Gertrude Yes, Vernon is very envious of you; he is vexed to think that he has never been able to inspire any woman with such affection as I have for you. Moreover, he pretends that I am merely playing a part,--as if I could do it for twelve years! Rather unlikely, I should think. The General No woman could keep up the pretence for twelve years without being found out. The idea is absurd! And Vernon also is-- Gertrude Oh, he is only joking! And so, as I told you before, you had better see Godard. I am astonished that he has not yet arrived. He is so rich that it would be folly to refuse him. He is in love with Pauline, and although he has his faults, and is somewhat provincial, he is quite able to make her happy. The General I have left Pauline quite free to choose a husband for herself. Gertrude There is no cause for anxiety. A girl so gentle, so well brought up, so well behaved, is sure to do right. The General Gentle, did you say? She is headstrong, like her father. Gertrude She, headstrong? And you, come now, do you not always act as I wish? The General You are no angel, and always wish what pleases me! By the bye, Vernon takes dinner with us after his autopsy. Gertrude Was it necessary to tell me that? The General I only told you, in order that he might have his favorite wines. Felix (enters, announcing) Monsieur de Rimonville! The General Ask him in. Gertrude (making a sign to Felix to arrange the vase of flowers) I will go to Pauline's room, while you are talking business. I should like to superintend the arrangement of her toilet. Young people do not always understand what is most becoming to them. The General She has no expense spared her! During the last eighteen months her dress has cost twice as much as it previously did; after all, poor girl, it is the only amusement she has. Gertrude How can you say it is her only amusement while she has the privilege of living with us! If it were not my happy lot to be your wife, I should like to be your daughter. I will never leave you, not I! Did you say for the last eighteen months? That is singular! Well, when I come to think of it, she has begun to care more about laces, jewels, and other pretty things. The General She is quite rich enough to indulge her tastes. Gertrude And she is now of age. (Aside) Her fondness of dress is the smoke. Can there be any fire? (Exit.) SCENE SECOND The General (alone) What a pearl among women! Thus I am made happy after twenty-six campaigns, a dozen wounds, and the death of an angel, whose place she has taken in my heart; truly a kind Providence owed me some such recompense as this, if it were only to console me for the death of the Emperor. SCENE THIRD Godard and the General. Godard (entering) Well, General! The General Ah! good day, Godard! I hope you are come to spend the day with us?