Hyacinth—And the poor girl, who is tender-hearted as she can be, could not bear to see him suffer so . . . and she would have sent him away . . . but the professor . . . solely for the sake of the family . . . solely for Alexandra's sake . . . solely for the sake of your son's happiness . . . the professor played the comedy through, though his heart was bleeding. . . .
Dominica—Poor fellow. . . .
Hyacinth—. . . Until Albert, who knew nothing of all this, insulted him.
Dominica—[Horrified.] The professor?
Hyacinth—Yes, him.
Dominica—This poor young man?
Hyacinth—This poor young man. Think of it!
Dominica—What did Albert do?
Hyacinth—He called him an impertinent little upstart.
Dominica—Terrible! And didn't you interfere?
Hyacinth—How could I?
Dominica—What did the young man do?
Hyacinth—What could he do? He bowed his head. I thought my heart would break.
Dominica—Poor, brave fellow! And what did Alexandra say?
Hyacinth—[Mopping his brow.] I am glad that you, too, are sorry for this nice young man.
Dominica—What did Alexandra do?
