me; I will soon return. You must
dine with me.

_Dor._ I have to write; I must send for my agent, who is a league from
Paris.

_Ger._ Go into my room and write; send your letter by Piccardo.
Yes, Piccardo will carry it himself; Piccardo is an excellent young
man--sensible--faithful. Sometimes I scold him, but I am very fond of
him.

_Dor._ Well, since you are determined, it shall be so; I will write in
your room.

_Ger._ Now it is all concluded.

_Dor._ Yes, we agree.

_Ger._ [_Taking his hand._] Your word of honour?

_Dor._ [_Giving his hand._] My word of honour.

_Ger._ My dear nephew! [_Exit at the last words, showing joy._

SCENE II.--Dalancourt _and_ Dorval.

_Dor._ In truth, all this seems to me a dream. I marry!--I, who have
never thought of such a thing!

_Dal._ Ah, my dear friend, I know no