SCENE II.—A hall in the Chateau.
Reading edition
Enter Bevannes and Alain, meeting.
Bev. Alain, who arrived just now?
Alain. The Doctor, sir. He's gone to Monsieur Laroque's room.
Bev. Is Mademoiselle Marguerite's carriage ready for me?
Alain. Quite ready, Monsieur.
Bev. Very well. Tell the ladies I shall be back in an hour, at most.
Alain. You'll have to drive fast, sir, to do it in the time.
Bev. I shall make my toilette less perfect than usual, and take an elaborate revenge another time.
Enter Desmarets.
Des. Bevannes that you? where are you off to?
Bev. Home, for a short time.
Des. Better stay where you are—the ladies may want your assistance.
Bev. I know—at the ball—
Des. Ball? stuff! If I don't mistake, you'll have something else to think of. Alain, let that prescription be sent to the village immediately.
Alain. Yes, Doctor.
[Exit.
Bev. Why, what's the matter?
Des. Old Laroque is very ill to-night. By the by, what's this he told me about a marriage in the family?
Bev. Quite true. The fair Marguerite has become alive to my merits—she knows me at last.
Des. And accepts you?
Bev. Of course.
Des. Little fool.
Bev. Sir!
Des. I don't mean you.
Bev. Ah!
Des. I tell you what, my friend, you hardly know what you've undertaken. I wish you joy—I wouldn't have the management of girl for a trifle. Ecod! if she takes a fancy to the moon, she'll expect you to give it her.
Bev. Oh, I'm not afraid. However, I'll go and dress, as it is her wish, and take the chance of the ball coming off.
Des. And you've determined to marry her?
Bev. Most certainly.
Des. Spite of all her caprices?
Bev. Decidedly—
Des. And if she wants the moon—
Bev. She must fetch it herself.
[Exit.
Des. Queer match—what does it mean? As to her loving that fellow, I don't believe a word of it. Now to the old man—it won't do to leave him alone—he's got one of his wandering fits on him, and he'll be all over the house if I don't look to him. What a nice quiet life a doctor's is.
[Exit.