uded upon seeing no one, but you, the mayor and the cure. Do
you want me also to forego your society which is so pleasant, so
agreeable to us? Ah! Here is Napoleon.

Vernon (aside)
I take this for a declaration of war. She has sent away everyone else,
she intends to dismiss me.

Godard (to Vernon)
Doctor, you are an intimate friend of the house, tell me, pray, what
do you think of Mlle. Pauline?

(The doctor rises from his seat, looks at the speaker, blows his nose,
and goes to the middle of the stage. The dinner bells sounds.)

SCENE SIXTH

The same persons, Napoleon and Felix.

Napoleon
Papa, papa, didn't you say I could ride Coco?

The General
Certainly.

Napoleon (to Felix)
Do you hear that?

Gertrude (wiping her son's forehead)
He is quite warm!

The General
But only on the condition that some one goes with you.

Felix
You see I was right, Master Napoleon. General, the little rascal
wished to go on his pony alone into the country.

Napoleon
He was frightened for me! Do you think I am afraid of anything?

(Exit Felix. Dinner bell rings.)

The General
Come and let me kiss you for that word. He is a little soldier and
belongs to the Young Guard.

Vernon (with a glance at Gertrude)
He takes after his father!

Gertrude (quickly)
As regards courage, he is his father's counterpart; but as to
physique, he resembles me.

Felix
Dinner is served.

Gertrude
Very well! But do you know where Ferdinand is? He is generally so
punctual. Here, Napoleon, go to the entrance of the factory and see if
he is coming. Tell him to hurry; the bell has rung.

The General
We need not wait for Ferdinand. Godard, give your arm to Pauline.
(Vernon offers his arm to Gertrude.) Excuse me, Vernon, you ought to
be aware that I never permit anybody but myself to take my wife's arm.

Vernon (aside)
Decidedly, he is incurable.

Napoleon (running back)
I saw Ferdinand down in the main avenue.

Vernon
Give me your hand, you little tyrant!

Napoleon
Tyrant yourself! I'll bet I could tire you out.

(Napoleon turns Vernon round and round. All leave, chatting gaily.)

SCENE SEVENTH

Ferdinand (cautiously stealing from Pauline's room)
The youngster saved me, but I do not know how he happened to see me in
the avenue! One more piece of carelessness like this may ruin us! I
must extricate myself from this situation at any price. Here is
Pauline r