Count—Very well; don't let him see them. Put them away with the others.
Joseph—May I beg monsieur to say a good word for me to his son?
Count—As to what, Joseph?
Joseph—Your son, sir, has just told me to look out for another situation; and I am so attached to the family—
Count—Oh, I will straighten all that out; if my son sends you away I will take you into our service again. Come now, get off to my florist; be quick about it.
As Joseph goes out, André enters. He does not at first perceive his father, but on turning toward the table discovers him.
André—Ah! you are here, are you?
Count—Yes, I have been here during an hour; and moreover, a very agreeable person has been doing the honors of your establishment on my behalf.
André—It is a fine time to talk about agreeable persons! You are a very agreeable person—