Antoinette--No, of course not.
Gaston--What then?
Poirier--We want you to take a position worthy of your name.
Gaston--There are only three positions which my name permits me: soldier, bishop, or husbandman. Choose.
Poirier--We owe everything to France. France is our mother.
Verdelet--I understand the vexation of a son whose mother remarries; I understand why he doesn't go to the wedding: but if he has the right kind of heart he won't turn sulky. If the second husband makes her happy, he'll soon offer him a friendly hand.
Poirier--The nobility cannot always hold itself aloof, as it begins to perceive. More than one illustrious name has set the example: Monsieur de Valcherrière, Monsieur de Chazerolles, Monsieur de Mont Louis--
Gaston--These men have done as they thought best. I don't judge them, but I cannot imitate them.
Antoinette--Why not, Gaston?
Gaston--Ask Montmeyran.