Читать книгу The Stepmother, A Drama in Five Acts - Оноре де'Бальзак, Honoré de Balzac, Balzac - Страница 6

The same persons, Napoleon and Felix.

Napoleon

Papa, papa, didn't you say I could ride Coco?

The General

Certainly.

Napoleon (to Felix)

Do you hear that?

Gertrude (wiping her son's forehead)

He is quite warm!

The General

But only on the condition that some one goes with you.

Felix You see I was right, Master Napoleon. General, the little rascal wished to go on his pony alone into the country.

Napoleon

He was frightened for me! Do you think I am afraid of anything?

(Exit Felix. Dinner bell rings.)

The General Come and let me kiss you for that word. He is a little soldier and belongs to the Young Guard.

Vernon (with a glance at Gertrude)

He takes after his father!

Gertrude (quickly) As regards courage, he is his father's counterpart; but as to physique, he resembles me.

Felix

Dinner is served.

Gertrude Very well! But do you know where Ferdinand is? He is generally so punctual. Here, Napoleon, go to the entrance of the factory and see if he is coming. Tell him to hurry; the bell has rung.

The General

We need not wait for Ferdinand. Godard, give your arm to Pauline.

(Vernon offers his arm to Gertrude.) Excuse me, Vernon, you ought to be aware that I never permit anybody but myself to take my wife's arm.

Vernon (aside)

Decidedly, he is incurable.

Napoleon (running back)

I saw Ferdinand down in the main avenue.

Vernon

Give me your hand, you little tyrant!

Napoleon

Tyrant yourself! I'll bet I could tire you out.

(Napoleon turns Vernon round and round. All leave, chatting gaily.)