PETITPRÉ [to Martinel]
And why has he acted in this way, sir?
MARTINEL
Your son knows as much as I do, sir; but neither of us can reveal it to you. Moreover, your daughter has consented to wait until she can learn all about it from her husband on his return.
PETITPRÉ
My daughter has consented—but I do not consent! Besides, it seems that you alone were forewarned of this sudden departure.
MME. DE RONCHARD [in agitation to Martinel]
It was to you they brought the letter, and you were the one who read it first.
MARTINEL
You are correctly informed, Madame; a letter was delivered here, but I would not shoulder the responsibility of this matter, and I showed the letter to your son, sir [turns to Petitpré], and asked his advice with the intention of following it.