Aline. Coming, sir! (Notary makes for her.)
Curate (capturing him). You will infallibly expose yourself to misconstruction. (To Charles.) Where is your commanding officer?
Charles. Why, sir, we have quite an alert. Information has been received from Lyons that the notorious malefactor, Robert Macaire, has broken prison, and the Brigadier is now scouring the country in his pursuit. I myself am instructed to watch the visitors to our house.
Dumont. That will do, Charles: you may go. (Exit Charles.) You have considered the case I laid before you?
Notary. Considered a case?
Dumont. Yes, yes. Charles, you know, Charles. Can he marry? under these untoward and peculiar circumstances, can he marry?
Notary. Now, lemme tell you: marriage is a contract to which there are two constracting parties. That being clear, I am prepared to argue categorically that your son Charles—who, it appears, is not your son Charles—I am prepared to argue that one party to a contract being null and void, the other party to a contract cannot by law oblige or constrain the first party to constract or bind himself to any contract, except the other party be able to see his way clearly to constract himself with him. I donno if I make myself clear?
Dumont. No.
Notary. Now, lemme tell you: by applying justice of peace might possibly afford relief.
Dumont. But how?