Raoul
Do not score me with such frightful sarcasms.
Vautrin See how quickly he feels his ardor damped, and his hat wreathed in crepe!
Raoul Yes. For it is impossible for the child flung by accident into the bosom of a fisher family at Alghero to become Prince of Arjos, while to lose Inez is for me to die of grief.
Vautrin An income of twelve thousand francs, the title of prince, grandeur, and amassed wealth are not things to be contemplated with melancholy.
Raoul
If you love me, why do you mock me thus in the hour of my despair?
Vautrin
And what is the cause of your despair?
Raoul The duke and the marquis have insulted me, in their own house, in her presence, and I have seen then all my hopes extinguished. The door of the Christoval mansion is closed upon me. I do not know why the Duchesse de Montsorel made me come and see her. For the last few days she has manifested an interest in me which I do not understand.
Vautrin
And what brought you to the house of your rival?
Raoul
It seems you know all about it.
Vautrin
Yes, and many other things besides. Is it true you desire Inez de
Christoval? Then you can get over this present despondency.