Napoleon (running in)
Mamma, mamma! My good friend Ferdinand has just fallen down; he has
broken his leg and they are carrying him into the house.
Vernon
That's dreadful!
The General
How very unfortunate!
Pauline
Oh!
(Pauline falls back on her chair.)
Gertrude
What is that you said?
Napoleon
It is all a joke! I only wished to see if you all loved my good
friend.
Gertrude
It is very naughty of you to act in that way; how did you come to
think of such a trick?
Napoleon (whispering)
It was Godard.
Godard (aside)
She loves him! She was nicely caught by my trap, which I have never
known to fail.
Gertrude (to Godard, as she offers him some coffee)
Are you aware, sir, that you would make a very indifferent preceptor?
It is very bad of you to teach a child such mischievous tricks.
Godard
You will come to the conclusion that I did pretty well, when you learn
that I have been enabled by this little stratagem to discover my
rival.
(Godard points to Ferdinand who is entering the room.)
Gertrude (letting fall the sugar basin)
He!
Godard (aside)
She is in the same box!
Gertrude (aloud)
You startled me.
The General (who has risen from his seat)
What is the matter with you, my dear child?
Gertrude
Nothing; it is Godard's nonsense; he told me that the public
prosecutor had come back. Felix, take away this sugar basin, and bring
me another one.
Vernon
This is a day of surprises.
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