(Godard points to Ferdinand who is entering the room.)

Gertrude (letting fall the sugar basin)
He!

Godard (aside)
She is in the same box!

Gertrude (aloud)
You startled me.

The General (who has risen from his seat)
What is the matter with you, my dear child?

Gertrude Nothing; it is Godard’s nonsense; he told me that the public prosecutor had come back.  Felix, take away this sugar basin, and bring me another one.

Vernon
This is a day of surprises.

Gertrude M. Ferdinand, they are going to bring some sugar for you. (Aside) He is not looking at her. (Aloud) How is it, Pauline, you did not put any sugar in your father’s coffee?

Napoleon
Why, of course, it was because she was too scared; didn’t you hear her
say “oh!”?

Pauline
Won’t you hold your tongue, you little story-teller!  You are always
teasing me.

(Pauline sits on her father’s knee, and puts sugar in his cup.)

Gertrude Can it be true?  And to think that I have taken such pains in dressing her! (To Godard) If you are right, your marriage will take place in a fortnight. (Aloud) M. Ferdinand, here is your coffee.

Godard (aside) It seems that I caught two in my mouse-trap!  And all the time the General is so calm, so tranquil, and this household is so peaceful!  Things are getting mixed up.  I shan’t go yet; I wish to have a game of whist!  Oh!  I give up all thoughts of marriage for the present.  (Glancing at Ferdinand) There’s a lucky fellow!  He is loved by two women—­two charming, delightful creatures!  He is indeed a factotum!  But how is it that he is more successful than I am, who have an income of forty thousand?

Gertrude Pauline, my dear, offer the cards to the gentlemen for a game of whist.  It is almost nine o’clock.  If they are going to have a game, there is no time to be lost. (Pauline puts out the cards.) Come, Napoleon, bid good-night to the gentlemen, let them see you are a good boy, and don’t try to stay up as you usually do.

Napoleon
Good-night, papa.  What is justice like?

The General
Justice is blind!  Good-night, my pet.

Napoleon
Good-night, M. Vernon!  What is justice made of?

Vernon
It is made up of all our crimes.  When you are naughty, they whip you;
that is justice.

Napoleon
They never whip me.

Vernon
Then they never do justice to you!

Napoleon
Good-night, my good friend!  Good-night, Pauline!  Good-night M. Godard.

Godard
De Rimonville.

Napoleon
Have I been good?

(Gertrude kisses Napoleon.)

The General
I have the king.

Vernon
And I, the queen.

Ferdinand (to Godard)
Monsieur, we are partners.

Gertrude (seeing Marguerite)
Be sure to say your prayers, and don’t provoke Marguerite.  Now, go to
bed, dear heart.