ording
to his custom.

_Dal._ I am sorry for it; let me know when the moment is favourable for
me to speak to him. Some day I will reward you for your services.

_Pic._ I am much obliged to you, sir; but, thank Heaven, I am in want of
nothing.

_Dal._ You are rich, then?

_Pic._ I am not rich, but I have a master who will not let me want for
anything. I have a wife and four children, and ought to be in the
greatest straits of any man in the world; but my master is so good, that
I support them without difficulty, and distress is unknown in my house.
[_Exit._

Dalancourt, _alone_.

_Dal._ Ah, my uncle is an excellent man. If Dorval can have any
influence over him--If I can hope to receive assistance equal to my
wants--If I can keep it concealed from my wife--Ah, why have I deceived
her? Why have I deceived myself? My uncle does not return. Every minute
is precious for me. In the meantime, I will go to my lawyer's. Oh, with
what pain I go to him! It is true, he flatters me that, notwithstanding
the decree, he will find means to gain time; but quibbles are so odious,
my feelings suffer, and my honour is affected. Wretched are they who are
forced to resort to expedients so discreditable.

_Enter_ Madame Dalancourt.

_Dal._ Here comes my wife. [_Seeing her._]

_Mad._ Ah, my husband! are you here? I have been looking everywhere for
you.

_Dal._ I was going out.

_Mad._ I met that savage just now; he is scolding and scolding wherever
he goes.

_Dal._ Do you mean my uncle?

_Mad._ Yes. Seeing a ray of sunshine, I went to walk in the garden, and
there I met him. He was stamping his feet, talking to himself, but in a
loud voice. Tell me, has he any married servants in his house?

_Dal._ Yes.

_Mad._ It must have been this. He said a great many had things of the
husband and wife; very bad, I assure you.

_Dal._ [_Aside._] I can easily imagine of whom he spoke.

_Mad._ He is really insupportable.

_Dal._ You must treat him with respect.

_Mad._ Can he complain of me? I have failed in nothing; I respect his
age, and his quality as your uncle. If I laugh at him sometimes when we
are alone, you pardon it. Except this, I have for him all possible
respect. But tell me sincerely, has he any for you or for me? He treats
us with the greatest asperity; he hates us as much as he can, and now
his contempt for me has become excessive: yet I must caress him