, madame.

SCENE FIFTH

Gertrude, the General and Pauline.

The General (kissing his daughter)
You've not even said good-morning to me, you unnatural child.

Pauline (kissing him)
But, you began by scolding about nothing. I declare, father, I am
going to undertake your education. It is quite time for you, at your
age, to control yourself a little,--a young man would not be so quick
as you are! You have terrified Marguerite, and when women are in fear,
they tell little falsehoods, and you can get nothing out of them.

The General (aside)
I'm in for it now! (Aloud) Your conduct, young lady, does not do much
towards promoting my self-control. I wish you to marry, and I propose
a man who is young--

Pauline
Handsome and well educated!

The General
Please keep silence, when your father addresses you, mademoiselle. A
man who possesses a magnificent fortune, at least six times as much as
yours, and you refuse him. You are well able to do so, because I leave
you free in the matter; but if you do not care for Godard, tell me who
it is you choose, if I do not already know.

Pauline
Ah, father, you are much more clear-sighted than I am. Tell me who he
is?

The General
He is a man from thirty to thirty-five years old, who pleases me much
more than Godard does, although he is without fortune. He is already a
member of our family.

Pauline
I don't see any of our relations here.

The General
I wonder what you can have against this poor Ferdinand, that you
should be unwilling--

Pauline
Ah! Who has been telling you this story? I'll warrant that it is
Madame de Grandchamp.

The General
A story? I suppose, you will deny the truth of it! Have you never
thought of this fine young fellow?

Pauline
Never!

Gertrude (to the General)
She is lying! Just look at her.

Pauline
Madame de Grandchamp has doubtless her reasons for supposing that I
have an attachment for my father's clerk. Oh! I see how it is, she
wishes you to say: "If your heart, my daughter, has no preference for
any one, marry Godard." (In a low voice to Gertrude) This, madame, is
an atrocious move! To make me abjure my love in my father's presence!
But I will have my revenge.

Gertrude (aside to Pauline)
As you choose about that; but marry Godard you shall!

The General (aside)
Can it be possible that these two are at variance? I must question
Ferdinand. (Aloud) What were you saying to each other?

Gertrud