The General
That is to say, you are inquisitive.
Godard
Curiosity, General, is the mother of observation. I know the seamy
side of the whole department.
The General
Really?
Godard
Yes, really! In all the families of which I have spoken to you, I have
seen some shabbiness or other. The public sees the decent exterior of
irreproachable mothers of family, of charming young persons, of good
fathers, of model 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.
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