him.

The General (aside)
There is a tremendous amount of bitterness in her tone.

(Marguerite appears with a tea-cup.)

Gertrude
It is too soon, Marguerite, the infusion can't yet be strong enough!
(She tastes it.) I must go and prepare it myself.

Marguerite
I have always been in the habit of waiting upon Mlle. Pauline.

Gertrude
What do you mean by speaking to me in this tone?

Marguerite
But--madame--

The General
Marguerite, if you say another word, we shall fall out.

Pauline
Marguerite, you may just as well let Madame de Grandchamp have her
way.

(Gertrude goes out with Marguerite.)

The General
And so my little girl has not much confidence in the father who loves
her so? Come now! Tell me why you so distinctly refused Godard
yesterday, and yet, accept him to-day?

Pauline
I suppose it is a young girl's whim.

The General
Are you in love with anybody else?

Pauline
It is because I am not in love with anybody else that I consent to
marry your friend M. Godard!

(Gertrude comes in with Marguerite.)

The General
Ah!

Gertrude
Take this, my darling, but be careful, for it is a little hot.

Pauline
Thank you, mother!

The General
Mother! Truly, this is enough to drive one crazy with perplexity!

Pauline
Marguerite, bring me the sugar basin!

(While Marguerite goes out and Gertrude talks with the General,
Pauline drops the poison into the cup and lets fall the paper which
contained it.)

Gertrude (to the General)
You seem to be indisposed?

The General
My dear, I cannot understand women; I am like Godard.

(Marguerite comes back.)

Gertrude
You are like all other men.

Pauline (hurriedly drinking the poisoned cup)
Ah!

Gertrude
How are you now, my child?

Pauline
I am better.

Gertrude
I am going to prepare another cup for you.

Pauline
Oh, no, madame, this will be quite enough! I would sooner wait for the
doctor.

(Pauline sets down the empty cup on the table.)

SCENE SIXTEENTH

The same persons and Felix, then Godard.

Felix (looking inquiringly at Pauline)
M. Godard asks if you will see him?

Pauline
Certainly.

Gertrude (leaving the room)
What do you intend saying to him.

Pauline
Wait and see.

Godard (entering)
I am sorry that mademoiselle is indisposed. I did not know it. I will
not intrude. (They offer him a chair.) Mademoiselle, allow me to thank
you above all for the kindness you have shown in receivi