r uncle, you see the most unhappy
of men; have mercy! listen to me!

_Ger._ [_A little moved, but still in anger._] Rise, I say.

_Dal._ [_On his knees._] You, who have a heart so generous, so feeling,
will you abandon me for a fault which is the fault of love only, and an
honest, virtuous love? I have certainly done wrong in not profiting by
your advice, in disregarding your paternal tenderness; but, my dear
uncle, in the name of your brother, to whom I owe my life, of that blood
which flows in the veins of us both, let me move you--let me soften your
feelings.

_Ger._ [_By degrees relents, wipes his eyes, yet not letting_ Dalancourt
_see, and says in a low tone_] What! you have still the courage?

_Dal._ It is not the loss of fortune that afflicts me; a sentiment more
worthy of you oppresses me--my honour. Can you bear the disgrace of a
nephew? I ask nothing of you; if I can preserve my reputation, I give
you my word, for myself and my wife, that want shall have no terrors for
us, if, in the midst of our misery, we can have the consolation of an
unsullied character, our mutual love, and your affection and esteem.

_Ger._ Wretched man! you deserve--but I am weak; this foolish regard
for blood speaks in favour of this ingrate. Rise, sir; I will pay your
debts, and perhaps place you in a situation to contract others.

_Dal._ [_Moved._] Ah, no, my uncle! I promise you, you shall see in my
conduct hereafter--

_Ger._ What conduct, inconsiderate man? That of an infatuated husband
who suffers himself to be guided by the caprices of his wife, a vain,
presumptuous, thoughtless woman--

_Dal._ No, I swear to you, my wife is not in fault; you do not know her.

_Ger._ [_Still more excited._] You defend her? You maintain what is
false in my presence? Take care! but a little more, and on account of
your wife I will retract my promise; yes, yes, I will retract it--you
shall have nothing of mine. Your wife!--I cannot bear her. I will not
see her.

_Dal._ Ah, my uncle, you tear my heart!

_Enter_ Madame Dalancourt.

_Mad._ Ah, sir! you think me the cause of all the misfortunes of your
nephew; it is right that I alone should bear the punishment. The
ignorance in which I have lived till now, I see, is not a sufficient
excuse in your eyes. Young, inexperienced, I have suffered myself to be
guided by a husband who loved me. The world had attractions for me; evil
examples seduced me. I was satisfied, and thought myself happy,