The General
Madame the Countess of Grandchamp, ever since the arrival of Godard--
Gertrude
Ah! yes, Godard. Well! he is still here.
The General
Do not ridicule my words! Ever since yesterday nothing has gone as
usual! By God! I'd like to know--
Gertrude
Sir, this oath is the first I have ever heard from you. Felix, bring
in the tea. (To the General) You are tired, it seems, of twelve years
of happiness?
The General
I am not, and never will be a tyrant. A little time ago I came
unexpectedly upon you and Ferdinand engaged in conversation, and I
felt I was in the way. Again, I come home and you are locked in with
my daughter, and my appearance seemed to put you out. And to cap all,
last night--
Vernon
Come, General, you can quarrel with Madame as much as you like, but
not before other people. (Godard is heard approaching.) I hear Godard.
(Whispers to the General) Is this keeping your promise to me? In
treating with women--I am bound as a doctor to admit it--you must
leave them to betray themselves; while at the same time you watch them
carefully; otherwise your violence draws forth their tears, and when
once the hydraulic machinery begins to play, they drown a man as if
they had the strength of a triple Hercules!
SCENE NINTH
The same persons and Godard.
Godard
Ladies, I came once before to present my compliments and respects to
you, but I found the door closed.
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