_Ger._ [_Taking his hand._] Your word of honour?
_Dor._ [_Giving his hand._] My word of honour.
_Ger._ My dear nephew! [_Exit at the last words, showing joy._
_Dor._ In truth, all this seems to me a dream. I marry!--I, who have never thought of such a thing!
_Dal._ Ah, my dear friend, I know not how to express my gratitude to you.
_Dal._ Did I not hear what my uncle said? He loves me, he feels for me; he has gone to his notary; he has given you his word of honour. I see plainly what you have done for me; I am the most fortunate man in the world.
_Dor._ Do not flatter yourself so much, my dear friend, for the good fortune you imagine has not the least foundation in truth.
_Dor._ I hope, in time, to be able to do you a service with him; and hereafter I may have some title to interest myself in your behalf; but till then--
_Dal._ [_With warmth._] For what, then, did he give you his word of honour?
_Dor._ I will tell you at once; he did me the honour to propose your sister to me as a wife.
_Dal._ [_With joy._] My sister! Do you accept?
_Dal._ You overwhelm me with joy; you surprise me. As regards her fortune, you know my situation.
_Dal._ My dear brother, let me, with all my heart, embrace you.
_Dor._ I flatter myself that your uncle on this occasion--
_Dal._ Here is a connection to which I shall owe my happiness. I am in great need of it. I have been to my lawyer's, and did not find him.
_Mad._ [_To_ Dalancourt.] I have been waiting for you with impatience. I heard your voice.
_Dal._ My wife, here is Signor Dorval; I present him to you as my brother-in-law, as the husband of Angelica.
_Dor._ I shall be highly pleased, Madame, if my happiness meets with your approbation.
_Mad._ I am rejoiced at it, sir; I congratulate you with all my heart. [_Aside._] What did he mean by speaking of the embarrassments of my husband?
_Dal._ [_To_ Dorval.] Is my sister informed of it?
_Mad._ [_Aside._] Then it was not Dalancourt who made the match.
_Dor._ No, do not bring her; there may still be a difficulty.
_Dal._ Fear nothing; I know Angelica, and your circumstances and merit. Leave it to me; I will speak to my sister.
_Dor._ No, my dear friend, do not, I beg you, do not let us spoil the affair; leave it to Signor Geronte.