Ramel
And why?
Ferdinand
Because I am the son of General Marcandal.
Ramel A general to whom the Bourbons are in part indebted for their second innings.
Ferdinand In the eyes of General Grandchamp, to leave Napoleon for service under the Bourbons was treason against France. Alas! this was also my father's opinion, for he died of grief. You must therefore remember to call me by the name of Ferdinand Charny, my mother's maiden name.
Ramel
And what are you doing here?
Ferdinand
I am the manager, the cashier, the factotum of Grandchamp's factory.
Ramel
How is this? Do you do it from necessity?
Ferdinand From dire necessity! My father spent everything, even the fortune of my poor mother, who lived during her later years in Brittany on the pension she received as widow of a lieutenant-general.
Ramel How is it that your father, who had command of the Royal Guard, a most brilliant position, died without leaving you anything, not even a patron?
Ferdinand Had he never betrayed his friends, and changed sides, without any reason—