_Mar._ For the better? _Des._ Don't know that. When you are angry now it's a storm--_then_ it was only a squall. _Mar._ This is no jesting matter. Doctor Desmarets, I have always considered you a man of honor. _Des._ Much obliged to you. I've been under the same impression myself. _Mar._ What then is the meaning of this plot! _Des._ Plot! _Mar._ This young man, this steward you have so kindly supplied us with, he has been recognized. He is known! _Des._ Well, suppose he is; what of it? _Mar._ Why does he bear a false name? _Des._ He don't. _Mar._ Doctor-- _Des._ Manuel is his Christian name. I suppose he may make what use of it he pleases. Whether he puts it first or last, is nobody's business but his own. _Mar._ His motive? _Des._ His motive, Mademoiselle, is worthy of himself, and proceeds from a sense of honest pride, which many would do well to imitate. He is a gentleman, and a man of honor, reduced to sudden poverty, and compelled to labor for a livelihood. Now, I'm not acute enough to perceive any _plot_ in all this. But I _do_ perceive that you are doing your best to drive him from this place. _Mar._ Doctor, your word is enough. I believe you, and I thank you. Oh, it is so sad to look only on the gloomy side of things. I thank you _so_ much, and never liked you half so well as I do to-day. [_While speaking this speech, she searches for the rose she has taken from MANUEL, and, on finding it, places it in her bosom._ _Des._ No? _Mar._ No! _Des._ What a pity-- _Mar._ Eh? _Des._ That I can't stay to luxuriate in your friendship. I have only time to say good-bye to your mother, then I must be off. _Mar._ Well, now, I'll tell you what I'll do. To prove I'm in earnest, I'm going to take my horse, and bear you company part of the way. _Des._ My child, it will be dark before I get there. _Mar._ But there'll be a lovely moon, and I want to see the ruined tower of Elfen by moonlight. So say no more, for I'm resolved. _Des._ Well, my experience, professional and personal, has taught me that when a woman is determined-- _Enter MADAME LAROQUE--DE BEVANNES._ _Mad. L._ You are right, my dear Bevannes, I confess it. _Bev._ Oh, there's no doubt he is, absolute perfection, the _rara avis_, so long sought for, found at last. _Mad. L._ Laugh as you please, I positively adore him. _Bev._ You'll ask me to the wedding, I hope? _Mad. L._ Go along with you. Well, my child, have you persuaded that obstinate man to stay till morning? _Des._ That obstinate man regrets he must go within the hour. _Alain._ [_without._] Go away, you troublesome little thing! _Enter CHRISTINE and ALAIN._ _Mad. L._ What's the matter? _Alain._ This little girl will insist on searching the park for some gentleman she wishes to see, belonging to the Chateau. _Mad. L._ That will do--leave her here. [_Exit ALAIN._ _Bev._ Now small specimen of rustic humanity, what do you want? _Mad. L._ What is your name, little one?