Mad. A. Oh!—

[Weeps.

Bev. My dear madame, I beg to remind you that this is my wedding day. Pray reserve your tears till after the ceremony. [Re-enter Desmarets.] My friends, if you will adjourn to the reception room, the carriages will be ready immediately.

[Exeunt guests and Madame Aubrey.

Des. [To M'lle H.] Mademoiselle, you do not appear as much shocked as we are by this unfortunate discovery.

Mlle H. Simply, Doctor, because, knowing the gentleman, I am not surprised.

Des. You are not?

Mlle H. Not at all.

[Exit.

Des. Umph! Bevannes, my dear fellow, I'm loth to delay an event which, by a popular but pleasant fallacy, is supposed to be the happiest in a man's life, but I must request, before we go to the chapel, that you will give me a few moments of your attention.