Scene Third
The General, Gertrude, then Pauline.
The General This is rather early in the morning for you to be holding a conference with Ferdinand! What were you discussing? The factory?
Gertrude What were we discussing? I will tell you; for you are exactly like your son; when once you begin to ask questions, you must have a direct answer. I had an impression that Ferdinand had something to do with Pauline’s refusal to marry Godard.
The General
When I come to think of it, you were perhaps right.
Gertrude I got M. Ferdinand to come here for the purpose of clearing up my suspicions, and you interrupted us at the very moment when I seemed likely to gain some information.
(Pauline pushes the door ajar unseen.)
The General
But if my daughter is in love with M. Ferdinand—
Pauline (aside)
I must listen.
The General I do not see why, when I questioned her yesterday in a paternal manner and with absolute kindness, she should have concealed it from me, for I left her perfectly free, and her feeling for him would be absolutely natural.
Gertrude She probably misunderstood you or you questioned her before she had made up her mind. The heart of a young girl, as you ought to know, is full of contradictions.
The General And why should there not be something between them? This young man toils with the courage of a lion, he is the soul of honor, he is probably of good family.
Pauline (aside)
I understand the situation now.
(Pauline withdraws.)
The General He will give us information on this point. He is above all things trustworthy; but you ought to know his family, for it was you who discovered this treasure for us.
Gertrude I proposed him to you on the recommendation of old Madame Morin.
The General
But she is dead!
Gertrude (aside) It is very lucky that I quoted her then! (Aloud) She told me that his mother was Madame de Charny to whom he is devoted; she lives in Brittany and belongs to the Charnys, an old family of that country.
The General The Charnys. Then if he is in love with Pauline, and Pauline with him, I, for my part, would prefer him to Godard in spite of Godard’s fortune. Ferdinand understands the business of the factory, he could buy the whole establishment with the dowry of Pauline. That would be understood. All he has to do is to tell us where he comes from, who he is, and who his father was. But we will see his mother.
Gertrude
Madame Charny?
The General Yes, Madame Charny. Doesn’t she live near Saint-Melo? That is by no means at the other end of the world.
Gertrude Just use a little tact, some of the manoeuvres of an old soldier, and be very gentle, and you will soon learn whether this child—
The General
Why should I worry about it? Here comes Pauline herself.