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