g
you should laugh, but do not put me in a passion; do you hear, you
laughing gentleman? Come here and listen to me.

_Dor._ But listen yourself.

_Ger._ [_To_ Angelica, _and endeavouring to take her hand._] Come near,
both of you.

_Ang._ [_Weeping._] My uncle!

_Ger._ Weeping! What's the matter, my child? I believe you are making a
jest of me. [_Takes her hand, and carries her by force to the middle of
the stage; then turns to_ Dorval, _and says to him, with an appearance
of heat_] You shall escape me no more.

_Dor._ At least let me speak.

_Ger._ No, no!

_Ang._ My dear uncle--

_Ger._ [_With warmth._] No, no. [_He changes his tone and becomes
serious._] I have been to my notary's, and have arranged everything; he
has taken a note of it in my presence, and will soon bring the contract
here for us to subscribe.

_Dor._ But will you listen to me?

_Ger._ No, no. As to her fortune, my brother had the weakness to leave
it in the hands of his son; this will no doubt cause some obstacle on
his part, but it will not embarrass me. Every one who has transactions
with him suffers. The fortune cannot be lost, and in any event I will be
responsible for it.

_Ang._ [_Aside._] I can bear this no longer.

_Dor._ [_Embarrassed._] All proceeds well, but--

_Ger._ But what?

_Dor._ The young lady may have something to say in this matter.
[_Looking at_ Angelica.]

_Ang._ [_Hastily and trembling._] I, sir?

_Ger._ I should like to know if she can say anything against what I do,
what I order, and what I wish. My wishes, my orders, and what I do, are
all for her good. Do you understand me?

_Dor._ Then I must speak myself.

_Ger._ What have you to say?

_Dor._ That I am very sorry, but this marriage cannot take place.

_Ger._ Not take place! [Angelica _retreats frightened_; Dorval _also
steps back two paces._] [_To_ Dorval.] You have given me your word of
honour.

_Dor._ Yes, on condition--

_Ger._ [_Turning to_ Angelica.] It must then be this impertinent. If I
could believe it! if I had any reason to suspect it! [_Threatens her._]

_Dor._ [_Seriously._] No, sir, you are mistaken.

_Ger._ [_To_ Dorval. Angelica _seizes the opportunity and makes her
escape._] It is you, then, who refuse? So you abuse my friendship and
affection for you!

_Dor._ [_Raising his voice._] But hear reason--

_Ger._ What reason? what reason? There is no reason. I am a man of
honour, and if you are so too, it shall be done at