The General He is a man from thirty to thirty-five years old, who pleases me much more than Godard does, although he is without fortune. He is already a member of our family. Pauline I don't see any of our relations here. The General I wonder what you can have against this poor Ferdinand, that you should be unwilling-- Pauline Ah! Who has been telling you this story? I'll warrant that it is Madame de Grandchamp. The General A story? I suppose, you will deny the truth of it! Have you never thought of this fine young fellow? Pauline Never! Gertrude (to the General) She is lying! Just look at her. Pauline Madame de Grandchamp has doubtless her reasons for supposing that I have an attachment for my father's clerk. Oh! I see how it is, she wishes you to say: "If your heart, my daughter, has no preference for any one, marry Godard." (In a low voice to Gertrude) This, madame, is an atrocious move! To make me abjure my love in my father's presence! But I will have my revenge. Gertrude (aside to Pauline) As you choose about that; but marry Godard you shall! The General (aside) Can it be possible that these two are at variance? I must question Ferdinand. (Aloud) What were you saying to each other? Gertrude Your daughter, my dear, did not like my idea that she was taken with a subordinate; she is deeply humiliated at the thought. The General Am I to understand, then, my daughter, that you are not in love with him? Pauline Father, I--I do not ask you to marry me to any one! I am perfectly happy! The only thing which God has given us women, as our very own, is our heart. I do not understand why Madame de Grandchamp, who is not my mother, should interfere with my feelings. Gertrude My child, I desire nothing but your happiness. I am merely your stepmother, I know, but if you had been in love with Ferdinand, I should have-- The General (kissing Gertrude's hand) How good you are! Pauline (aside) I feel as if I were strangled! Ah! If I could only undo her! Gertrude Yes, I should have thrown myself at your father's feet, to win his consent, if he had refused it. The General Here comes Ferdinand. (Aside) I shall question him at my discretion; and then perhaps the mystery will be cleared up. SCENE SIXTH The same persons and Ferdinand. The General (to Ferdinand) Come here, my friend. You have been with us over three years now, and I am indebted to you for the power of sleeping soundly amid all the cares of an extensive business. You are almost as much as I am the master of my factory. You have been satisfied with a salary, pretty large it is true, but scarcely proportionate perhaps to the services rendered by you. I think at last I understand the motive of your disinterestedness. Ferdinand It is my duty, General.