Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
Yet what slight warrant you had for your elation!

The Duchess
Is not a revelation such as that more than sufficient warrant for the
rapture of a mother's heart? At the sight of that young stranger a
flame seemed to dart before my yes; his glance gave me new life; I
felt happy once more. If he were not my son, my feelings would be
quite unaccountable.

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
You must have betrayed yourself!

The Duchess
Yes, perhaps I did! People doubtless noticed us; but I was carried
away by an uncontrollable impulse; I saw no one but him, I wished to
hear him talk, and he talked with me, and told me his age. He is
twenty-three, the same age as Fernand!

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
And was the duke present?

The Duchess
Could I give a thought to my husband? I listened only to this young
man, who was talking with Inez. I believe they are in love with each
other.

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
Inez, who is engaged to your son, the marquis? And do you think the
warm reception given by her to his son's rival could escape the duke's