Macaire. Modesty is for the poor: when one is rich and nobly born, ’tis but a clog. I love you. What is your name?
Aline. Guess again, and you’ll guess wrong. (Enter the other servants with wine baskets.) Here, set the wine down. No, that is the old Burgundy for the wedding party. These gentlemen must put up with a different bin. (Setting wine before Macaire and Bertrand, who are at table, L.)
Macaire (drinking). Vinegar, by the supreme Jove!
Bertrand. Sold again!
Macaire. Now, Bertrand, mark me. (Before the servants he exchanges the bottle for the one in front of Dumont’s place at the head of the other table.) Was it well done?
Bertrand. Immense.
Macaire (emptying his glass into Bertrand’s). There, Bertrand, you may finish that. Ha! music?
SCENE VII
To these, from the inn, L. U. E., Dumont, Charles, the Curate, the Notary jigging: from the inn, R. U. E., Fiddlers playing and dancing; and through door L. C., Goriot, Ernestine, Peasants, dancing likewise. Air: ‘Haste to the Wedding.’ As the parties meet, the music ceases
Dumont. Welcome, neighbours! welcome friends! Ernestine, here is my Charles, no longer mine. A thousand welcomes. O the gay day! O the auspicious wedding! (Charles, Ernestine, Dumont, Goriot, Curate, and Notary sit to the wedding feast; Peasants, Fiddlers, and Maids, grouped at back, drinking from the barrel.) O, I must have all happy around me.