Gertrude, the General and Pauline.
The General (kissing his daughter)
You've not even said good-morning to me, you unnatural child.
Pauline (kissing him) But, you began by scolding about nothing. I declare, father, I am going to undertake your education. It is quite time for you, at your age, to control yourself a little,—a young man would not be so quick as you are! You have terrified Marguerite, and when women are in fear, they tell little falsehoods, and you can get nothing out of them.
The General (aside) I'm in for it now! (Aloud) Your conduct, young lady, does not do much towards promoting my self-control. I wish you to marry, and I propose a man who is young—
Pauline
Handsome and well educated!
The General Please keep silence, when your father addresses you, mademoiselle. A man who possesses a magnificent fortune, at least six times as much as yours, and you refuse him. You are well able to do so, because I leave you free in the matter; but if you do not care for Godard, tell me who it is you choose, if I do not already know.
Pauline Ah, father, you are much more clear-sighted than I am. Tell me who he is?
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—