Macaire. What was the name of his mother by you?
Marquis. Sir, you are silenced.
Macaire. Silenced by honour. I had rather lose my boy than compromise his sainted mother.
Marquis. A thought: twins might explain it: had you not two foundlings?
Dumont. Nay, sir, one only; and judging by the miseries of this evening, I should say, thank God!
Macaire. My friends, leave me alone with the Marquis. It is only a father that can understand a father’s heart. Bertrand, follow the members of my family. (They troop out, L. U. E. and R. U. E., the fiddlers playing. Air: ‘O dear, what can the matter be?’)
SCENE IV
Macaire, Marquis
Marquis. Well, sir?
Macaire. My lord, I feel for you. (Business. They sit, R.)