Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/112

90 : He has informed me of everything; but beforehand I ought to hear from you yourselves what education you intend to give your son: what you wish to teach him, and to prepare him for which service?


 * I wished to hear of this from you.


 * I should think to educate his mind as is fitting for a nobleman.


 * Of the rank of count!


 * I do not understand; what difference do you find between the rank of nobleman and count?


 * I find, sir, this difference, that a count should be more careful than a nobleman that no one is lacking in respect of him.


 * A count should be more delicate than a nobleman on the point of his honour.  (A page is missing here in the original manuscript.)


 * But I thought that nature and rank were the same thing.


 * You hear, madame, that a natural count may be also a natural fool.


 * And so Mr. Flatternot is not pleased that our son should know he is a count, and does not wish to give him the title of “Highness.”