Ferdinand General, can this be true? Madame de Grandchamp has pleaded my cause? Ah, madame! (He falls on his knees before her.) I acknowledge in this your greatness of heart! You are sublime, you are an angel! (Rising and rushing forward to Pauline.) Pauline, my Pauline!
Gertrude (to the General)
I guessed aright; he is in love with Pauline.
Pauline Sir, have I ever given you the right, by a single look, or by a single word, to utter my name in this way? No one could be more astonished than I am to find that I have inspired you with sentiments which might flatter others, but which I can never reciprocate; I have a higher ambition.
The General Pauline, my child, you are more than severe. Come, tell me, is there not some misunderstanding here? Ferdinand, come here, come close to me.
Ferdinand
How is it, mademoiselle, when your stepmother, and your father agree?
Pauline (in a low voice to Ferdinand)
We are lost!
The General Now I am going to act the tyrant. Tell me, Ferdinand, of course your family is an honorable one?
Pauline (to Ferdinand)
You hear that!
The General Your father must certainly have been a man of as honorable a profession as mine was; my father was sergeant of the watch.
Gertrude (aside)
They are now separated forever.