el uncles; they are admitted to the sacrament without
confession, they are entrusted with the investments of others. But
just learn their inner side, and it is enough to startle a police
magistrate.

The General
Ah! That is the way you look at the world, is it? For my part, I try
to keep up the illusions in which I have lived. To peer into the inner
life of people in that way is the business of priests and magistrates;
I have no love for the black robed gentlemen, and I hope to die
without ever having seen them! But the sentiment which you express
with regard to my house is more pleasing to me than all your fortune.
Stick to that point, and you will win my esteem, something which I
lightly bestow on no one.

Godard
Thank you, General. (Aside) I have won over the father-in-law at any
rate.

SCENE FOURTH

The same persons, Pauline and Gertrude.

The General (catching sight of Pauline)
Ah! Here you are, darling.

Gertrude
Doesn't she look beautiful?

Godard
Madame.

Gertrude
Forgive me, sir. I had no eyes excepting for my handiwork.

Godard
Mademoiselle is radiant!

Gertrude
We have some people to dinner to-day, and I am something more than a
stepmother to her; I love to deck her out, for she is to me like my
own daughter.

Godard (aside)
They were evidently expecting me!

Gertrude (aside to Godard)
I am going to leave you alone with her. Now is the time for your
declaration. (To the General) My dear, let us go out on the veranda
and see if our friend the doctor is coming.

The General
I am at your service, as usual. (To Pauline) Good-bye, my pet. (To
Godard) I shall see you later.

(Gertrude and the General go to the veranda, but Gertrude keeps her
eye on Godard and Pauline. Ferdinand shows his head at the door of
Pauline's chamber, but at a quick sign from her, he hurriedly
withdraws it unobserved.)

Godard (at the front of the stage)
Let me see, what fine and dainty speech can I make to her? Ah, I have
it! (To Pauline) It is a very fine day, mademoiselle.

Pauline
It certainly is, sir.

Godard
Mademoiselle--

Pauline
Sir?

Godard
It is in your power to make the day still finer for me.

Pauline
How can I do that?

Godard
Don't you understand me? Has not Madame de Grandchamp said anything to
you about the subject nearest my heart?

Pauline
While she was helping me to dress, an instant ago, she said a great
many complimentary things about y