Gertrude (seated with Pauline at the front of the stage) How is this, my child! Godard tells me that you received his advances very coldly; yet he is a very good match for you.
Pauline
My father, madame, has given me leave to choose a husband for myself.
Gertrude Do you know what Godard will say? He will say that you refused him because you had already made your choice.
Pauline If it were true, you and my father would know it. What reason have I for not giving you my confidence?
Gertrude I cannot say, and I do not blame you. You see in matters of love women keep their secret with heroic constancy, sometimes in the midst of the most cruel torments.
Pauline (aside, picking up the scissors, which she had let drop) Ferdinand was wise in telling me to distrust her—she is so insinuating!
Gertrude Perhaps you have in your heart a love like that. If such a misfortune has befallen you, you may rely on my help—I love you, remember! I can win your father's consent; he has confidence in me, and I can sway both his mind and affections. Therefore, dear child, you may open your heart to me.
Pauline
You can read my heart, madame, for I am concealing nothing from you.
The General
Vernon, what in the name of everything are you doing?
(Faint murmurs are heard among the card players; Pauline casts a look at them.)