Mme. Deschap. Dare I ask your highness to forgive my
cousin's insufferable vulgarity?

Pauline. Oh yes!--you will forgive his manner for the sake
of his heart.

Mel. And the sake of his cousin.--Ah, madam, there is one
comfort in rank,--we are so sure of our position that we are not
easily affronted. Besides, M. Damas has bought the right of indulgence
from his friends, by never showing it to his enemies.

Pauline. Ah! he is, indeed, as brave in action as he is rude in speech.
He rose from the ranks to his present grade, and in two years!

Mel. In two years!--two years, did you say?

Mme. Deschap. [aside]. I don't like leaving girls alone with
their lovers; but, with a prince, it would be so ill-bred to be prudish.
(Exit.

Mel. You can be proud of your connection with one who owes his
position to merit--not birth.

Pauline. Why, yes; but still

Mel. Still what, Pauline!

Pauline. There is something glorious in the heritage of command.
A man who has ancestors is like a representative of the past.