Paul: Now then; business, Melanie. What did Lord Sheere say to you last night?
Melanie: Not very much, but he was very ardent
Paul: Good. He is coming here this morning
Melanie: This morning?
Paul: Yes, I wrote him a note from you. I will recieve him, and when I have talked with him for a little he will propose marriage
Melanie: He seemed last night to wish for something a little less binding
Paul: Never mind. When he proposes, you will accept him
Melanie: When may I love somebody, please?
Paul: Not until you are safely married—and then only with the greatest discretion
Melanie: I see
Paul: What is the matter?
Melanie: It doesn't feel like my birthday anymore
A cloud has passed across the sun The morning seems no longer gay
Paul: I had better get on with these bills. You had better go and dress
Melanie: Very well
With so much business to be done Even the sea looks grey
Paul: Do not be silly
Melanie: C'est vrai C'est vrai It seems that all the joy has faded from the day As though the foolish world no longer wants to play
Paul: Do go and dress, Melanie
Melanie: What shall I wear? A balck crêpe, with a lace bonnet?
Paul: What is the matter with you this morning?
Melanie: White, white for a bride—but the sun ought to shine on a bride
Paul: You are not a bride—yet
Melanie: But I shall be soon. Shall I not? A very quiet aristocratic bride with a discrete heart
You ask me to have a discreet heart Until marriage is out of the way But what if I meet With a sweetheart so sweet That my wayward heart cannot obey? A single word that you may say?
Paul: Then we shall have to go away
Melanie: No. For there is nowhere we could go Where we could hide from what we know Is true
Paul: Do stop talking nonsense
Melanie: It is not nonsense. You are so sure that everything in life can be arranged—just so—like arithmetic
Paul: Why not? Emotion is so very untidy
Melanie: The sun has come out again. I feel a little better
Paul: Good
Melanie: I'm sorry
Paul: Merci ma chéri
Melanie: Don't be afraid I'll betray you And destroy all the plans you have made But even your schemes Must leave room for my dreams So when all I owe to you is paid I'll still have something of my own A little prize that's mine alone
I'll follow my secret heart My whole life through I'll keep all my dreams apart Till one comes true No matter what price is paid What stars may fade Above I'll follow my secret heart Till I find love