ACT II.
Scene I.—Geronte and Dorval.
| Ger. Let us go on with our game, and talk no more of it. |
| Dor. But it concerns your nephew. |
| Ger. A blockhead! A helpless creature, who is the slave of his wife, and the victim of his vanity. |
| Dor. More gentleness, my friend, more gentleness. |
| Ger. And you, with your calmness, you will drive me mad. |
| Dor. What I say is right. |
| Ger. Take a chair. [Sits down.] |
| Dor. [In a compassionate tone, while he is going to the chair.] Poor young man! |
| Ger. Let us see the game of yesterday. |
| Dor. [In the same tone.] You will lose— |
| Ger. Perhaps not; let us see— |
| Dor. I say you will lose— |
| Ger. No, I am sure not. |
| Dor. Unless you assist him, you will certainly lose him. |
| Ger. Lose whom? |
| Dor. Your nephew. |
| Ger. [With impatience.] Eh! I was speaking of the game. Sit down. |
| Dor. I will play willingly, but first listen to me— |
| Ger. You are always talking to me of Dalancourt. |
| Dor. Well, if it be so? |
| Ger. I will not listen to you. |
| Dor. Then you hate him— |
| Ger. No, sir, I hate nobody. |
| Dor. But if you do not wish— |
| Ger. No more—play. Let us go on with the game, or I shall go away. |
| Dor. One single word, and I have done. |
| Ger. Very well. |
| Dor. You have some property? |
| Ger. Yes, thank Heaven! |
| Dor. More than you want? |
| Ger. Yes, some over with which I can serve my friends. |
| Dor. And you will give nothing to your nephew? |
| Ger. Not a farthing. |
| Dor. It follows— |
| Ger. It follows? |
| Dor. That you hate him. |
| Ger. It follows that you do not know what you say. I hate, I detest his manner of thinking, his abominable conduct; to give him money would be only to nourish his vanity, his prodigality, his folly. Let him change his system, and I will change when he does. I wish repentance to deserve favours, not favours to prevent repentance. |
| Dor. [After a moment's silence, he seems convinced, and says, with much gentleness] Let us play. |
| Ger. Let us play. |
| Dor. I am distressed at it. | } | [Playing.] |
| Ger. Check to the king. | ||
| Dor. And this poor girl! |
| Ger. Who? | |
| Dor. Angelica. | |
| Ger. [Leaving the game.] Ah, as to her, it is anotheraffair. Speak to me of her. | |
| Dor. She must suffer, too. | |
| Ger. I have thought of it, and have foreseen it. Ishall marry her. | |
| Dor. Excellent! she deserves it. | |
| Ger. Is she not a most engaging young lady? | |
| Dor. Yes, truly. | |
| Ger. Happy is the man who shall possess her.[Reflects a moment, and then calls] Dorval! | |
| Dor. My friend? | |
| Ger. Hear me. | |
| Dor. [Rising.] What would you say? | |
| Ger. If you wish her, I will give her to you. | |
| Dor. Who? | |
| Ger. My niece. | |
| Dor. What? | |
| Ger. What! what! are you deaf? Do you notunderstand me? [Animated.] I speak clearly—if youwish to have her, I give her to you. | |
| Dor. Ah! ah! | |
| Ger. And if you marry her, besides her fortune, Iwill give her of my own a hundred thousand francs.Eh! what say you to it? | |
| Dor. My friend, you do me much honour. | |
| Ger. I know who you are; I am certain by this stepto secure the happiness of my niece. | |
| Dor. But— | |
| Ger. But what? | |
| Dor. Her brother? | |
| Ger. Her brother! Her brother has nothing to dowith it; it is for me to dispose of her; the law, thewill of my brother—I am master here. Come, makehaste, decide upon the spot. | |
| Dor. Your proposal is not to be decided on in amoment. You are too impetuous. | |
| Ger. I see no obstacle; if you love her, if you esteemher, if she suits you, it is all done. | |
| Dor. But— | |
| Ger. But—but—Let us hear your but. | |
| Dor. Does the disproportion between sixteen andforty-five years appear to you a trifle? | |
| Ger. Nothing at all. You are still a young man;and I know Angelica, she has no foolish notions. | |
| Dor. She may have a liking for some other person? | |
| Ger. She has none. | |
| Dor. Are you sure of it? | |
| Ger. Most certain; quick—let us conclude it. I willgo to my notary's; he shall draw up the contract: sheis yours. | |
| Dor. Softly, my friend, softly. | |
| Ger. [With heat.] What now? Do you wish still tovex me—to annoy me with your slowness—with yourcold blood? | |
| Dor. Then you wish— | |
| Ger. Yes, to give you a sensible, honest, virtuousgirl, with a hundred thousand crowns for her fortune,and a hundred thousand livres at her marriage. PerhapsI affront you? | |
| Dor. By no means; you do me an honour I do notdeserve. | |
| Ger. [With warmth.] Your modesty on this occasionis most inopportune. | |
| Dor. Do not get angry; do you wish me to take her? | |
| Ger. Yes. | |
| Dor. Then I take her— | |
| Ger. [With joy.] Indeed! | |
| Dor. But on condition— | |
| Ger. Of what? | |
| Dor. That Angelica consents to it. | |
| Ger. Do you make no other obstacle? | |
| Dor. No other. | |
| Ger. I am delighted. I answer for her. | |
| Dor. So much the better if you are sure. | |
| Ger. Most sure—most certain. Embrace me, mydear nephew. | |
| Dor. Let us embrace, my dear uncle. | |
| [Dalancourt enters by the middle door; sees his uncle; listens as he passes; goes towards his own apartment, but stops at his own door to listen.] | |
| Ger. This is the happiest day of my life. | |
| Dor. My dear friend, how very kind you are! | |
| Ger. I am going to the notary's. This very day itshall all be concluded. [Calls.] Piccardo! | |
| Enter Piccardo. | |
| Ger. My cane and hat. | |
| [Exit Piccardo. | |
| Dor. I will now go home. | |
| [Piccardo returns, and gives his master his cane and hat, and withdraws. Dalancourt is still at his door.] | |
| Ger. No, no, you must wait here for me; I will soonreturn. You must dine with me. | |
| Dor. I have to write; I must send for my agent,who is a league from Paris. | |
| Ger. Go into my room and write; send your letterby Piccardo. Yes, Piccardo will carry it himself;Piccardo is an excellent young man—sensible—faithful.Sometimes I scold him, but I am very fond of him. | |
| Dor. Well, since you are determined, it shall be so;I will write in your room. | |
| Ger. Now it is all concluded. | |
| Dor. Yes, we agree. | |
| Ger. [Taking his hand.] Your word of honour? | |
| Dor. [Giving his hand.] My word of honour. | |
| Ger. My dear nephew! | |
| [Exit at the last words, showing joy. | |
| Scene II.—Dalancourt and Dorval. | |
| Dor. In truth, all this seems to me a dream. Imarry!—I, who have never thought of such a thing! | |
| Dal. Ah, my dear friend, I know not how to expressmy gratitude to you. | |
| Dor. For what? | |
| Dal. Did I not hear what my uncle said? He lovesme, he feels for me; he has gone to his notary; he hasgiven you his word of honour. I see plainly what youhave done for me; I am the most fortunate man in theworld. | |
| Dor. Do not flatter yourself so much, my dear friend,for the good fortune you imagine has not the leastfoundation in truth. | |
| Dal. How then? | |
| Dor. I hope, in time, to be able to do you a servicewith him; and hereafter I may have some title tointerest myself in your behalf; but till then— | |
| Dal. [With warmth.] For what, then, did he give youhis word of honour? | |
| Dor. I will tell you at once; he did me the honourto propose your sister to me as a wife. | |
| Dal. [With joy.] My sister! Do you accept? | |
| Dor. Yes, if you approve it. | |
| Dal. You overwhelm me with joy; you surprise me.As regards her fortune, you know my situation. | |
| Dor. About that we will say nothing. | |
| Dal. My dear brother, let me, with all my heart,embrace you. | |
| Dor. I flatter myself that your uncle on thisoccasion— | |
| Dal. Here is a connection to which I shall owe myhappiness. I am in great need of it. I have been tomy lawyer's, and did not find him. | |
| Enter Madame Dalancourt. | |
| Dal. [Seeing his wife.] Ah, Madame! | |
| Mad. [To Dalancourt.] I have been waiting for youwith impatience. I heard your voice. | |
| Dal. My wife, here is Signor Dorval; I present himto you as my brother-in-law, as the husband of Angelica. | |
| Mad. [With joy.] Indeed! | |
| Dor. I shall be highly pleased, Madame, if my happinessmeets with your approbation. | |
| Mad. I am rejoiced at it, sir; I congratulate youwith all my heart. [Aside.] What did he mean byspeaking of the embarrassments of my husband? | |
| Dal. [To Dorval.] Is my sister informed of it? | |
| Dor. I think not. | |
| Mad. [Aside.] Then it was not Dalancourt who madethe match. | |
| Dal. Do you wish me to bring her here? | |
| Dor. No, do not bring her; there may still be adifficulty. | |
| Dal. What is it? | |
| Dor. Her consent. | |
| Dal. Fear nothing; I know Angelica, and yourcircumstances and merit. Leave it to me; I will speakto my sister. | |
| Dor. No, my dear friend, do not, I beg you, do notlet us spoil the affair; leave it to Signor Geronte. | |
| Dal. As you please. | |
| Mad. [Aside.] I comprehend nothing of all this. | |
| Dor. I am going into your uncle's room to write; hehas given me permission, and he has told me expresslyto wait for him there, so excuse me; we shall soon seeeach other again. | |
| [Exit into Geronte's apartment. | |
| Scene III.—Dalancourt and Madame Dalancourt. | |
| Mad. From what I hear, it appears you are not theperson who marries your sister? | |
| Dal. [Embarrassed.] My uncle marries her. | |
| Mad. Has your uncle mentioned it to you? Has heasked your consent? | |
| Dal. [With a little warmth.] My consent! Did younot see Dorval? Did he not tell me of it? Do you notcall this asking my consent? | |
| Mad. [A little warmly.] Yes. It is an act of civilityon the part of Dorval, but your uncle has said nothingto you. | |
| Dal. [Embarrassed.] What do you mean by that? | |
| Mad. I mean, he thinks us of no account. | |
| Dal. [Warmly.] You take the worst view of everything.This is terrible! You are insupportable. | |
| Mad. [Mortified.] I insupportable! you find me insupportable![With much tenderness.] Ah, my husband!this is the first time such an expression has everescaped from your lips. You must be in a state ofgreat uneasiness so to forget your affection for me. | |
| Dal. [Aside.] Ah! too true.—My dear wife, I askyour pardon with all my heart. But you know myuncle; do you desire to offend him still more? Do youwish me to hinder my sister? The match is a goodone; nothing can be said against it. My uncle haschosen it; so much the better. Here is one embarrassmentthe less for you and me. [With joy.] | |
| Mad. Come, come, I am glad you take it in goodpart; I praise and admire your conduct. But permitme to make one suggestion: Who is to attend to thenecessary preparations for a young lady going to bemarried? Is your uncle to have this trouble? Will itbe proper? will it be correct? | |
| Dal. You are right; but there is time, we will talkof it. | |
| Mad. Hear me: you know I love Angelica. Theungrateful girl does not deserve I should care for her;but she is your sister. | |
| Dal. How! you call my sister ungrateful! Why so? | |
| Mad. Do not let us speak of it now; some other time,when we are alone, I will explain to you. And then— | |
| Dal. No; I wish to hear it now. | |
| Mad. Have patience, my dear husband. | |
| Dal. No, I tell you; I wish to know at once. | |
| Mad. Well, as you wish it, I must satisfy you. | |
| Dal. [Aside.] How I tremble! | |
| Mad. Your sister— | |
| Dal. Proceed. | |
| Mad. I believe she is too much on your uncle's side. | |
| Dal. Why? | |
| Mad. She told me—yes, me—that your affairs wereembarrassed, and that— | |
| Dal. That my affairs were embarrassed;—and do youbelieve it? | |
| Mad. No. But she spoke to me in such a manner asto make me think she suspected I was the cause of it,or at least, that I had contributed to it. | |
| Dal. [A little excitedly.] You! she suspects you! | |
| Mad. Do not be angry, my dear husband. I knowvery well her want of judgment. | |
| Dal. [With feeling.] My dear wife! | |
| Mad. Do not be distressed. Believe me, I shall thinkno more of it. It all arises from him; your uncle isthe cause of it all. | |
| Dal. Oh no! my uncle has not a bad heart. | |
| Mad. He not a bad heart? Heavens! the worst inthe world! Has he not shown it to me?—But I forgivehim. | |
| Enter a Servant. | |
| Ser. Here is a letter for you, sir. | |
| Dal. Give it to me. [He takes the letter. ExitServant.] Let us see it. [Agitated.] This is the handof my lawyer. [Opens the letter.] | |
| Mad. What does he write? | |
| Dal. Excuse me for a moment. [He retires apart,reads, and shows displeasure.] | |
| Mad. [Aside.] There must be some bad news. | |
| Dal. [Aside, after reading the letter.] I am ruined! | |
| Mad. [Aside.] My heart beats! | |
| Dal. [Aside.] My poor wife! what will become ofher? How can I tell her?—I have not the courage. | |
| Mad. [Weeping.] My dear Dalancourt, tell me, whatis it? Trust your wife: am I not the best friend youhave? | |
| Dal. Take it and read: this is my situation. [Givesher the letter.] | [Exit. |
| Madame Dalancourt, alone. | |
| Mad. I tremble.—[Reads.] "Sir, all is lost; thecreditors will not subscribe. The decree was confirmed.I inform you of it as soon as possible; be on your guard,for your arrest is ordered."—What do I read! what doI read! My husband in debt, in danger of losing hisliberty! Can it be possible? He does not gamble, hehas no bad habits; he is not addicted to unusual luxury.—Byhis own fault—may it not then be my fault?Oh, God! what a dreadful ray of light breaks in uponme! The reproofs of Angelica, the hatred of SignorGeronte, the contempt he shows for me, day after day!The bandage is torn from my eyes: I see the errors ofmy husband, I see my own. Too much love has beenhis fault, my inexperience has made me blind. Dalancourtis culpable, and I perhaps am equally so. Whatremedy is there in this cruel situation? His uncleonly—yes—his uncle can help him;—but Dalancourt—hemust be now in a state of humiliation and distress—andif I am the cause of it, though involuntarily, whydo I not go myself? Yes—I ought to throw myself atGeronte's feet—but, with his severe, unyielding temper,can I flatter myself I shall make any impression onhim? Shall I go and expose myself to his rudeness?Ah! what matters it? Ah! what is my mortificationcompared to the horrible condition of my husband?Yes, I will run! This thought alone ought to giveme courage. [She goes towards Geronte's apartment.] | |
| Enter Martuccia. | |
| Mar. Madame, what are you doing here? SignorDalancourt is in despair. | |
| Mad. Heavens! I fly to his assistance. | [Exit. |
| Mar. What misfortunes!—what confusion! If it betrue she is the cause of it, she well deserves—Whocomes here? | |
| Enter Valerio. | |
| Mar. Why, sir, do you come here now? You havechosen an unfortunate time. All the family is overwhelmedwith sorrow. | |
| Val. I do not doubt it. I just come from SignorDalancourt's lawyer. I have offered him my purse andmy credit. | |
| Mar. This is a praiseworthy action. Nothing canbe more generous than your conduct. | |
| Val. Is Signor Geronte at home? | |
| Mar. No; the servant told me he saw him with hisnotary. | |
| Val. With his notary? | |
| Mar. Yes; he is always occupied with some business.But do you wish to speak with him? | |
| Val. Yes, I wish to speak with them all. I see withsorrow the confusion of Dalancourt's affairs. I amalone. I have property, and can dispose of it. I loveAngelica, and am come to offer to marry her without aportion, and to share with her my lot and my fortune. | |
| Mar. This resolution is worthy of you. No one couldshow more esteem, more love, and more generosity. | |
| Val. Do you think I may flatter myself?— | |
| Mar. Yes, and especially as she enjoys the favour ofher uncle, and he desires to marry her. | |
| Val. [With joy.] He desires to marry her? | |
| Mar. Yes. | |
| Val. But if he wishes to marry her, he also wishes topropose a match that is to his taste? | |
| Mar. [After a moment's silence.] It may be so. | |
| Val. And can this be any comfort to me? | |
| Mar. Why not? [To Angelica, who enters timidly.]Come in, my young lady. | |
| Ang. I am terribly frightened. | |
| Val. [To Angelica.] What is the matter? | |
| Ang. My poor brother— | |
| Mar. Is he just the same? | |
| Ang. Rather better. He is a little more tranquil. | |
| Mar. Hear me. This gentleman has told me somethingvery consoling for you and for your brother. | |
| Ang. For him too? | |
| Mar. If you knew what a sacrifice he is disposed tomake! | |
| Val. [Aside to Martuccia.] Say nothing of it. [Turningto Angelica.] Can any sacrifice be too great foryou? | |
| Mar. But it must be mentioned to Signor Geronte. | |
| Val. My dear friend, if you will take the trouble. | |
| Mar. Willingly. What shall I say to him? Let ussee. Advise me. But I hear some one. [She goestowards the apartment of Signor Geronte.] [To Valerio.]It is Signor Dorval. Do not let him see you. Let usgo into my room, and there we can talk at ourease. | |
| Val. [To Angelica.] If you see your brother— | |
| Mar. Come, sir, let us go—quick. [She goes out andtakes him with her.] | |
| Scene IV.—Angelica, and then Dorval. | |
| Ang. [Aside.] What have I to do with Signor Dorval?I can go away. | |
| Dor. Mademoiselle Angelica! | |
| Ang. Sir? | |
| Dor. Have you seen your uncle? Has he told younothing? | |
| Ang. I saw him this morning, sir. | |
| Dor. Before he went out of the house? | |
| Ang. Yes, sir. | |
| Dor. Has he returned? | |
| Ang. No, sir. | |
| Dor. [Aside.] Good. She knows nothing of it. | |
| Ang. Excuse me, sir. Is there anything new inwhich I am concerned? | |
| Dor. Your uncle takes much interest in you. | |
| Ang. [With modesty.] He is very kind. | |
| Dor. [Seriously.] He thinks often of you. | |
| Ang. It is fortunate for me. | |
| Dor. He thinks of marrying you. [Angelica appearsmodest.] What say you to it? Would you like to bemarried? | |
| Ang. I depend on my uncle. | |
| Dor. Shall I say anything more to you on the subject? | |
| Ang. [With a little curiosity.] But—as you please,sir. | |
| Dor. The choice of a husband is already made. | |
| Ang. [Aside.] Oh, heavens! I tremble. | |
| Dor. [Aside.] She seems to be pleased. | |
| Ang. [Trembling.] Sir, I am curious to know— | |
| Dor. What, Mademoiselle? | |
| Ang. Do you know who is intended for me? | |
| Dor. Yes, and you know him too. | |
| Ang. [With joy.] I know him too? | |
| Dor. Certainly, you know him. | |
| Ang. May I, sir, have the boldness— | |
| Dor. Speak, Mademoiselle. | |
| Ang. To ask you the name of the young man? | |
| Dor. The name of the young man? | |
| Ang. Yes, if you know him. | |
| Dor. Suppose he were not so young? | |
| Ang. [Aside, with agitation.] Good Heavens! | |
| Dor. You are sensible—you depend on your uncle— | |
| Ang. [Trembling.] Do you think, sir, my uncle wouldsacrifice me? | |
| Dor. What do you mean by sacrificing you? | |
| Ang. Mean—without the consent of my heart. Myuncle is so good—But who could have advised him—whocould have proposed this match? [With temper.] | |
| Dor. [A little hurt.] But this match—Mademoiselle—Supposeit were I? | |
| Ang. [With joy.] You, sir? Heaven grant it! | |
| Dor. [Pleased.] Heaven grant it? | |
| Ang. Yes, I know you; I know you are reasonable.You are sensible; I can trust you. If you have givenmy uncle this advice, if you have proposed this match,I hope you will now find some means of making himchange his plan. | |
| Dor. [Aside.] Eh! this is not so bad.—[To Angelica.]Mademoiselle— | |
| Ang. [Distressed.] Signor? | |
| Dor. [With feeling.] Is your heart engaged? | |
| Ang. Ah, sir— | |
| Dor. I understand you. | |
| Ang. Have pity on me! | |
| Dor. [Aside.] I said so, I foresaw right; it is fortunatefor me I am not in love—yet I began to perceivesome little symptoms of it. | |
| Ang. But you do not tell me, sir. | |
| Dor. But, Mademoiselle— | |
| Ang. You have perhaps some particular interest inthe person they wish me to marry? | |
| Dor. A little. | |
| Ang. [With temper and firmness.] I tell you I shallhate him. | |
| Dor. [Aside.] Poor girl! I am pleased with hersincerity. | |
| Ang. Come, have compassion; be generous. | |
| Dor. Yes, I will be so, I promise you; I will speakto your uncle in your favour, and will do all I can tomake you happy. | |
| Ang. [With joy and transport.] Oh, how dear a manyou are! You are my benefactor, my father. [Takeshis hand.] | |
| Dor. My dear girl! | |
| Enter Geronte. | |
| Ger. [In his hot-tempered manner, with animation.]Excellent, excellent! Courage, my children, I am delightedwith you. [Angelica retires, mortified; Dorvalsmiles.] How! does my presence alarm you? I donot condemn this proper show of affection. You havedone well, Dorval, to inform her. Come, my niece,embrace your future husband. | |
| Ang. [In consternation.] What do I hear? | |
| Dor. [Aside and smiling.] Now I am unmasked. | |
| Ger. [To Angelica, with warmth.] What scene is this?Your modesty is misplaced. When I am not present,you are near enough to each other; when I come in,you go far apart. Come here.—[To Dorval, with anger.]And do you too come here. | |
| Dor. [Laughing.] Softly, my friend. | |
| Ger. Why do you laugh? Do you feel your happiness?I am very willing you should laugh, but do notput me in a passion; do you hear, you laughing gentleman?Come here and listen to me. | |
| Dor. But listen yourself. | |
| Ger. [To Angelica, and endeavouring to take her hand.]Come near, both of you. | |
| Ang. [Weeping.] My uncle! | |
| Ger. Weeping! What's the matter, my child? Ibelieve you are making a jest of me. [Takes her hand,and carries her by force to the middle of the stage; thenturns to Dorval, and says to him, with an appearance ofheat] You shall escape me no more. | |
| Dor. At least let me speak. | |
| Ger. No, no! | |
| Ang. My dear uncle— | |
| Ger. [With warmth.] No, no. [He changes his toneand becomes serious.] I have been to my notary's, andhave arranged everything; he has taken a note of it inmy presence, and will soon bring the contract here forus to subscribe. | |
| Dor. But will you listen to me? | |
| Ger. No, no. As to her fortune, my brother had theweakness to leave it in the hands of his son; this willno doubt cause some obstacle on his part, but it willnot embarrass me. Every one who has transactionswith him suffers. The fortune cannot be lost, and inany event I will be responsible for it. | |
| Ang. [Aside.] I can bear this no longer. | |
| Dor. [Embarrassed.] All proceeds well, but— | |
| Ger. But what? | |
| Dor. The young lady may have something to say inthis matter. [Looking at Angelica.] | |
| Ang. [Hastily and trembling.] I, sir? | |
| Ger. I should like to know if she can say anythingagainst what I do, what I order, and what I wish. Mywishes, my orders, and what I do, are all for her good.Do you understand me? | |
| Dor. Then I must speak myself. | |
| Ger. What have you to say? | |
| Dor. That I am very sorry, but this marriage cannottake place. | |
| Ger. Not take place! [Angelica retreats frightened;Dorval also steps back two paces.] [To Dorval.] Youhave given me your word of honour. | |
| Dor. Yes, on condition— | |
| Ger. [Turning to Angelica.] It must then be thisimpertinent. If I could believe it! if I had any reasonto suspect it! [Threatens her.] | |
| Dor. [Seriously.] No, sir, you are mistaken. | |
| Ger. [To Dorval. Angelica seizes the opportunity andmakes her escape.] It is you, then, who refuse? Soyou abuse my friendship and affection for you! | |
| Dor. [Raising his voice.] But hear reason— | |
| Ger. What reason? what reason? There is no reason.I am a man of honour, and if you are so too,it shall be done at once. [Turning round, he calls]Angelica! | |
| Dor. What possesses the man? He will resort toviolence on the spot. [Runs off.] | |
| Geronte, alone. | |
| Ger. Where is she gone? Angelica! Hallo! who'sthere? Piccardo! Martuccia! Pietro! Cortese!—ButI'll find her. It is you I want. [Turns round,and, not seeing Dorval, remains motionless.] What! hetreat me so! [Calls.] Dorval! my friend! Dorval—Dorval!my friend! Oh, shameful—ungrateful! Hallo!Is no one there? Piccardo! | |
| Enter Piccardo. | |
| Pic. Here, sir. | |
| Ger. You rascal! Why don't you answer? | |
| Pic. Pardon me, sir, here I am. | |
| Ger. Shameful! I called you ten times. | |
| Pic. I am sorry, but— | |
| Ger. Ten times! It is scandalous. | |
| Pic. [Aside, and angry.] He is in a fury now. | |
| Ger. Have you seen Dorval? | |
| Pic. Yes, sir. | |
| Ger. Where is he? | |
| Pic. He is gone. | |
| Ger. How is he gone? | |
| Pic. [Roughly.] He is gone as other people go. | |
| Ger. Ah, insolent! do you answer your master inthis manner? [Very much offended, he threatens himand makes him retreat.] | |
| Pic. [Very angrily.] Give me my discharge, sir. | |
| Ger. Your discharge—worthless fellow! [Threatenshim and makes him retreat. Piccardo falls between thechair and the table. Geronte runs to his assistance andhelps him up.] | |
| Pic. Oh! [He leans on the chair, and shows muchpain.] | |
| Ger. Are you hurt? Are you hurt? | |
| Pic. Very much hurt; you have crippled me. | |
| Ger. Oh, I am sorry! Can you walk? | |
| Pic. [Still angry.] I believe so, sir. [He tries, andwalks badly.] | |
| Ger. [Sharply.] Go on. | |
| Pic. [Mortified.] Do you drive me away, sir? | |
| Ger. [Warmly.] No. Go to your wife's house, thatyou may be taken care of. [Pulls out his purse andoffers him money.] Take this to get cured. | |
| Pic. [Aside, with tenderness.] What a master! | |
| Ger. Take it. [Giving him money.] | |
| Pic. [With modesty.] No, sir, I hope it will benothing. | |
| Ger. Take it, I tell you. | |
| Pic. [Still refusing it.] Sir— | |
| Ger. [Very warmly.] What! you refuse my money?Do you refuse it from pride, or spite, or hatred? Doyou believe I did it on purpose? Take this money.Take it. Come, don't put me in a passion. | |
| Pic. Do not get angry, sir. I thank you for all yourkindness. [Takes the money.] | |
| Ger. Go quickly. | |
| Pic. Yes, sir. [Walks badly.] | |
| Ger. Go slowly. | |
| Pic. Yes, sir. | |
| Ger. Wait, wait; take my cane. | |
| Pic. Sir— | |
| Ger. Take it, I tell you! I wish you to do it. | |
| Pic. [Takes the cane.] What goodness! | [Exit. |
| Enter Martuccia. | |
| Ger. It is the first time in my life that—Plague onmy temper! [Taking long strides.] It is Dorval whoput me in a passion. | |
| Mar. Do you wish to dine, sir? | |
| Ger. May the devil take you! [Runs out and shutshimself in his room.] | |
| Mar. Well, well! He is in a rage: I can do nothingfor Angelica to-day; Valerio can go away. | [Exit. |