)
Gertrude (to the General)
You seem to be indisposed?
The General
My dear, I cannot understand women; I am like Godard.
(Marguerite comes back.)
Gertrude
You are like all other men.
Pauline (hurriedly drinking the poisoned cup)
Ah!
Gertrude
How are you now, my child?
Pauline
I am better.
Gertrude
I am going to prepare another cup for you.
Pauline
Oh, no, madame, this will be quite enough! I would sooner wait for the
doctor.
(Pauline sets down the empty cup on the table.)
SCENE SIXTEENTH
The same persons and Felix, then Godard.
Felix (looking inquiringly at Pauline)
M. Godard asks if you will see him?
Pauline
Certainly.
Gertrude (leaving the room)
What do you intend saying to him.
Pauline
Wait and see.
Godard (entering)
I am sorry that mademoiselle is indisposed. I did not know it. I will
not intrude. (They offer him a chair.) Mademoiselle, allow me to thank
you above all for the kindness you have shown in receiving me in this
sanctuary of innocence. Madame de Grandchamp and your father have just
informed me of something which would have overwhelmed me with
happiness yesterday, but rather astonishes me to-day.
The General
That is to say, M. Godard--
Pauline
Do not be hasty, father, M. Godard is right. You do not know all I
said to him yesterday.
Godard
You are far too clever, mademoiselle, not to consider as quite natural
the curiosity of an honorable young man, who has an income of forty
thousand francs, besides his savings, to learn of the reason why he
should be accepted after a lapse of twenty-four hours from his
rejection--For, yesterday, it was at this very hour--(He pulls out his
watch) Half-past five--
The General
What do you mean by all this? It looks as if you are not as much in
love as you said you were.
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