Gertrude
Do you like much or little sugar?
Godard
A moderate quality.
Gertrude
Not much cream, I suppose?
Godard On the contrary, plenty of cream, countess. (To Pauline) Ah, M. Ferdinand is not then, after all the man who—whom you have distinguished by your favor? I can at least assure you that he is very much to the taste of your stepmother.
Pauline (aside)
How annoying these inquisitive provincials are!
Godard (aside) It is fair that I should amuse myself a little at her expense before I take leave. I must get something out of this visit.
Gertrude M. de Rimonville, if you desire anything solid, there are sandwiches here.
Godard
Thank you, madame.
Gertrude (whispering to Godard)
Your cause is not wholly lost.
Godard
O madame! I have thought a great deal over my rejection by Mlle. de
Grandchamp.