You have come here to complain of a
charming girl at the very moment when she has told you--
Godard
I would not complain, if the subject were not marriage. Marriage,
General, is at once the cause and the effect of sentiment.
The General
Pardon me, Godard, I am a little hasty, as you know.
Pauline (to Godard)
Sir--(Aside) Oh, how I suffer! (Aloud) Sir, why should poor young
girls--
Godard
Poor? No, no, mademoiselle; you are not poor. You have four hundred
thousand francs.
Pauline
Why should weak young girls--
Godard
Weak?
Pauline
Well, then, innocent young persons--be so very fastidious about the
character of the man who presents himself as their lord and master? If
you love me, will you punish yourself--will you punish me--because
your love has been submitted to a test?
Godard
Of course, from that point of view--
The General
Oh! These women! These women!
Godard
You may just as well say, "These daughters."
The General
Yes, for I am quite sure that mine has more brains than I have.
SCENE SEVENTEENTH
The same persons, Gertrude and then Napoleon.
Gertrude
How has it turned out, M. Godard?
Godard
Ah, Madame! General! My happiness is complete, and my dream fulfilled.
For now I am to be admitted into a family like yours. To think that I
--Ah! Madame! General! (Aside) I'd like to find out the mystery, for
she has precious little love for me.
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