notions, just as much as
you are left to yourself you will slip back into the same errors as in
the past--

_Count_--What are you going to do further?

_Andre_--Guess.

_Count_--You are going to forbid--

_Andre_--Are you out of your senses? I am going to marry you off.

_Count_--Marry me off!

_Andre_--Without permission.

_Count_--And how about yourself?

_Andre_--I am going to marry myself off--afterwards. You must begin as
an example.

_Count_--Andre, do you know something?

_Andre_--What?

_Count_--Some one has told you the very thing I have had in mind.

_Andre_--Nobody has told me anything.

_Count_--Your word on it?

_Andre_--My word on it.

_Count_--Explain yourself. You, all by yourself, have had this idea of
marriage?

_Andre_--I myself.

_Count_--Deny now the sympathy between us!

_Andre_--Well?

_Count_--It exists [_putting his arms around his son_]. There, embrace
me!

_Andre_--And you accept?

_Count_--As if I would do anything else!

Translated for 'A Library of the World's Best Literature,' by
E. Irenaeus Stevenson

MR. AND MRS. CLARKSON

From 'L'Etrangere'

[These scenes, the final ones of the drama, occur in the
private drawing-room of Catherine, the young Duchess of
Septmonts. Mr. Clarkson, a wealthy American man of business,
a Californian, has just received a note from the Duke of
Septmonts, a blase young roue of high family, requesting him
to call at once. He has come, in some bewilderment, to find
the duke. Mr. Clarkson has only a formal acquaintance with
the duke, but Mrs. Clarkson, who resides much of the time in
Paris, acting as Mr. Clarkson's business representative,
knows the duke confidentially. The Duchess of Septmonts
receives Clarkson.]

_Mr. Clarkson_--I beg your pardon, madam, for having insisted on
making my way in here; but a few moments ago I found on returning to
my house, a letter from your husband. It asked me for a rendezvous as
soon as possible, without giving me a reason for it. I find M. de
Septmonts not at home. May I ask you if you know how I can be of
service to him?

_Catherine_--I was under the impression that in his letter, M. de
Septmonts explained to you the matter in which he wishes your
assistance.

_Clarkson_--No.

_Catherine_--Did not his letter contain another letter, sealed, which
he purposed leaving in your hands?

_Clarkson_--No.

_Catherine_--Are you rea