THE SAME.
Toinon has softly opened the door and crossed the room on tiptoe;
she approaches the window and whispers, “Is that you, Paul? How very
imprudent! Oh! if my father were to come in.”
_A Voice._ It is now two whole days since I saw you. I could wait no
longer. Is your father still opposed to me?
_Toinon._ More than ever, love! He means to go to law.
_Paul._ What? to law about my cousin Michonnet’s house?
_Toinon._ Exactly.
_Paul._ Seeing that it was left to me lawfully, it is mine.
_Toinon._ My father has a will which, he says, renders yours invalid.
_Paul._ He is wrong. Besides, if he would only consent to our union
the house would be his as well as mine.
_Toinon._ He says he hates you, and it would be better I should die
an old maid than marry a scamp.
_Paul._ [_Piteously._] Do you also, my darling, share his opinion?
_Toinon._ Alas!
_Gnawer._ [_Aside._] That alas goes to my heart. It says more than
enough.
_Paul._ Heavens! your father is coming down the street! I am off.
_Toinon._ [_Retreating from the window._] If only he escapes
unobserved. If he does not, what shall I do? [_She enters her room._]