I still owe them something for Pierre. Forgive me, father; I don't know whether I have a right to say this or not, but I am altogether different from you. It is wicked but I can't help it. I was looking this morning at your flowers in the garden and I felt so sorry--sorry for you, because you had grown them. Those rascals! EMIL GRELIEU Maurice! MAURICE The scoundrels! I don't want to consider them human beings, and I shall not consider them human beings. _Enter Jeanne._ JEANNE What is it, Maurice? That isn't right. MAURICE Very well. _As he passes he embraces his mother with his left hand and kisses her._ JEANNE You had better sit down. It is dangerous for your health to walk around this way. EMIL GRELIEU Sit down, Maurice. _Maurice sits down at the window facing the garden. Emil Grelieu smiles sadly and closes his eyes. Silvina, the maid, brings in coffee and sets it on the table near Grelieu's bed._ SILVINA Good morning, Monsieur Emil. EMIL GRELIEU _Opening his eyes._ Good morning, Silvina. _Exit Silvina._ JEANNE Go and have your breakfast, Maurice. MAURICE _Without turning around._ I don't want any breakfast. Mamma, I'll take off my bandage tomorrow. JEANNE _Laughing._ Soldier, is it possible that you are capricious? _Silence. Jeanne helps Emil Grelieu with his coffee._ JEANNE That's the way. Is it convenient for you this way, or do you want to drink it with a spoon? EMIL GRELIEU Oh, my poor head, it is so weak-- MAURICE _Going over to him._ Forgive me, father, I'll not do it any more. I was foolishly excited, but do you know I could not endure it. May I have a cup, mamma? JEANNE Yes, this is yours. You feel better now? MAURICE Yes, I do. EMIL GRELIEU I am feeling perfectly well today, Jeanne. When is the bandage to be changed? JEANNE Later. Count Clairmont will bring his surgeon along with him. MAURICE Who is that, mamma? Have I seen him? JEANNE You'll see him. But, please, Maurice, when you see him, don't open your mouth so wide. You have a habit--you open your mouth and then you forget about it. MAURICE _Blushing._ You are both looking at me and smiling. But I have time yet to grow. I have time yet to grow. _The sound of automobiles is heard._ JEANNE _Rising quickly._ I think they are here. Maurice, this is only Count Clairmont, don't forget. I'll be back directly. They will speak with you about a very, very important matter, Emil, but you must not be agitated. EMIL GRELIEU Yes, I know. JEANNE _Kissing him quickly._ I am going. _Exit, almost colliding with Silvina, who is excited._ MAURICE _Whispering._ Who is it, Silvina? _Silvina makes some answer in mingled delight and awe. Maurice's face assumes the same expression as Silvina's. Silvina goes out. Maurice walks quickly to the window and raises his left hand to his forehead, straightening himself in military fashion. Thus he stands until the others notice him._