but I am
guilty in appearance, and that is enough. That my husband may be worthy
of your kindness, I submit to your fatal decree. I will withdraw from
your presence, yet I ask one favour of you: moderate your anger against
me; pardon me--my youth--have compassion on my husband, whom too much
love--

_Ger._ Ah, Madame, perhaps you think to overcome me?

_Mad._ Oh, Heaven! Is there no hope? Ah, my dear Dalancourt, I have then
ruined you! I die. [_Falls on a sofa._]

_Ger._ [_Disturbed, moved with tenderness._] Hallo! who's there?
Martuccia!

_Enter_ Martuccia.

_Mar._ Here, sir.

_Ger._ Look there--quick--go--see to her; do something for her
assistance.

_Mar._ My lady! What's the matter?

_Ger._ [_Giving a phial to_ Martuccia.] Take it. Here's Cologne water.
[_To_ Dalancourt.] What is the matter?

_Dal._ Ah, my uncle!

_Ger._ [_To_ Madame D., _in a rough tone._] How are you?

_Mad._ [_Rising languidly, and in a weak voice._] You are too kind, sir,
to interest yourself in me. Do not mind my weakness--feelings will show
themselves. I shall recover my strength. I will go, my--I will resign
myself to my misfortunes.

_Ger._ [_Affected, does not speak._]

_Dal._ [_Distressed._] Ah, my uncle! can you suffer--

_Ger._ [_With warmth to_ Dalancourt.] Be silent!--[_To_ Madame D.,
_roughly._] Remain in this house with your husband.

_Mad._ Ah, sir! ah!

_Dal._ [_With transport._] Ah, my dear uncle!

_Ger._ [_In a serious tone, but without anger, taking their hands._]
Hear me: my savings are not on my own account; you would one day have
known it. Make use of them now; the source is exhausted, and henceforth
you must be prudent. If gratitude does not influence you, honour should
at least keep you right.

_Mad._ Your goodness--

_Dal._ Your generosity--

_Ger._ Enough! enough!

_Mar._ Sir--

_Ger._ Do you be silent, babbler!

_Mar._ Now, sir, that you are in a humour for doing good, don't you mean
to do something for Mademoiselle Angelica?

_Ger._ Well thought of. Where is she?

_Mar._ She is not far off.

_Ger._ And where is her betrothed?

_Mar._ Her betrothed?

_Ger._ He is perhaps offended at what I said, and will not see me. Is he
gone?

_Mar._ Sir--her betrothed--he is still here.

_Ger._ Let him come in.

_Mar._ Angelica and her betrothed?

_Ger._ Yes, Angelica and her betrothed.

_Mar._ Admirable! Directly, sir, directly. [_Going towards the door._]
Come, come, my children; hav