Count: Does he know French?
Wisely: Better than many of those Frenchmen whom you would be glad to receive in your house.
Count: What is his character?
Wisely: His name is Flatternot, and he is quite worthy of that name.
Countess (sotto voce): A rude fellow, I am sure.
Wisely: Is it really to be rude not to flatter?
Countess: Almost.
Wisely: Allow me to assure you that from the person I recommend as instructor for your son you will have neither rudeness nor flattery.
Count: We, on our side, will neglect nothing to show him our respect, and will always call him “Your Honour.”
Wisely: That is, you expect him every minute to call you “Your Highness.”
Countess: It seems to me that everyone should be given his proper title.
Wisely: But you consent to call him “Your Honour” for another reason.
Count: Which?
Wisely: So that all should know that your son’s tutor is a major.
