human
Grand-aunt, pled the young woman,
gpt
Get these silly ideas out of your head, responded Madame l'Etiquette, ignoring Lecour, but speaking in a not unkindly manner.
human
Your rank demands an _establishment_, not a home. Monsieur understands that his position and yours are very different, and that two things at least are necessary in order to make your marriage possible--his standing as a Bodyguard, and a complete establishment. The riotous condition of his province makes the latter very dubious. You understand this, Monsieur de Lincy?
gpt
It must be admitted, Madame la Maréchale,
human
You have some sense, I observe.
gpt
But I can live without an establishment. A position is open to Germain in the provinces as Commandant of a school,
human
Saints of heaven! went on the Maréchale,
gpt
The matter is of the deepest concern--of infinite importance to us.
human
I have decided it. I am the guardian of your future, and I intend to remain so.
gpt
You are the lady head of the family and guardian of my future under the will of my father, but let me say without disrespect that I am a widow, and legally control my own right to dispose of my hand.
human
You think you could disobey me? I could easily see to that. The King would refuse to sign the contract of marriage, and there my power would only begin.
gpt
You cannot prevent us from at least marrying. The humblest French peasants have a right to that without any royal signature.
human
Yes I can, and I will show you the power of the old school! cried the dame, straightening herself with an inconceivable triumph and shaking out the folds of her brocade.
gpt
Monsieur de Lincy here knows well that I am right in preventing you from sacrificing your position. I call upon _his honour as a noble_ not to allow this disgrace to fall upon you. I call upon it to sustain the head of your house. I call upon it to reverence the wish of the dead and the will of the King. You admit me right and just, Monsieur de Lincy? I call upon your honour as a noble. Answer me.
human
There is but one way of replying,
gpt
Well, then, Madame cried, partaking in that pride and changing her manner to one of much kindliness,