Scène XVII

He made signs to me to come to the front of the stage. AU things considered, I am not so much to blâme as she thinks. He falls back a step and then résumes his movement toward the door. I must admit that that causes me grief. I withdrew toward the door in spite of myself. I must tell you that you will not recover. I was very comfortable until you arrived. No matter how angry you are, I am going to bring about a reconciliation.

Scène I He is sleeping in his arm-chair while waiting for his friend. If the weather is fine I will read to you. She does not suspect that I hâve come to pay court to her. My affianced noticed it three days ago. I shall ask for a vacation when you désire me to. He has just pronounced an adverb of singular length. Will you never finish? It is more than I can stand. The sentence before the last inclines me to believe that l^e has grown calm. I received an answer, and he received one too. I shall leave at once. Goodbye till I see you again.

Scènes II et III You must marry him this very day. Oh, yes, he*s a good fellow, but that's too much. That makes three times that weVe postponed

EXERCISES FOR RETRANSLATION 97

the marriage indefinîtely. Who has written you a registered lettcr? It seems to be catching. I fear that he will not leave me alone. I fear that he will corne to ask my hand again. He bores me, but it is necessary to open his letters. Some one knocks, and she has him come in.

ScfcNE IV

He cried out: " It is I, madam, who hâve just arrived." I had her insured before having (avant d'avoir) the misfortune to lose her. He began to sob and frightened the girl. It was raining when I went to look for Mr. Fougasson. I never met him anywhere; what do you think o£ that? One must never oppose a crazy person, or the grief will affect his brain. Did he make his wife happy ? Not at ail. Let's see ; how are we going to get rid of the treasurer ? I ask of you only that you never take the steam cars. Will you show me your profile? Agreed. But it's the first time he ever saw nie. Condescend to grant me your hand, I beg of you. He renounced his project, but he came back to his hôtel from time to time on that pretext.