I shall die a bachelor.
(The two women set to work at the same piece of embroidery.)
Gertrude (seated with Pauline at the front of the stage)
How is this, my child! Godard tells me that you received his advances
very coldly; yet he is a very good match for you.
Pauline
My father, madame, has given me leave to choose a husband for myself.
Gertrude
Do you know what Godard will say? He will say that you refused him
because you had already made your choice.
Pauline
If it were true, you and my father would know it. What reason have I
for not giving you my confidence?
Gertrude
I cannot say, and I do not blame you. You see in matters of love women
keep their secret with heroic constancy, sometimes in the midst of the
most cruel torments.
Pauline (aside, picking up the scissors, which she had let drop)
Ferdinand was wise in telling me to distrust her--she is so
insinuating!
Gertrude
Perhaps you have in your heart a love like that. If such a misfortune
has befallen you, you may rely on my help--I love you, remember! I can
win your father's consent; he has confidence in me, and I can sway
both his mind and affections. Therefore, dear child, you may open your
heart to me.
Pauline
You can read my heart, madame, for I am concealing nothing from you.
The General
Vernon, what in the name of everything are you doing?
(Faint murmurs are heard among the card players; Pauline casts a look
at them.
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