Flatternot: 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?
Count: I wished to hear of this from you.
Flatternot: I should think to educate his mind as is fitting for a nobleman.
Countess: Of the rank of count!
Flatternot: I do not understand; what difference do you find between the rank of nobleman and count?
Countess: I find, sir, this difference, that a count should be more careful than a nobleman that no one is lacking in respect of him.
Count: A count should be more delicate than a nobleman on the point of his honour. . . . (A page is missing here in the original manuscript.)
Countess: But I thought that nature and rank were the same thing.
Wisely: You hear, madame, that a natural count may be also a natural fool.
Countess: 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.”
