_Verdelet_--Yes; I've read him. _Poirier_--Perhaps he spent his life at playing truant. _Gaston_--Well, Heine, when he was asked what became of the old full moons, said that they were broken up to make the stars. _Poirier_--I don't understand. _Gaston_--When our honeymoon is old, we'll break it up and there'll be enough to make a whole Milky Way. _Poirier_--That is a clever idea, of course. _Gaston_--Its only merit is simplicity. _Poirier_--But seriously, don't you think that the idle life you lead may jeopardize the happiness of a young household? _Gaston_--Not at all. _Verdelet_--A man of your capacity can't mean to idle all his life. _Gaston_--With resignation. _Antoinette_--Don't you think you'll find it dull after a time, Gaston? _Gaston_--You calumniate yourself, my dear. _Antoinette_--I'm not vain enough to suppose that I can fill your whole existence, and I admit that I'd like to see you follow the example of Monsieur de Montmeyran. _Gaston_ [_rising and leaning against the mantelpiece_]--Perhaps you want me to fight? _Antoinette_--No, of course not. _Gaston_--What then? _Poirier_--We want you to take a position worthy of your name. _Gaston_--There are only three positions which my name permits me: soldier, bishop, or husbandman. Choose. _Poirier_--We owe everything to France. France is our mother. _Verdelet_--I understand the vexation of a son whose mother remarries; I understand why he doesn't go to the wedding: but if he has the right kind of heart he won't turn sulky. If the second husband makes her happy, he'll soon offer him a friendly hand. _Poirier_--The nobility cannot always hold itself aloof, as it begins to perceive. More than one illustrious name has set the example: Monsieur de Valcherrière, Monsieur de Chazerolles, Monsieur de Mont Louis-- _Gaston_--These men have done as they thought best. I don't judge them, but I cannot imitate them. _Antoinette_--Why not, Gaston? _Gaston_--Ask Montmeyran. _Verdelet_--The Duke's uniform answers for him. _Duke_--Excuse me, a soldier has but one opinion--his duty; but one adversary--the enemy. _Poirier_--However, Monsieur-- _Gaston_--Enough, it isn't a matter of politics, Monsieur Poirier. One may discuss opinions, but not sentiments. I am bound by gratitude. My fidelity is that of a servant and of a friend. Not another word. [_To the Duke_.] I beg your pardon, my dear fellow. This is the first time we've talked politics here, and I promise you it shall be the last. _The Duke_ [_in a low voice to Antoinette_]--You've been forced into making a mistake, Madame. _Antoinette_--I know it, now that it's too late. _Verdelet_ [_softly, to Poirier_]--Now you're in a fine fix. _Poirier_ [_in same tone_]--He's repulsed the first assault, but I don't raise the siege. _Gaston_--I'm not resentful, Monsieur Poirier. Perhaps I spoke a little too strongly, but this is a tender point with me, and unintentionally you wounded me. Shake hands. _Poirier_--You are very kind.