_Lar._ Thank ye, cousin, thank ye. It was only a passing weakness. _Mad. A._ Indeed, I rejoice to hear it, for I was fearful of some sudden--Oh, why did you not send for me? 'Tis very unkind of you to forget those who love you so. [_Weeps._ _Mar._ Grandpapa, there's one for you. [_Aside to him._ _Lar._ [_To MAD. AUBREY._] Well, well it's very kind of you to be so fearful of _something sudden_, but you needn't--I've made my _will_. [_Aside to MARGUERITE._] There's one for _her_! _Mad. A._ Come now, take my arm, a walk upon the terrace will do you so much good. There, don't be afraid to lean on me. _Lar._ You're very kind, cousin. Thank ye, thank ye. [_Going._] Marguerite, my darling, ask him if he plays picquet. _Mar._ I will. _Lar._ Umph! do you think he does? _Mar._ I have no doubt of it. _Lar._ [_As he goes out with_ MAD. AUBREY.] I hope so--I hope so--I hope so! [_Exeunt LAROQUE and MAD. AUBREY._ _Mar._ My poor grandfather; spite of his failing memory, he sees through the disinterestedness of our good cousin Aubrey. But those wild words, his terror at the appearance of this young man, what could that mean? Or had it any meaning? [_Sees MAD. LAROQUE and MANUEL coming in at back._] My mother--and leaning on the arm of that person! _Mad. L._ Precisely my own opinion, sir, my impression exactly; this is really charming; we agree upon every point. _Man._ I am flattered, Madame, to think such should be the case. _Bev._ [_Without._] 'Pon my honor, young ladies, I can't, I really can't! _Enter BEVANNES, surrounded by ladies, exclaiming_, "You must, Indeed!" _Bev._ Would you believe it, Madame? Those unconscionable ladies insist on another waltz. _Mar._ Oh, indeed I cannot play any more--I must finish this to-day--It is a promise-- _Man._ Pray do not let that inconvenience the ladies--I will play a waltz with much pleasure. [_Touches Piano._ _Bev._ Sir! _Mar._ [_Haughtily._] Thank you, sir--it is not requisite. _Man._ [_Aside._] Forgetting again. [_Goes up Terrace._ _Bev._ [_Aside._] Pretty cool! _Mar._ Very presuming of that steward. _Mad L._ Very polite of that _gentleman_. _Bev._ Highly disgusting to _this_ gentleman. _Mad. L._ Well, de Bevannes, you must find some other amusement for the ladies. _Bev._ 'Gad, I'll soon do that. It's positively fatiguing to be in such general request with them. They can't do without me for one moment--they absolutely-- _Turns and perceives MANUEL, who, during the preceding dialogue, has entered into conversation with the ladies, and has, by this time, offered his arm to two of them--They all accompany him off._ _Bev._ [_Aside._] Well, if I were given to strong sentiments, I should wish that fellow at the deuce. As it is, I'll content myself with simply damning his impudence.