t how to express my gratitude to
you.

_Dor._ For what?

_Dal._ Did I not hear what my uncle said? He loves me, he feels for me;
he has gone to his notary; he has given you his word of honour. I see
plainly what you have done for me; I am the most fortunate man in the
world.

_Dor._ Do not flatter yourself so much, my dear friend, for the good
fortune you imagine has not the least foundation in truth.

_Dal._ How then?

_Dor._ I hope, in time, to be able to do you a service with him; and
hereafter I may have some title to interest myself in your behalf; but
till then--

_Dal._ [_With warmth._] For what, then, did he give you his word of
honour?

_Dor._ I will tell you at once; he did me the honour to propose your
sister to me as a wife.

_Dal._ [_With joy._] My sister! Do you accept?

_Dor._ Yes, if you approve it.

_Dal._ You overwhelm me with joy; you surprise me. As regards her
fortune, you know my situation.

_Dor._ About that we will say nothing.

_Dal._ My dear brother, let me, with all my heart, embrace you.

_Dor._ I flatter myself that your uncle on this occasion--

_Dal._ Here is a connection to which I shall owe my happiness. I am in
great need of it. I have been to my lawyer's, and did not find him.

_Enter_ Madame Dalancourt.

_Dal._ [_Seeing his wife._] Ah, Madame!

_Mad._ [_To_ Dalancourt.] I have been waiting for you with impatience. I
heard your voice.

_Dal._ My wife, here is Signor Dorval; I present him to you as my
brother-in-law, as the husband of Angelica.

_Mad._ [_With joy._] Indeed!

_Dor._ I shall be highly pleased, Madame, if my happiness meets with
your approbation.

_Mad._ I am rejoiced at it, sir; I congratulate you with all my heart.
[_Aside._] What did he mean by speaking of the embarrassments of my
husband?

_Dal._ [_To_ Dorval.] Is my sister informed of it?

_Dor._ I think not.

_Mad._ [_Aside._] Then it was not Dalancourt who made the match.

_Dal._ Do you wish me to bring her here?

_Dor._ No, do not bring her; there may still be a difficulty.

_Dal._ What is it?

_Dor._ Her consent.

_Dal._ Fear nothing; I know Angelica, and your circumstances and merit.
Leave it to me; I will speak to my sister.

_Dor._ No, my dear friend, do not, I beg you, do not let us spoil the
affair; leave it to Signor Geronte.

_Dal._ As you please.

_Mad._ [_Aside._] I comprehend nothing of all this.

_Dor._ I am going into your uncle's room to write; he has giv