Ferdinand understands the business of the factory, he could
buy the whole establishment with the dowry of Pauline. That would be
understood. All he has to do is to tell us where he comes from, who he
is, and who his father was. But we will see his mother.
Gertrude
Madame Charny?
The General
Yes, Madame Charny. Doesn't she live near Saint-Melo? That is by no
means at the other end of the world.
Gertrude
Just use a little tact, some of the manoeuvres of an old soldier, and
be very gentle, and you will soon learn whether this child--
The General
Why should I worry about it? Here comes Pauline herself.
SCENE FOURTH
The same persons, Marguerite, then Pauline.
The General
Ah! It is you, Marguerite. You came near causing the death of my
daughter last night by your carelessness. You forgot--
Marguerite
I, General, cause the death of my child!
The General
You forgot to take away the vase containing flowers of a strong scent,
and she was almost suffocated.
Marguerite
Impossible! I took away the vase before the arrival of M. Godard, and
Madame must have seen that it was not there while we were dressing
Mademoiselle--
Gertrude
You are mistaken. It was there.
Marguerite (aside)
She's a hard one. (Aloud) Does not Madame remember that she wished to
put some natural flowers in Mademoiselle's hair, and that she remarked
about the vase being gone?
Gertrude
You are inventing a story.
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