en me
permission, and he has told me expressly to wait for him there, so
excuse me; we shall soon see each other again.
[_Exit into_ Geronte's _apartment._

SCENE III.--Dalancourt _and_ Madame Dalancourt.

_Mad._ From what I hear, it appears you are not the person who marries
your sister?

_Dal._ [_Embarrassed._] My uncle marries her.

_Mad._ Has your uncle mentioned it to you? Has he asked your consent?

_Dal._ [_With a little warmth._] My consent! Did you not see Dorval? Did
he not tell me of it? Do you not call this asking my consent?

_Mad._ [_A little warmly._] Yes. It is an act of civility on the part of
Dorval, but your uncle has said nothing to you.

_Dal._ [_Embarrassed._] What do you mean by that?

_Mad._ I mean, he thinks us of no account.

_Dal._ [_Warmly._] You take the worst view of everything. This is
terrible! You are insupportable.

_Mad._ [_Mortified._] I insupportable! you find me insupportable! [_With
much tenderness._] Ah, my husband! this is the first time such an
expression has ever escaped from your lips. You must be in a state of
great uneasiness so to forget your affection for me.

_Dal._ [_Aside._] Ah! too true.--My dear wife, I ask your pardon with
all my heart. But you know my uncle; do you desire to offend him still
more? Do you wish me to hinder my sister? The match is a good one;
nothing can be said against it. My uncle has chosen it; so much the
better. Here is one embarrassment the less for you and me. [_With joy._]

_Mad._ Come, come, I am glad you take it in good part; I praise and
admire your conduct. But permit me to make one suggestion: Who is to
attend to the necessary preparations for a young lady going to be
married? Is your uncle to have this trouble? Will it be proper? will it
be correct?

_Dal._ You are right; but there is time, we will talk of it.

_Mad._ Hear me: you know I love Angelica. The ungrateful girl does not
deserve I should care for her; but she is your sister.

_Dal._ How! you call my sister ungrateful! Why so?

_Mad._ Do not let us speak of it now; some other time, when we are
alone, I will explain to you. And then--

_Dal._ No; I wish to hear it now.

_Mad._ Have patience, my dear husband.

_Dal._ No, I tell you; I wish to know at once.

_Mad._ Well, as you wish it, I must satisfy you.

_Dal._ [_Aside._] How I tremble!

_Mad._ Your sister--

_Dal._ Proceed.

_Mad._ I believe she is too much on