Pauline
Ah, father, you are much more clear-sighted than I am. Tell me who he
is?
The General
He is a man from thirty to thirty-five years old, who pleases me much
more than Godard does, although he is without fortune. He is already a
member of our family.
Pauline
I don't see any of our relations here.
The General
I wonder what you can have against this poor Ferdinand, that you
should be unwilling--
Pauline
Ah! Who has been telling you this story? I'll warrant that it is
Madame de Grandchamp.
The General
A story? I suppose, you will deny the truth of it! Have you never
thought of this fine young fellow?
Pauline
Never!
Gertrude (to the General)
She is lying! Just look at her.
Pauline
Madame de Grandchamp has doubtless her reasons for supposing that I
have an attachment for my father's clerk. Oh! I see how it is, she
wishes you to say: "If your heart, my daughter, has no preference for
any one, marry Godard." (In a low voice to Gertrude) This, madame, is
an atrocious move! To make me abjure my love in my father's presence!
But I will have my revenge.
Gertrude (aside to Pauline)
As you choose about that; but marry Godard you shall!
The General (aside)
Can it be possible that these two are at variance? I must question
Ferdinand. (Aloud) What were you saying to each other?
Gertrude
Your daughter, my dear, did not like my idea that she was taken with a
subordinate; she is deeply humiliated at the thought.
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