Godard
De Rimonville--Doctor, I--
Vernon (looking at him and blowing his nose)
Good-bye, my friend.
The General (attending the doctor on his way out)
Good-bye till to-morrow, Vernon, but come early.
SCENE SIXTH
Gertrude, Pauline and the General.
Gertrude
My dear, Pauline refuses Godard.
The General
And what are your reasons, my daughter?
Pauline
I do not like him sufficiently to take him for a husband.
The General
Well, never mind! We will look out some one else for you; but it is
time for this to end, for you are now twenty-two, and people will
begin to talk about you, my wife and me unless you make an early
choice.
Pauline
May I not be permitted, if I choose, to remain single?
Gertrude
She has made her choice, but probably wishes to tell you by yourself.
I will leave you, and she will confess it. (To Pauline) Good-night, my
child; talk freely with your father. (Aside) I will listen.
(Gertrude enters her chamber and proceeds to close the door.)
SCENE SEVENTH
The General and Pauline.
The General (aside)
Act as my daughter's confessor! I am utterly unfitted for such a task!
She might rather act as confessor to me. (Aloud) Pauline, come here.
(He takes her on his knee) Now, do you really think, my pet, that an
old trooper like me doesn't understand your resolution to remain
single? Why, of course, that means, in every language in which it has
ever been uttered, that a young person is in a special hurry to be
married--to some one that she is in love with.
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