The General (aside) She has been in my service for twenty years.  Strange that she should be so persistent! (Takes Marguerite aside.) Come!  What did you say about the flowers for my daughter’s hair?

Marguerite (while Pauline makes signs to her)
I said that, sir—­I am so old that my memory is treacherous.

The General
But even then, why did you suppose that any one in the house had an
evil thought towards—­

Pauline
Say no more, father!  She has so much affection for me, dear
Marguerite, that she is sometimes distracted by it.

Marguerite (aside)
I am quite sure I took away the flowers.

The General (aside) Why should my wife and my daughter deceive me?  An old trooper like me doesn’t permit himself to be caught between two fires, and there is something decidedly crooked—­

Gertrude
Marguerite, we will take tea in this room when M. Godard comes down. 
Tell Felix to bring in all the newspapers.

Marguerite
Very good, madame.

Scenefifth

Gertrude, the General and Pauline.

The General (kissing his daughter)
You’ve not even said good-morning to me, you unnatural child.

Pauline (kissing him) But, you began by scolding about nothing.  I declare, father, I am going to undertake your education.  It is quite time for you, at your age, to control yourself a little,—­a young man would not be so quick as you are!  You have terrified Marguerite, and when women are in fear, they tell little falsehoods, and you can get nothing out of them.

The General (aside) I’m in for it now! (Aloud) Your conduct, young lady, does not do much towards promoting my self-control.  I wish you to marry, and I propose a man who is young—­

Pauline
Handsome and well educated!

The General Please keep silence, when your father addresses you, mademoiselle.  A man who possesses a magnificent fortune, at least six times as much as yours, and you refuse him.  You are well able to do so, because I leave you free in the matter; but if you do not care for Godard, tell me who it is you choose, if I do not already know.

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.