Part 2 (1/2)

G.o.dard (aside) Especially for his mother; she'll take care of that!

The General What are you saying? If you don't agree with me, out with it!

G.o.dard (aside) If I did so, we should find ourselves in the law courts. (Aloud) I agree, and will back you in everything, General.

The General Good for you! And I'll tell you why, my dear G.o.dard.

G.o.dard De Rimonville.

The General G.o.dard, I prefer G.o.dard. I'll tell you why. After having commanded the grenadiers of the Young Guard, I, General Comte de Grandchamp, now weave the cloth for their uniforms.

G.o.dard This is very commendable! You should keep on storing up, General, so that your widow may not be left without a fortune.

The General She is an angel, G.o.dard!

G.o.dard De Rimonville.

The General G.o.dard, she is an angel, to whom you are indebted for the education of your intended, whom she has moulded after her own image. Pauline is a pearl, a jewel; she has never left this home; she is as pure and innocent as she was in her cradle.

G.o.dard General, let me admit that Mlle. Pauline is beautiful!

The General I am quite sure of that.

G.o.dard She is very beautiful; but there are numbers of beautiful girls in Normandy, some of them very rich, much richer than she is. Well now, you'll scarcely believe how the mothers and fathers of these heiresses run after me! It is scarcely decent. But it amuses me immensely; I visit their chateaus; they overwhelm me with attentions--

The General I said he was conceited!

G.o.dard Oh, I am quite aware that it is not for my sake! I don't delude myself as to that; it is for my unmortgaged pastures; for my savings, and for my habit of living within my income. Do you know what it is that makes me seek an alliance with you above all others?

The General No.

G.o.dard There are certain rich would-be fathers-in-law who promise to obtain from his Majesty a decree, by which I shall be created Comte de Rimonville and Peer of France.

The General You?

G.o.dard Yes, I.

The General Have you won any battles? Have you saved your country? Have you added to its glory? This is pitiful!

G.o.dard Pitiful? (Aside) What shall I say? (Aloud) We differ in our views on this subject, but do you know why I prefer your adorable Pauline?

The General I suppose it is because you love her.

G.o.dard That is a matter of course; but it is also on account of the harmony, the tranquillity, the happiness which reign here! It is so delightful to enter a family of high honor, of pure, sincere, patriarchal manners! I am a man of observation.

The General That is to say, you are inquisitive.

G.o.dard Curiosity, General, is the mother of observation. I know the seamy side of the whole department.