diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:34:11 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:34:11 -0700 |
| commit | eff5bb04f6a82208c804fcc0e452418cf3950050 (patch) | |
| tree | 39a36a79cbc1226d5bb37dabed273de20038cf26 /27201-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '27201-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 27201-h/27201-h.htm | 14264 |
1 files changed, 14264 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/27201-h/27201-h.htm b/27201-h/27201-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8abf92c --- /dev/null +++ b/27201-h/27201-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,14264 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Woman On Her Own, False Gods and the Red Robe, by Brieux. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .right {text-align: right;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 1em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i6 {display: block; margin-left: 3em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Woman on Her Own, False Gods & The Red Robe, by +Eugène Brieux + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Woman on Her Own, False Gods & The Red Robe + Three Plays By Brieux + +Author: Eugène Brieux + +Translator: Mrs. Bernard Shaw + J. F. Fagan + A. Bernard Miall + +Release Date: November 8, 2008 [EBook #27201] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLAYS BY BRIEUX *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Josephine Paolucci and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net. + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<h1>WOMAN ON HER OWN, FALSE +GODS AND THE RED ROBE:</h1> + +<h2>THREE PLAYS BY BRIEUX.</h2> + +<h3>THE ENGLISH VERSIONS BY M<sup>RS.</sup><br /> +BERNARD SHAW, J. F. FAGAN,<br /> +AND A. BERNARD MIALL. WITH<br /> +AN INTRODUCTION BY BRIEUX<br /></h3> + +<p class="center"> +BRENTANO'S NEW YORK<br /> +MCMXVI<br /> +</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Copyright, 1916, by Brentano's</i><br /><br /> +THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="20" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'>Preface</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_vii">vii</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Woman On Her Own</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>False Gods</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Red Robe</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_219">219</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p> +<h2>PREFACE</h2> + + +<p>We are confronted at the present time by the woman who is anxious to lay +by means for her own support irrespective of the protection of her +husband. In this play I have indicated the tendency of this difficulty +and the consequent troubles which the older civilizations will bring +upon themselves when the woman's standing as a worker is generally +acknowledged. My conclusion, namely, that all these complications and +troubles are, at present at any rate, owing to the education of the man, +points to the remedy, as far as I can see it.</p> + +<p>I must inform my readers that the version of <span class="smcap">La Femme Seule</span>, a +translation of which is now published in this volume, has, so far, not +appeared in France and is unknown there; at least as regards the larger +part of the third act. I might, did I think it advisable, reproduce in +its entirety a text which certain timidities have led me to emasculate.</p> + +<p>As between the man and the woman the ideal situation would, no doubt, be +a rehabilitation of the old custom—the man at the workshop and the +woman in the home; thus reserving for her the holiest and most important +of all missions—the one which insures the future of the race by her +enlightened care of the moral and physical health of her children.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately it happens that the wages of the working-man are +insufficient for the support of a family, and the poor woman is +therefore compelled to go to the factory. The results are deplorable. +The child is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span> either entirely abandoned, or given to the State, and the +solidarity of the family suffers in consequence.</p> + +<p>Then again a generation of women with new ideas has arisen, who think +they should have, if they wish it, the right to live alone and by +themselves, without a husband's protection. However much some of us may +regret this attitude, it is one which must be accepted, since I cannot +believe that the worst tyrants would dare to make marriage obligatory. +These women have a right to live, and consequently a right to work. Also +there are the widows and the abandoned women.</p> + +<p>Women first took places which seemed best fit for them, and which the +men turned over to them because the work appeared to be of a character +suitable to the feminine sex. But the modern woman has had enough of the +meagre salary which is to be obtained by means of needle-work, and she +has invaded the shop, the office, the desks of the banks and post +office. In industry also she has taken her place by the side of the +working-man, who has made room for her first with ironical grace, then +with grumbling, and sometimes with anger. I believe that in Europe at +least this kind of difficulty will have to be faced in the future.</p> + +<p>As to the rich woman (and in <span class="smcap">La Femme Seule</span> I have treated this subject +only slightly because it is one to which I expect to come back), they +have been driven from the home where the progress of domestic science +has left them very little to do. We have reached a kind of hypocritical +form of State Socialism, or perhaps it would be better to say +Collectivism, and this will profoundly change the moral outlook. All, or +nearly all, of the work of the home seems to be done by people from the +outside—from the cleaning of the windows to the education of the +children. The modern home is but a fireside around which one hardly sees +the family gathered for intimate talk.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span></p> + +<p>It has thus happened that the woman who finds herself without work, and +with several children, looks out of the windows of her home away from it +for the employment of her activities. The future will tell us whether or +no this is good. In my opinion I believe it will be good, and I believe +that man will gain, through this new intelligence, in the direction of +the larger life which has come to women from this necessity of theirs. +Unquestionably there will have to be a new education, and this will +certainly come.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Foi.</span>—This play is, without doubt, of all my plays the one which has +cost me the most labor and the one upon which I have expended the most +thought and time. The impulse to write it came to me at Lourdes in view +of the excited, suffering, and praying crowds of people. When the +thought of writing it came to me I hesitated, but during many years I +added notes upon notes. And it was while on a trip to Egypt that I saw +the possibility for discussing such questions in the theatre without +giving offence to various consciences. My true and illustrious friend, +Camille Saint-Saëns, has been kind enough to underline my prose with his +admirable music. In this way <span class="smcap">La Foi</span> has been produced on the stage at +Monte Carlo for the first time under the auspices of His Royal Highness +the Prince of Monaco, whom I now beg to thank.</p> + +<p>English readers of <span class="smcap">La Robe Rouge</span> would, I think, be somewhat misled, if +they did not understand the difference between the procedure in criminal +cases in France and in Great Britain. My purpose in this preface is to +attempt to show that difference in a few words.</p> + +<p>With you, a criminal trial is conducted publicly and before a jury; with +us in France it is carried on in the Chambers of the Judge with only the +lawyer present. There sometimes result from this latter method dramas of +the kind of which my play <span class="smcap">La Robe Rouge</span> is one.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</a></span> The judge, too directly +interested and free of the criticism which might fall on him from the +general public, is liable to the danger of forming for himself an +opinion as to the guilt of the accused. He may do this in perfect good +faith, but sometimes runs the risk of falling into grave error. It thus +occasionally happens that he is anxious not so much to know the truth as +to prove that he was right in his own, often rash, opinion.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Robe Rouge</span> is a criticism of certain judicial proceedings which +obtain in France; but it is also a study of an individual case of +professional crookedness. We should be greatly mistaken were we to draw +the dangerous conclusion that all French judges resemble Mouzon, and we +should be equally wrong were we to condemn too hastily the French code +relating to criminal trials.</p> + +<p>In the struggle of society with the criminal it is very difficult, +perhaps impossible, for the legislator to hold in equal balance the +rights of the individual as against the interests of society. The +balance sometimes leans one way and sometimes the other; and had I been +an English citizen, instead of writing a play against the abuse of +justice by a judge, I might have had to illustrate the same abuse by the +lawyer.</p> + +<p>I wish most sincerely that these three plays may interest the people of +England and America. The problems which I have studied I am sure I have +not brought to their final solutions. My ambition was to draw and keep +the attention of honest people on them by means of the theatre.</p> + +<p class="right"> +BRIEUX. +</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> +<h2>WOMAN ON HER OWN</h2> + +<h3>[<span class="smcap">La Femme Seule</span>]</h3> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Translated by Mrs. Bernard Shaw</span></h3> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHARACTERS</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Mother Bougne</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Lucienne</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Baron</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Antoinette</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Berthe</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Constanc</span>e<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Maid</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Workwomen</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Féliat</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">René Charton</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Guéret</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Mafflu</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Vincent</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">A Delegate</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Page Boy</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Girard</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Charpin</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Deschaume</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Workmen</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> +<h2>WOMAN ON HER OWN</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> +<h2>ACT I</h2> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Scene:</span>—<i>A Louis XV sitting-room. To the right a large recessed window +with small panes of glass which forms a partition dividing the +sitting-room from an inner room. A heavy curtain on the further side +shuts out this other room. There are a table and piano and doors to the +right and at the back. The place is in disorder. One of the panes in the +large window has been taken out and replaced by a movable panel. It is +October.</i></p> + +<p><i>Madame Guéret is sitting at a table. She is a woman of forty-five, +dressed for the afternoon, cold and distinguished looking. Monsieur +Guéret, who is with her, is about fifty-five and is wearing a frock +coat. He is standing beside his wife.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Then you really don't want me to go and hear the third act?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>dryly</i>] I think as I've been let in for these +theatricals solely to please your goddaughter you may very well keep me +company. Besides, my brother is coming back and he has something to say +to you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>resignedly</i>] Very well, my dear.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A pause.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I can't get over it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Over what?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> What we're doing. What <i>are</i> we doing?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> We're giving a performance of <i>Barberine</i> for the amusement of +our friends. There's nothing very extraordinary in that.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Don't make fun of me, please. What we are doing is simply +madness. Madness, do you hear? And it was the day before yesterday—only +the day before yesterday—we heard the news.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> We—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>Who has seen Lucienne come in</i>] Hush!</p> + +<p><i>Lucienne comes in, a girl of twenty, dressed as Barberine from Musset's +play; then Maud, Nadia, and Antoinette [eighteen to twenty-two], dressed +as followers of the queen. Lucienne goes to the piano, takes a piece of +music, and comes to Madame Guéret.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> You'll help me along, won't you, dear Madame Guéret? You'll +give me my note when it comes to "Voyez vous pas que la nuit est +profonde"?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Now don't be nervous.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Maud</span> [<i>coming in</i>] We're ready.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Antoinette.</span> If the third act only goes as well as the first two—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Maud.</span> We'll listen until we have to go on.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Antoinette.</span> Won't you come with us, Madame?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> No, I can't. I've had to undertake the noises behind the +scenes. <i>That</i> job might have been given to someone else, I think.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Oh, Madame, please don't be angry with us. Madame Chain let us +know too late. And you're helping us so much.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Well, I've invited the people, and I suppose I must +entertain them. As I gave in to Thérèse about getting up this play, I +don't want to do anything to spoil the evening.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> How pretty she is as Kalekairi.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> You don't think people are shocked by her frock?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Oh, Madame!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Well!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> I shall have to go in a moment. Thérèse has come out; I can +hear her sequins rattling.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Yes; so can I. But René will let us know. Never mind.</p> + +<p><i>She goes to the piano. René appears at the door at the back.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Are you ready, Lucienne?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> You've only two lines to say.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Only one. [<i>She speaks low to René</i>] No end of a success, +wasn't it, for your Thérèse?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>low</i>] Wasn't it? I <i>am</i> so happy, Lucienne. I love her so.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Listen. That's for me, I think.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Yes, that's for you. Wait. [<i>He goes to the door at the back, +listens, and returns</i>] Come. Turn this way so as to make it sound as if +you were at a distance. Now then.</p> + +<p><i>Madame Guéret accompanies Lucienne on the piano.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne</span> [<i>sings</i>]</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Beau chevalier qui partez pour la guerre,<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Qu'allez vous faire<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Si loin d'ici?<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Voyez-vous pas que la nuit est profonde<br /></span> +<span class="i6">Et que le monde<br /></span> +<span class="i6">N'est que souci.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>civilly</i>] You have a delightful voice, Mademoiselle +Lucienne.</p> + +<p><i>Lucienne places her music on the piano with a smile to Madame Guéret.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>to Lucienne, drawing her to the partition window and showing her +where a pane has been removed</i>] And your little window! Have you seen +your little window? It was not there at the dress rehearsal. You<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> lift +it like this. It's supposed to be an opening in the wall. It ought to +have been different; we were obliged to take out a pane. May I show her, +Madame Guéret?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>resigned</i>] Yes, yes, of course.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> You lift it like this; and to speak you'll lean forward, won't +you, so that they may see you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> I will, yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Don't touch it now. [<i>To Madame Guéret</i>] You won't forget the +bell, will you, Madame? There's plenty of time—ten minutes at least. +I'll let you know. Mademoiselle Lucienne, now, time to go on.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Yes, yes. [<i>She goes out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>with a sigh</i>] To have a play being acted in the +circumstances we're in—it's beyond everything! I cannot think how I +came to allow it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You see they'd been rehearsing for a week. And Thérèse—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> And I not only allowed it, but I'm almost taking part in +it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> We couldn't put off all these people at twenty-four hours' +notice. And it's our last party. It's really a farewell party. Besides, +we should have had to tell Thérèse everything.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Well, you asked me to keep it all from her until +to-morrow—though it concerns her as much as it does us. [<i>Monsieur +Féliat comes in, a man of sixty, correct without being elegant</i>] Here's +my brother.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I've something to tell you. Shall we be interrupted?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Yes, constantly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Let's go into another room.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I can't. And all the rooms are full of people.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Marguerite has been good enough to help here by taking the place +of Madame Chain, who's ill.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>angrily</i>] Yes, I've got to do the noises heard off! At +my age! [<i>A sigh</i>] Tell us, Etienne, what is it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> We can wait until the play is over.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> So like you! You don't care a bit about what my brother +has to tell us. Who'd ever believe this is all your fault! [<i>To her +brother</i>] What is it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I have seen the lawyer. Your goddaughter will have to sign this +power of attorney so that it may get to Lyons to-morrow morning.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>who has glanced at the paper</i>] But we can't get her to sign +that without telling her all about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Well, goodness me, she'll have to know sometime! I must +say I cannot understand the way you've kept this dreadful thing from +her. It's pure sentimentality.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> The poor child!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> You really are ridiculous. One would think that it was +only <i>her</i> money the lawyer took. It's gone, of course; but so is ours.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> We still have La Tremblaye.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Yes, thank goodness, because La Tremblaye belongs to me.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>René comes in in great excitement.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Where is Mademoiselle Thérèse? She'll keep the stage waiting! +[<i>Listening</i>] No, she's coming, I hear her. Nice fright she's given me! +[<i>To Madame Guéret</i>] Above all, Madame, don't forget the bell, almost +the moment that Mademoiselle Thérèse comes off the stage.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Yes, yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> And my properties! [<i>He runs out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Now we can talk for a minute.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Yes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You've quite made up your minds to come to Evreux?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Quite.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Are you sure you won't regret Paris?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Oh, no.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> For the last two years I've hated Paris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Since you began to play cards.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> For the last two years we've had the greatest difficulty in +keeping up appearances. This lawyer absconding is the last blow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Aren't you afraid you will be horribly bored at La Tremblaye?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>rising</i>] What are we to do?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well, now listen to me. I told you—</p> + +<p><i>René comes in and takes something off a table. Féliat stops suddenly.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Good-morning, uncle. [<i>He hurries out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Good-morning, René.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> He knows nothing about it yet?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> No; and my sister-in-law asked me to tell him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Well, why shouldn't you? If they <i>are</i> engaged, we know +nothing about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Oh!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> We know nothing officially, because in these days young +people don't condescend to consult their parents.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> René told his people and they gave their consent.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Unwillingly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Oh certainly, unwillingly. Then I'm to tell him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> The sooner the better.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I'll tell him to-night.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> I'm afraid it'll be an awful blow to the poor chap.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Oh, he's young. He'll get over it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> What was I saying when he came in? Ah, yes; you know I've +decided to add a bindery to my printing works at Evreux; you saw the +building started when you were down there. If things go as I want them +to, I shall try to do some cheap artistic binding. I want to get hold of +a man who won't rob me to manage this new branch and look after it; a +man who won't be too set in his ideas, because I want him to adopt mine; +and, at the same time, I'd like him to be not altogether a stranger. I +thought I'd found him; but I saw the man yesterday and I don't like him. +Now will <i>you</i> take on the job? Would it suit you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Would it suit me! Oh, my dear Féliat, how can I possibly thank +you? To tell you the truth, I've been wondering what in the world I +should do with myself now; and I was dreading the future. What you offer +me is better than anything I could have dreamt of. What do you say, +Marguerite?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I am delighted.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Then that's all right.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>to his brother-in-law</i>] I think you won't regret having +confidence in me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> And your goddaughter?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Thérèse?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Yes; how is <i>she</i> going to face this double news of her ruin and +the breaking off of her engagement?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I think she ought to have sense enough to understand that +one is the consequence of the other. She can hardly expect René's +parents to give their son to a girl without money.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I suppose not. But what's to become of her?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> She will live with us, of course.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> "Of course"! I like that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> She has no other relations, and her father left her in my care.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> He left her in <i>your</i> care, and it's <i>I</i> who have been +rushed into all the trouble of a child who is nothing to me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Child! She was nineteen when her father died.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> To look after a young girl of nineteen is a very great +responsibility.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>laughing bitterly</i>] Ho! Ho! Look after! Look after +Mademoiselle Thérèse! You think she's a person who allows herself to be +looked after! And yet you've seen her more or less every holidays.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You've not had to look after her; she has been at the Lycée.</p> + +<p><i>Thérèse comes in dressed as Kalekairi from "Barberine." She is a pretty +girl of twenty-three, healthy, and bright.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> The bell, the bell, godmother! You're forgetting the bell! +Good-evening, Monsieur Féliat.</p> + +<p><i>Thérèse takes up the bell, which is on the table.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I was going to forget it! Oh, what a nuisance! All this +is so new to me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Excuse me! I really didn't recognize you for the moment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Ah, my dress. Startling, isn't it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>with meaning</i>] Startling is the right word.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>appearing at the back, disappearing again immediately, and +calling</i>] The bell! And you, on the stage, Mademoiselle Thérèse!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'm coming. [<i>She rings</i>] Here I am!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She goes out.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>with a sigh</i>] And I had it let down!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Her dress. [<i>To her husband</i>] What I see most clearly in +all this is that she must stay with us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>René comes fussing in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Where's the queen? Where's Madame Nérisse?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I've not seen her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> But goodness gracious—! [<i>He goes to the door on the left and +calls</i>] Madame Nérisse!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>from outside</i>] Yes, yes, I'm ready.</p> + +<p><i>Madame Nérisse comes in. She is about forty, flighty, and a little +affected.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I wanted to warn you that Ulric will be on your right, and if he +plays the fool—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Very well. Is it time?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Yes, come. [<i>To Madame Guéret</i>] You won't forget the trumpets?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> No, no. All the same, you'd better help me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I will, I will.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out with Madame Nérisse.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You know, if she wants one, she'll find a husband at Evreux.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Without a penny!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Without a penny! She made a sensation at the ball at the +sous-préfecture. She's extremely pretty.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> She's young.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Monsieur Gambard sounded me about her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Monsieur Gambard! The Monsieur Gambard who has the house +with the big garden?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Yes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> But he's very rich.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> He's forty-nine.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> She'll have to take what she can get now.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> And I think that Monsieur Beaudoin——</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> But he's almost a cripple!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> She wouldn't do so well in Paris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> She wouldn't look at either of them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> We must try and make her see reason.</p> + +<p><i>René enters busily. Lucienne follows him. Féliat is standing across the +guichet through which Barberine is to speak. René pulls him away without +ceremony.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Excuse me, Uncle; don't stand there before the little window.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Beg pardon. I didn't know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I haven't a moment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I've never seen you so busy. At your office they say you're a +lazy dog.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Probably René has more taste for the stage than for +business.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Rather! [<i>To Lucienne</i>] Now, it's time. Come. Lift it. +Not yet! There! <i>Now!</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne</span> [<i>speaking through the guichet</i>] "If you want food and drink, +you must do like those old women you despise—you must spin."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Capital!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne</span> [<i>to Féliat</i>] Please forgive me, Monsieur, I've not had time to +speak to you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Why, it's Mademoiselle Lucienne, Thérèse's friend, who came and +stayed in the holidays! Fancy my not recognizing you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> It's my dress. I <i>do</i> like playing this part. I have to say +that lovely bit—you know—the bit that describes the day of the ideal +wife. [<i>She recites, sentimentally</i>] "I rise and go to prayers, to the +farmyard, to the kitchen. I prepare your meal; I go<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> with you to church; +I read a page or two; I sew a while; and then I fall asleep happy upon +your breast."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> That's good, oh, that's very good! <i>Barberine</i>—now, who wrote +that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Alfred de Musset.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Ah, yes; to be sure, Alfred de Musset. I read him when I was +young. You often find his works lying about in pretty bindings.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Uncle, Uncle; I beg your pardon, but don't speak so loud. We can +hardly hear what they're saying on the stage.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>very politely</i>] Sorry, I'm sure.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>to Lucienne</i>] You. <i>Now.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne</span> [<i>speaking through the guichet</i>] "My lord, these cries are +useless. It grows late. If you wish to sup—you must spin." [<i>turning to +the others</i>] There! Now I must go over the rest with Ulric.</p> + +<p><i>She runs out, with a little wave of adieu to Féliat.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>to Madame Guéret</i>] The trumpets, Madame. Don't forget.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> No, no. Don't worry.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>René goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You blow trumpets?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Yes; on the piano.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I don't know what to do with myself. I don't want to be in the +way. I'm not accustomed to being behind the scenes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Nor am I.</p> + +<p><i>Thérèse comes in in the Kalekairi dress, followed by René.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> It's time for me now.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>to Madame Guéret</i>] She really looks like a professional +actress.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>to Thérèse</i>] Now!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>speaking through the little window</i>] "My lady says, as you +will not spin, you cannot sup. She<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> thinks you are not hungry, and I +wish you good-night." [<i>She closes the little window and says gayly</i>] +Good-evening, Monsieur Féliat.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Now then, come along. You go on in one minute.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>to Féliat</i>] I'll come back soon.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>to Madame Guéret</i>] Now, Madame, <i>you</i>, Quick, Madame!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Yes, yes. All right.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She plays a flourish of trumpets on the piano.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Splendid!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Ouf! It's over. At last we can have peace! If she's such +a fool as to refuse both these men—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>interrupting</i>] She won't refuse, you may be sure.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>continuing</i>]—we shall have to keep her with us. But I +shall insist upon certain conditions.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> What conditions?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I won't have any scandals at Evreux.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> There won't be any scandals.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> No; because she'll have to behave very differently, I can +tell you. She'll have to leave all these fine airs of independence +behind her in Paris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> What airs?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Well, for instance, getting letters and answering them +without any sort of supervision! [<i>To her brother</i>] She manages in such +a way that I don't even see the envelopes! [<i>To her husband</i>] I object +very much, too, to her student ways.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> She goes to classes and lectures with her girl friends.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Well, she won't go to any more. And she will have to give +up going out alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> She's of age.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> A properly brought up young lady is never of age.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Perfectly true.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> And there must be a change in her way of dressing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> There will. She'll have to dress simply, for she won't have a +rap.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> That has nothing to do with it. I shall make her +understand that she will have to behave like the other girls in good +society.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Of course.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I shall also put a veto on certain books she reads. [<i>To +her brother</i>] It's really dreadful, Etienne. You've no idea! One day I +found a shocking book upon her table—a horror! What do you suppose she +said when I remonstrated? That that disgraceful book was necessary in +preparing for her examination. And the worst of it is, it was true. She +showed me the syllabus.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I'm afraid they're bringing up our girls in a way that'll make +unhappy women of them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Don't let's talk about it; you'll start on politics, and +then you and Henri will begin to argue. All the same I mean to be very +good to her. As soon as she knows what's happened her poor little +pretensions will come tumbling about her ears. I won't leave her in +uncertainty, and even before she asks I'll tell her she may stay with +us; but I shall tell her, too, what I expect from her in return.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Wouldn't it be better—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> My dear, I shall go my own way. See what we're suffering +now in consequence of going<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> <i>yours</i>. Here's Madame Nérisse. Then the +play is over. [<i>To her husband</i>] You must go and look after the people +at the supper table. I'll join you in a minute.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> All right.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I've hardly ever been at such a successful party. I +wanted to congratulate dear Thérèse, but she's gone to change her dress.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>absently</i>] So glad. Were you speaking of having a notice +of it in your paper?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Of your play! If I was going to notice it! I should +think so! The photographs we had taken at the dress rehearsal are being +developed. We shall have a wonderful description.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>imploring</i>] Could it be stopped?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> It's not possible! Just think how amazed the subscribers +to <i>Feminine Art</i> would be if they found nothing in their paper about +your lovely performance of <i>Barberine</i>, even if the editress of the +paper hadn't taken a part in the play. If it only depended on me, +perhaps I could find some way out—explain it in some way, just to +please you. But then there's your charming Thérèse—one of our +contributors. I can't tell you what a wonderful success she's had with +her two stories, illustrated by herself. People adore her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Nobody would know anything about it—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Nobody know! There are at least ten people among your +guests who will send descriptions of this party to the biggest morning +papers, simply for the sake of getting their own names into print. If +<i>Feminine Art</i> had nothing about it, it would be thought extremely odd, +I assure you. [<i>She turns to Féliat</i>] Wouldn't it, Monsieur?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Pardon me, Madame, I know nothing about these things.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Well, we'll say no more about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> But what's the matter? You must have some very good +reason for not wanting me to put in anything about your delightful +party.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> No——only——[<i>Hesitating</i>] Some of our family are +country people, you know. It would take me too long to explain it all to +you. It doesn't matter. [<i>With a change of tone</i>] Then honestly you +think Thérèse has some little talent?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Little talent! No, but very great talent. Haven't you +read her two articles?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Oh, I? I belong to another century. In my days it would +have been considered a very curious thing if a young girl wrote novels. +My brother feels this too. By the way, I have not introduced my brother +to you. Monsieur Féliat, of Evreux—Madame Nérisse, editress of +<i>Feminine Art</i>. Madame Nérisse has been kind enough to help us with our +little party. [<i>To Madame Nérisse</i>] Yes—you were speaking about—what +was it—this story that Thérèse has written. No doubt your readers were +indulgent to the work of a little amateur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I wish I could find professionals who'd do half as well. +I'm perfectly certain the number her photograph is going to be in will +have a good sale.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You'll publish her photograph?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> In her dress as Kalekairi.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> In her dress as Kalekairi!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> On the front page. They tell me it's a first-rate +likeness. I'll bring you one of them before long, and your country +relations will be delighted. If you'll excuse me, I'll hurry away and +change my dress.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Oh, please excuse me for keeping you.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Good-bye for the present. [<i>She goes to the door</i>] I was +looking for Maud and Nadia to take them away with me. I see them over +there having a little flirtation. [<i>She looks through the door and +speaks pleasantly to Maud and Nadia, who are just outside</i>] All right, +all right; I won't interrupt. [<i>To Madame Guéret</i>] They'd much rather +come home alone. Good-bye. [<i>She bows to Féliat</i>] Good-bye, Monsieur. +[<i>Turning again to Madame Guéret</i>] Don't look so upset because you have +a goddaughter who can be a great writer or a great painter if she +chooses; just as she would have been a great actress if she had taken a +fancy for that. Good-bye again and many congratulations.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Well! Anyway, she's not <i>my</i> daughter! I must go and say +good-bye to everybody. When I've got rid of them, I'll come back and see +Thérèse. Will you wait for me? You'll find some papers on that little +table. Oh, goodness, what times we live in!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Madame Guéret goes out. Féliat, left alone, strolls to the +door and looks in the direction in which Madame Nérisse had +seen Maud and Nadia. After a moment he shows signs of +indignation.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>shocked</i>] Oh, I say, this is really—I must cough or something, +and let them know I'm here. [<i>He coughs</i>] They've seen me. They're +waving their hands—and—they 're going on just the same!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Lucienne and Thérèse in ordinary dress come in and notice +what Féliat is doing.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>to Lucienne</i>] What is he doing?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> What's the matter?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They advance to see what has caused his perturbation. He +hears them and turns.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> It is incredible!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You seem rather upset. What's the matter?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> What's the matter? Those girls are behaving in such a scandalous +way with those young men.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Let's see.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Oh, don't look! [<i>Suddenly stopping, half to himself</i>] Though I +must say—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>laughing</i>] What must you say?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> I know. You mean that we're just as bad.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> No, no, not as bad.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Yes, yes; well—almost. [<i>Féliat makes a sign of protest</i>] I +saw you watching us yesterday after the rehearsal! You saw I was +flirting, and I know you imagined all sorts of horrid things. Our little +flirtations are not what you think. When we flirt we play at love-making +with our best boys, just as once upon a time we played at mothering with +our dolls.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But that doesn't justify—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You don't understand. People spoil us while we're children, and +then look after us so tremendously carefully when we grow up that we +guess there must be delightful and dangerous possibilities about us. +Flirting is our way of feeling for these possibilities.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> We're sharpening our weapons.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But the foils have buttons on them, and the pistols are only +loaded with powder.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> And it's extremely amusing and does no harm to anybody.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Monsieur Féliat, you've read bad books. Nowadays girls like us +are neither bread-and-butter misses nor demi-vierges. We're perfectly +respectable young people. Quite capable and self-possessed and, at the +same time, quite straight and very happy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I'm perfectly sure of it, my dear young ladies. But you know +I've had a great deal of experience.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, <i>experience</i>! Well, you know—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Oh, <i>experience</i>!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You say you have experience; that only means you know about the +past better than we do. But we know much better than you do about the +present.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I think those girls there are playing a dangerous game.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You needn't have the smallest anxiety about them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> That way of going on might get them into great trouble.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> It won't, I assure you. Monsieur Féliat, believe me, you know +nothing about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> We're clever enough to be able to take care of ourselves.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But there are certain things that take you by storm.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Not us. Flirting is an amusement, a distraction, a game.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Shall we say a safety valve?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> There's not a single one of us who doesn't understand the +importance of running straight. And, to do them justice, these boys have +no idea of tempting us to do anything else. What they want, what we all +really want, is a quite conventional, satisfactory marriage.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I most heartily approve; but in my days so much wisdom didn't +usually come from such fascinating little mouths.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Now how can you blame us when you see that really we think +exactly as you do yourself?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> In my days girls went neither to the Lycée<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> nor to have +gymnastic lessons, and they were none the less straight.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne</span> [<i>reflectively</i>] And yet they grew up into the women of to-day. +I get educated and try to keep myself healthy, with exercises and +things, because I want to develop morally and physically, and be fit to +marry a man a little bit out of the ordinary either in fortune or +brains.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You see our whole lives depend upon the man we marry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I seem to have heard that before.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Yes; so've I. But it's none the less true for that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Isn't it funny that we seem to be saying the most shocking +things when we're only repeating what our grandfathers and grandmothers +preached to their children?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> They were quite right. Love doesn't make happiness by itself. +One has to consider the future. We do consider it; in fact we do nothing +else but consider it. We want to get the best position for ourselves in +the future that we possibly can. We're not giddy little fools, and we're +not selfish egotists. We want our children to grow up happy and capable +as we've done ourselves. We're really quite reasonable.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>hardly able to contain himself</i>] You are; indeed you are. It +makes one shudder. Excuse me, I'm going to supper.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Let's all go together.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Thanks, I can find my way.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> It's down that passage to the right.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Yes, I shall find it, thank you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You shocked the poor old boy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> I only flavored the truth just enough to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> make it tasty. But +I've something frightfully important to tell you. It's settled.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> What's settled?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> I'm engaged.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You don't say so.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> It's done. Armand has been to his people and they've come to +see mine. So I needn't play any more piano, nor sing any more +sentimental songs; I needn't be clever any more, nor flirt any more, nor +languish at young men any more. And how do you suppose it was settled? +Just what one wouldn't have ever expected. You know my people were doing +all they could to dress me up, and show me off, and seem to be richer +than they are, so as to attract the men. On my side I was giving myself +the smartest of airs and pretending to despise money and to think of +nothing but making a splash. Everything went quite differently from what +I expected. I wanted to attract Armand, and I was only frightening him +off. He thought such a woman as I was pretending to be too expensive. It +was just through a chance conversation, some sudden confidence on my +part, that he found out that I really like quite simple things. He was +delighted, and he proposed at once.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Dear Lucienne, I'm so glad. I hope you'll be very, very happy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Ah, that's another story. Armand is not by any means perfect. +But what can one do? The important thing is to marry, isn't it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Of course. Well, if your engagement is on, mine's off.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Thérèse! Why I've just been talking to René. I never saw him +so happy, nor so much in love.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> He doesn't know yet. Or perhaps they're telling him now.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Telling him what?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I've lost all my money, my dear.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Lost all your money!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes. The lawyer who had my securities has gone off with them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> When?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I heard about it the day before yesterday. Godpapa and godmamma +were so awfully good they never said anything to me about it, though +they're losing a lot of money too. They thought I hadn't heard, and I +expect they wanted me to have this last evening's fun. I said nothing, +and so nobody knows anything except you, now, and probably René.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> What will you do?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> What can I do? It's impossible for him to marry me without a +penny. Of course I shall release him from his promise.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> You think he'll give you up?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> His people will make him. If they cut off his allowance, he'll +be at their mercy. He earns about twenty dollars a month in that +lawyer's office. So, you see—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Oh! poor Thérèse! And you could play Barberine with a secret +like that!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>sadly</i>] I've had a real bad time since I heard. It's awful at +night!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> My dearest! And you love him so!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>much moved</i>] Yes—oh! don't make me cry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> It might do you good!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You know—[<i>She breaks down a little</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne</span> [<i>tenderly</i>] Yes—I know that you're good and brave.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I shall have to be.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Then you'll break off the engagement?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes. I shall never see him again.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Never see him again!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I shall write to him. If I saw him I should probably break +down. If I write I shall be more likely to be able to make him feel that +we must resign ourselves to the inevitable.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> He'll be horribly unhappy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> So shall I. [<i>Low and urgently</i>] Oh, if he only understood me! +If he was able to believe that I can earn my own living and that he +could earn his. If he would dare to do without his people's consent!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Persuade him to!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> It's quite impossible. His people are rich. Only just think +what they'd suspect me of. No; I shall tell him all the things his +father will tell him. But oh! Lucienne, if he had an answer for them! If +he had an answer! [<i>She cries a little</i>] But, my poor René, he won't +make any stand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> How you love him!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, yes; I love him. He's rather weak, but he's so loyal and +good and [<i>in a very low voice</i>] loving.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Oh, my dear, I do pity you so.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I am to be pitied, really. [<i>Pulling herself together</i>] There's +one thing. I shall take advantage of this business to separate from +godpapa and godmamma.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> But you have no money—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I've not been any too happy here. You know they're—[<i>She sees +Madame Guéret and whispers to Lucienne</i>] Go now. I'll tell you all about +it to-morrow. [<i>Louder and gayly</i>] Well, good-night, my dear. See you +to-morrow at the Palais de Glace or at the Sorbonne! Good-night.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Good-night, Thérèse.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>speaking through the door</i>] Yes,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> she's here. Come in. +[<i>Guéret and Féliat come in</i>] Thérèse, we have something to say to you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, godmamma.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> It's about something important; something very serious. +Let us sit down.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You'll have to be brave, Thérèse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> We are ruined, and you are ruined too.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Is that all you have to say?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I knew it already.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> You <i>knew</i> it? Who told you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> The lawyer told me himself. I had a long letter from him +yesterday. He begs me to forgive him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Well, I declare!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'll show it to you. He's been gambling. To get a bigger +fortune for his girls, he says.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> You <i>knew</i> it! And you've had the strength, +the—duplicity?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>smiling</i>] Just as you had yourself, godmamma. And I'm so much +obliged to both of you for saying nothing to me, because I'm sure you +wanted me to have my play to-night and enjoy myself; and that was why +you tried to keep the news from me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> And you were able to laugh and to <i>act</i>!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I've always tried to keep myself in hand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Oh, I know. All the same—And I was so careful about +breaking this news to you, and you knew it all the time!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'm very sorry. But you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> All right, all right. Well, then, we have nothing to +tell. But do you understand that you've not a penny left?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You're to go on living with us, of course.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>to her husband</i>] You really might have given her time to +ask us. [<i>To Thérèse</i>] We take it that you have asked us, and we answer +that we will keep you with us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> We are going to Evreux. My brother-in-law is giving me work in +his factory.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> We will keep you with us, but on certain conditions.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Thank you very much, godmamma, but I mean to stay in Paris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You don't understand. We are going to live at Evreux.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But <i>I</i> am going to live in Paris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Then it is I who do not understand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> All the same—[<i>A silence</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I can hardly believe that you propose to live in Paris by +yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>simply</i>] I do, godmamma.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Alone!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Alone! I repeat, I don't understand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Nor do I. But no doubt you have reasons to give to your +godfather and godmother. [<i>He moves to go</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> There's no secret about my reasons. All the world may know +them. When I've explained you'll see that it's all right.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I must confess to being extremely curious to hear these +reasons.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I do hope my decision won't make you angry with me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Angry! When have I ever been angry with you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>protesting</i>] You've both been—you've all three been—<i>most</i> +good and kind to me, and I shall always remember it and be grateful. You +may be sure I shan't love you any the less because I shall live in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> +Paris and you at Evreux. And I do beg of you to feel the same to me. I +shall never forget what I owe to you. Father was only your friend; we're +not related in any way: but you took me in, and for four years you've +treated me as if I was your daughter. From my very heart I'm grateful to +you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>affectionately</i>] You don't owe us much, you know. For two years +you were a boarder at the Lycée Maintenon, and we saw nothing of you but +your letters. You've only actually lived with us for two years, and +you've been like sunshine in the house.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Yes, indeed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I've thought this carefully over. I'm twenty-three. I won't be +a burden to you any longer.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Is that because you are too proud and independent?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> If I thought I could really be of use to you, I would stay with +you. If I could help you to face your troubles, I would stay with you. +But I can't, and I mean to shift for myself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> And you think you can "shift for yourself," as you call +it, all alone?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, godmamma.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> A young girl, all alone, in Paris! The thing is +inconceivable.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> But, my poor child, how do you propose to live?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'll work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> You don't mean that seriously?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, godmamma.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You think you have only to ask for work and it will fall from +the skies!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I have a few dollars in my purse which will keep me until I +have found something.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Your purse will be empty before you've made a cent.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'm sure it won't.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Now, my dear, you're tired, and nervous, and upset. You can't +look at things calmly. We can talk about this again to-morrow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, godpapa. But I shan't have changed my mind.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> I know you have a strong will of your own.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Let us talk sensibly and reasonably. You propose to live all +alone in Paris. Good. Where will you live?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I shall hire a little flat—or a room somewhere.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Like a workgirl.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Like a workgirl. There's nothing to be ashamed of in that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> And you are going to earn your own living. How?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I shall work. There's nothing to be ashamed of in that, either.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> I see. But a properly brought up young lady doesn't work for her +living if she can possibly avoid it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> And above all, a properly brought up young lady doesn't +live all alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> All the same—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> You are perfectly free. There's no doubt about that. We +have no power to prevent you from doing exactly as you choose.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> But your father left you in my care.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Please, godmamma, don't be hard upon me. I feel you think I'm +ungrateful, though you don't say so. I know that often and often I shall +long for your kindness and for the home where you've given me a place. +I've shocked you. Do please forgive me. I'm made like that, and made +differently from you. I don't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> say you're not right; I only say I'm +different. Certain ideas have come to me from being educated at the +Lycée and from all these books I've read. I think I'm able to earn my +own living, and so I look upon it as my bounden duty not to trespass +upon your charity. It's a question of personal dignity. Don't you think +that I'm right, godfather? [<i>With a change of tone</i>] Besides, if I did +go to Evreux with you, what should I do there?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> It's pretty easy to guess.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Yes, indeed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You would live with us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret</span> [<i>not very kindly</i>] You would have a home.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, yes, I know all that; and it would be a great happiness. +But what should I <i>do</i>?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You would do what all well brought up young girls in your +position do.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You mean I should do nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Nothing! No, not nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Pay visits, practise a bit; some crochet and a little +photography? That's to say, nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You were brought up to that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I should never have dared to put it into words. But afterwards?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Afterwards?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> How long would that last?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Until you marry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I shall never marry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Why not?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>very gently</i>] Oh, godfather, you know why not. I have no +money. [<i>A silence</i>] So I'm going to try and get work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Work! Now, Thérèse, you know what women are like who try to earn +their own living. You think you can support yourself. How?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Perhaps I'm mistaken, but I think I can support myself by my +pen.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Be a bluestocking?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> That means a Bohemian life, with everything upside down, +and a cigarette always between your lips.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Neither Bohemia, nor the upside down, nor the +cigarette are indispensable, godmother. Your information is neither +firsthand nor up-to-date.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> In a month's time you'll want to give it up.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Under those circumstances there's no harm in letting me make +the experiment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Now, my dear child, don't you know that even with your +cleverness you may have to wait years before you make a penny. I've been +an editor. I know what I'm talking about.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> She's made up her mind, there's no use saying any more.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But <i>I</i> want to talk to her now. Will you be so good as to +listen to me, Mademoiselle Thérèse? [<i>To Madame Guéret</i>] I wonder if I +might be allowed to have a few minutes with her alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> Most willingly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>to his wife</i>] Come, Marguerite.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Guéret.</span> It's no use making up your mind to the worst in these +days; life always keeps a surprise for you. Let's go. [<i>She goes out +with her husband</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> My child, I have undertaken to say something to you that I fear +will hurt you, and it's very difficult. You know that I'm only René's +uncle by marriage. So it's not on my own account that I speak. I speak +for his parents.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Don't say another word, Monsieur Féliat.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> I perfectly +understand. I'm going to release him from his engagement. I shall write +to him this very night.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> My sister-in-law and her husband are most unhappy about all +this.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'm grateful to you all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Their affection for you is not in any way diminished.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> And—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>imploringly</i>] Please, <i>please</i>, Monsieur Féliat, don't say any +more; what's the good of it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I beg your pardon, my dear. I am a little upset. I was +expecting—er, er—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Expecting what?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I expected some resistance on your part, perhaps indignation. It +must be very hard for you; you were very fond of René.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> What's the good of talking about that? Of course he can't marry +me now that I've not got a penny.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You know—as a matter of fact—I—my old-fashioned ideas—well, +you go on surprising me. But this time my surprise is accompanied +by—shall I say respect?—and by sympathy. I expected tears, which would +have been very natural, because I know that your affection for René was +very great.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I can keep my tears to myself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Yes——Oh, I——at least——</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Let's consider it settled. Please don't talk to me about it any +more.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Very well. Now will you allow me to say one word to you about +your future?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I shan't change my mind.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Perhaps not; all the same I want to advise you like—well, like +an old uncle. For several years you have been spending your holidays +with me at La<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> Tremblaye. And I have a real affection for you. So you'll +listen to me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> With all my heart.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You're making a mistake. Your ideas do you credit, but believe +me, you're laying up trouble for yourself in the future. [<i>She makes a +movement to interrupt him</i>] Wait. I don't want to argue. I want you to +listen to me, and I want to persuade you to follow my advice. Come to +Evreux and you may be perfectly certain that you won't be left an old +maid all your life. Even without money you'll find a husband there. +You're too pretty, too charming, too well educated not to turn the head +of some worthy gentleman. You made a sensation at the reception at the +Préfecture. If you don't know that already, I tell you so.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'm extremely flattered.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Do you know that if—well, if you decide to marry—I might—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But I've <i>not</i> decided to marry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> All right, all right, I am speaking about later on. Well, you've +seen Monsieur Baudoin and Monsieur Gambard—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I haven't the slightest intention of—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>interrupting</i>] There's no question of anything immediate. But +for a person as wise and sensible as you are, the position of both the +one and the other deserves—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I know them both.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Yes; but—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Now look here. If I had two hundred thousand francs, would you +suggest that I should marry either of them?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Certainly not.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> There, you see.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But you've <i>not</i> got two hundred thousand francs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>without showing any anger or annoyance</i>] The last thing I want +is to be exacting. But really, Monsieur Féliat, think for a minute. If I +were to marry a man I could not possibly love, I should marry him for +his money. [<i>Looking straight at him</i>] And in that case the only +difference between me and the women I am not supposed to know anything +about would be that a little ceremony had been performed over me and not +over them. Don't you agree with me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But, my dear, you say such extraordinary things.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Well, do you consider that less dishonoring than working? +Honestly now, do you? I think that the best thing about women earning +their living is that it'll save them from being put into exactly that +position.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> The right thing for woman is marriage. That's her proper +position.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> It's sometimes an unhappy one. [<i>A maid comes in bringing a +card to Thérèse, who says</i>] Ask the lady kindly to wait a moment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Maid.</span> Yes, Mademoiselle. [<i>The maid goes out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well, I'm off. I shall go and see René. Then you'll write to +him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> This very evening.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> He'll want to see you. My child, will you have the courage to +resist him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You needn't trouble about that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> If he was mad enough to want to do without his parents' consent, +they wish me to tell you that they would never speak to him again.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I see.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> That he would be a stranger to them. You understand all that +that means?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>discouraged</i>] Yes, yes; oh yes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> If you are not strong enough to stand out against his +entreaties, you will be his ruin.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I quite understand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> People would think very badly of you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Please don't say any more, I quite understand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Then I may trust you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You may trust me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>fatherly and approving</i>] Thank you. [<i>He holds out his hand</i>] +Thérèse, you're—well—you're splendid. I like courage. I wish you +success with all my heart. I really wish you success. But if, in the +future, you should want a friend—the very strongest may find themselves +in that position—let me be that friend.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>taking the hand which Féliat holds out to her</i>] I'm grateful, +very grateful, Monsieur. Thank you. But I hope I shall be able to earn +my own living. That is all I want.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I wish you every success. Good-bye, Mademoiselle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Good-bye, Monsieur. [<i>He goes out. She crosses to another door +and brings in Madame Nérisse</i>] How good of you to come, dear Madame. Too +bad you should have the trouble.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Nonsense, my dear. I wanted to come. I'm so anxious to +show you these two photographs and consult you about which we're to +publish. I expected to find you very tired.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I am not the least tired, and I'm delighted to see you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>showing Thérèse the photographs</i>] This is more +brilliant, that's more dreamy. I like this one. What do you think?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I like this one too.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Then that's settled. [<i>Putting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> down the photographs</i>] +What a success you had this evening.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes; people are very kind. [<i>Seriously</i>] I'm so glad you've +come just now, dear Madame, so that we can have a few minutes' quiet +talk. I have something most important to say to you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Anything I can do for you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Well, I'll explain. And please do talk to me quite openly and +frankly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I will indeed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You told me that my article was very much liked. I can quite +believe that you may have exaggerated a little out of kindness to me. I +want to know really whether you think I write well.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Dear Thérèse, ask Madame Guéret to tell you what I said +to her just now about that very thing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Then you think my collaboration might be really useful to +<i>Feminine Art</i>?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> There's nothing more useful to a paper like ours than +the collaboration of girls in society.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Would you like me to send you some more stories like the first?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> As many as you can.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> And—[<i>She hesitates a moment</i>] and would you pay me the same +price for them as for the one you've just published?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Yes, exactly the same; and I shall be very glad to get +them. I like your work; you have an exceptionally light touch; people +won't get tired of reading your stuff.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, I hope that's true! I'm going to tell you some bad news. +For family reasons my godfather and godmother are going to leave Paris. +I shall stay here by myself, and I shall have to live by my pen.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> What an idea!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> It's not an idea, it's a necessity.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> What do you mean? A necessity? Monsieur Guéret—. But I +mustn't be inquisitive.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You're not inquisitive, and I'll tell you all about it very +soon; we haven't got time now. Can you promise to take a weekly article +from me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>with less confidence</i>] Certainly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>joyfully</i>] You can! Oh, thank you, thank you! I can't tell you +how you've relieved my mind.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> My dear child. I am glad you've spoken to me plainly. I +will do everything I possibly can. I'm extremely fond of you. I don't +think the Directors will object.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Why should they have anything to do with it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>doubtfully</i>] Perhaps not, but—the Directors like to +give each number a character of its own. It's a thing they're very +particular about.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I could write about very different subjects.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I know you could, but it would be always the same +signature.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Well, every now and then I might sign a fancy name.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> That would be quite easy, and I don't think the +Directors would mind. They might say it was a fresh name to make itself +known and liked.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> We'll try and manage it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> We shall have to fight against some jealousy. The +Directors have protégées. The wife of one of them has been waiting to +get an innings for more than two months. There are so many girls and +women who write nowadays.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes; but generally speaking their work is not worth much, I +think.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Oh, I don't know that. There are a great many who have +real talent. People don't realize what a lot of girls there are who have +talent. But, still, if I'm not able to take an article every week, you +may rely upon me to take one as often as I possibly can. Oh, I shall +make myself some enemies for your sake.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>in consternation</i>] Enemies? How do you mean enemies?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> My dear, it alters everything if you become a +professional. Let me see if I can explain. We have our regular +contributors. The editor makes them understand that they must expect to +run the gantlet of the occasional competition of society women; because, +if these women are allowed to write, it interests them and their +families in the paper, and it's an excellent advertisement for us. +That'll explain to you, by the way, why we sometimes publish articles +not quite up to our standard. But if it's a matter of regular, +professional work, we have to be more careful. We have to respect +established rights and consider people who've been with us a long time. +There is only a limited space in each number, and a lot of people have +to live out of that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>who has gone quite white</i>] Yes, I see.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>who sees Thérèse's emotion</i>] How sorry I am for you! If +you only knew how I feel for you! Don't look so unhappy. [<i>Thérèse makes +a gesture of despair</i>] You're not an ordinary girl, Thérèse, and it +shall never be said that I didn't do all I could for you. Listen. I told +you just now that I had some big projects in my mind. You shall know +what they are. My husband and I are going to start an important weekly +feminist paper on absolutely new lines.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> It's going to leave everything +that's been done up to now miles behind. My husband shall explain his +ideas to you himself. It'll be advanced and superior and all that, and +at the same time most practical. Even to think of it has been a touch of +genius. When you meet my husband you'll find that he's altogether out of +the common. He's so clever, and he'd be in the very first rank in +journalism if it wasn't for the envy and jealousy of other men who've +intrigued against him and kept him down. I don't believe he has his +equal in Paris as a journalist, I'll read you some of his verses, and +you'll see that he's a great poet too. But I shall run on forever. Only +yesterday he got the last of the capital that's needed for founding the +paper; it's been definitely promised. We're ready to set about +collecting our staff. We shall have leading articles, of course, and +literary articles. Do you want me to talk to him about you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Of course I do. But—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> We want to start a really smart, respectable woman's +paper; of course without sacrificing our principles. Our title by itself +proves that. It's to be called <i>Woman Free</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'll give you my answer to-morrow—or this evening, if you +like.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>hesitatingly</i>] Before I go—as we're to be thrown a +good deal together—I must tell you something about myself—a secret. I +hope you won't care for me less when you know it. I call myself Madame +Nérisse. But I have no legal right to the name. That's why I've always +found some reason for not introducing Monsieur Nérisse to you and your +people. He's married—married to a woman who's not worthy of him. She +lives in an out-of-the-way place in the country and will not consent to +a divorce. My dear Thérèse, it makes me very unhappy. I live<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> only for +him. I don't think a woman can be fonder of a man than I am of him. He's +so superior to other men. But unfortunately I met him too late. I felt I +ought to tell you this.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Your telling me has added to my friendship for you. I can guess +how unhappy you are. Probably I'll go this very evening to your house +and see your husband and hear from him if he thinks I can be of use. +Anyway, thank you very much.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> And thank <i>you</i> for the way you take this. Good-bye for +the present.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She goes out. Thérèse stands thinking for a moment, then +René comes in. He is very much upset.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> René!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Thérèse, it can't be true! It's not possible! It's not all +over—our love?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> We must be brave.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> But I can't give you up.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I've lost every penny, René dear.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> But I don't love you any the less for that. I can't give you up, +Thérèse. I <i>can't</i> give you up. I love you, I love you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, René, don't! I need all my courage to face this. Help me. +Don't you see, your people will never consent now.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> My uncle told me so. But I'll see them. I'll persuade them. I'll +explain to them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You know very well they never really liked me, and that they'll +be glad of this opportunity of breaking it off.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I don't know what to do. But I <i>cannot</i> give you up. What would +become of me without you? You're everything to me, everything. And +suddenly—because of this dreadful thing—I must give up my whole life's +happiness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Your people are quite right, René.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> And you, <i>you</i> say that!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He hides his face in his hands. A silence.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>gently removing his hands</i>] Look at me, René. You're crying. +Oh, my dear love!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>taking her in his arms</i>] I love you, I love you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> And I love you. Oh, please don't cry any more! [<i>She kisses +him</i>] René, dear, don't cry any more! You break my heart. I can't bear +it, I'm forgetting all I ought to say to you. [<i>Breaking down</i>] Oh, how +dreadful this is! [<i>They cry together. Then she draws herself away from +him, saying</i>] This is madness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Ah, stay, Thérèse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> No. We mustn't do this; we must be brave. Oh, why did you come +here? I was going to write to you. We're quite helpless against this +dreadful misfortune.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I don't know what to do! But I <i>can't</i> give you up.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>to herself</i>] I must do the right thing. [<i>To him</i>] René, stop +crying. Listen to me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I love you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes; there's our love. But besides that there's life, and life +is cruel and too strong for our love. There is your future, my dearest.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> My future is to love you. My future is nothing if I lose you. [<i>He +buries his face in his hands</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You can't marry a girl without any money. That's a dreadful +fact, like a stone wall. We shall only break ourselves to pieces if we +dash ourselves against it. Listen, oh, please listen to me. Don't you +hear what I'm saying? René—dear.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I'm listening.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I give you your freedom without any bitterness or hardness.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I don't want it!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Now listen. You mustn't sacrifice your whole life for a love +affair, no matter how great the love is.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> It's by losing you I shall sacrifice my life.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Try and be brave; control yourself. Let us face this quietly. +Suppose we do without your people's consent. What will become of us? Try +to look the thing in the face. How should we live? René, it's horrible +to bring our love down to the level of these miserable realities, but +facts are facts. You know very well that if you marry me without your +father and mother's consent, they won't give you any money. Isn't that +so?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Oh! father is hard.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> He's quite right, my dear, quite right. If I was your sister, I +should advise you not to give up the position you have been brought up +in and the profession you've been educated for.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> But I love you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>moved</i>] And I love you. Well, we've got to forget one another.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> That's impossible.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> We must be wise enough to—[<i>She stops, her voice breaks</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Oh! how unhappy I am.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>controlling herself</i>] Don't let yourself go. We're not in +dreamland. If you keep on saying "I am unhappy," you'll be unhappy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I love you so. Oh, Thérèse, how I love you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>softly</i>] You'll forget me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Never.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes. You'll remember me in a way, of course. But you're young. +Very soon you'll be able to live, to laugh, to love, to work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> My dearest! I don't know what to say. I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> can't talk of it. I only +know one thing—I can't let you go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But we should be miserable, René.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Miserable <i>together</i>!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Think, dear, think. It will be years before you can earn your +own living, won't it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> But I—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Now you know you've tried already. Only last year you wanted to +leave home and be independent, and you had to go back because you were +starving. Isn't that true?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> It's dreadful, dreadful! [<i>He is overcome, terrified</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> So we must look at life as it is, practically, mustn't we? We +have to have lodging and furniture and clothes. How are we to manage?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> It's dreadful!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> How would you bear to see me going about in rags? [<i>He is +silent. She waits, looking at him, hoping for a word of strength or +courage. It does not come. She draws herself up slowly, her face +hardening</i>] You can't face that, can you? Tell me. Can you face that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>humiliated by his want of courage and infected by his +weakness</i>] So you see, I'm right.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>sobbing</i>] Oh! Oh!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>setting her teeth</i>] Oh, can you do nothing but cry?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> What a useless creature I am.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> There, now, you see you're better!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I'm ashamed of being so good-for-nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>hopeless</i>] You're just like all the others. Now, don't be +miserable. I'm not angry with you; you are doing what I told you we must +do, and you agree. Go, René. Say good-bye. Good-bye, René.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Thérèse!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>her nerves on edge</i>] Everything we can say is useless, and +it'll only torture and humiliate us. We must end this—now—at once.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I shall always love you, Thérèse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes—exactly—now go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Oh, my God!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I'll go and see my people. They'll never be so cruel—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, yes, all right.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I'll write you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes—that's it—you'll write.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I shall see you again, Thérèse? [<i>He goes slowly to the door</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>ashamed for him, covers her face with her hands. Then, all of +a sudden, she bursts out into passionate sobs, having lost all control +of herself, and cries wildly</i>] René!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>returning, shocked</i>] Thérèse! Oh, what is it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>completely at the mercy of her feelings</i>] Suppose—suppose +after all, we <i>did</i> it? Listen. I love you far more than you know, more +than I have ever let you know. A foolish feeling of self-respect made me +hide a lot from you. Trust me. Trust your future to me. Marry me all the +same. Believe in me. Marry me. You don't know how strong I am and all +the things I can do. I will work, and you will work. You didn't get on +when you were alone, but you will when you have me with you. I'll keep +you brave when things go badly, and I'll be happy with you when they go +right. René, I'll be content with so little! The simplest, humblest, +hardest life, until we've made our way together—<i>together</i>, René, and +conquered a place in the world for ourselves, that we'll owe to no one +but ourselves. Let us<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> have courage—[<i>At this point she looks at him, +and having looked she ceases to speak</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Thérèse, I'm sure my people will give in.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>after a very long silence, inarticulately</i>] Go, go; poor René. +Forget what I said. Good-bye.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Oh, no! not good-bye. I'll make my father help us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>sharply</i>] Too late, my friend, I don't want you now.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She leaves the room. René sinks into a chair and covers his +face with his hands.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>ACT II</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Scene:</span>—<i>A sitting-room at the offices of "Woman Free." The +door at the back opens into an entrance hall. The general +editorial office is to the right, Monsieur Nérisse's room to +the left. At the back, also to the left, is another door +opening into a smaller sitting-room. There are papers and +periodicals upon the tables.</i></p> + +<p><i>The curtain rises upon Monsieur Mafflu. He is a man of +about fifty, dressed for ease rather than elegance, and a +little vulgar. He turns over the papers on the tables, +studies himself in the mirror, and readjusts his tie. Madame +Nérisse then comes in. She has Monsieur Mafflu's visiting +card in her hand. They bow to each other.</i></p></div> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> My card will have informed you that I am Monsieur +Mafflu.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Yes. Won't you sit down?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> I am your new landlord, Madame. I have just bought this +house. I've retired from business. I was afraid I shouldn't have enough +to do, so I've bought some houses. I am my own agent. It gives me +something to do. If a tenant wants repairs done, I go and see him. I +love a bit of a gossip; it passes away an hour or so. In that way I make +people's acquaintance—nice people. I didn't buy any of the houses where +poor people live, though they're better business. I should never have +had the heart to turn out the ones that didn't pay, and I should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> have +been obliged to start an agent, and all my plan would have been upset. +[<i>A pause</i>] Now, Madame, for what brought me here. I hope you'll forgive +me for the trouble I'm giving you—and I'm sorry—but I've come to give +you notice.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Indeed! May I ask what your reason is?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> I am just on the point of letting the second floor. My +future tenant has young daughters.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I'm afraid I don't see what that has got to do with it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Well—he'll live only in a house in which all the +tenants are private families.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> But we make no noise. We are not in any way +objectionable.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Oh, no, no; not at all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Well, then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> How shall I explain? I'm certain you're perfectly all +right, and all the ladies who are with you here too, but I've had to +give in that house property is depreciated by people that work; all the +more if the people are ladies, and most of all if they're ladies who +write books or bring out a newspaper with such a name as <i>Woman Free</i>. +People who know nothing about it think from such a name—oh, bless you, +I understand all that's rubbish, but—well—the letting value of the +house, you see. [<i>He laughs</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> The sight of women who work for their living offends +these people, does it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Yes, that's the idea. A woman who works is always a +little—hum—well—you know what I mean. Of course I mean nothing to +annoy you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> You mean that your future tenants don't want their young +ladies to have our example before them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> No! That's just what they don't. Having independent +sort of people like you about makes 'em uneasy. For me, you know, I +wouldn't bother about it—only—of course you don't see it this way, but +you're odd—off the common somehow. You make one feel queer.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> But there are plenty of women who work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Oh, common women, yes; oh, that's all right.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> If you have children, they have nurses and governesses.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Oh, those. They work, of course. They work for me, +that's quite different. But you—What bothers these ladies, Madame +Mafflu and all the others, is that you're in our own class. As for me I +stick to the old saying, "Woman's place is the home."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> But there are women who have got no home.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> That's their own fault.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Very often it's not at all their own fault. Where are +they to go? Into the streets?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> I know, I know. There's all that. Still women can work +without being feminists.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Have you any idea what you mean by "feminist"?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Not very clear. I know the people I live among don't +know everything. I grant you all that. But <i>Woman Free! Woman Free!</i> +Madame Mafflu wants to know what liberty—or what liberties—singular or +plural; do you take me?—ha! ha! There might be questions asked.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>laughing</i>] You must do me the honor of introducing me +to Madame Mafflu. She must be an interesting woman. I'll go and see +her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Oh, do! But not on a Wednesday.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Why not?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> 'Cos Wednesday's her day.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>gayly</i>] I must give it up, then, as I'm free only on +Wednesdays.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> I should like her to see for herself how nice you are. +Her friends have been talking to her. They thought that you—well—they +say feminist women are like the women were in the time of the Commune. +They said perhaps you'd even go on a deputation!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> You wouldn't approve of that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Oh, talkin' of that, one of my friends has an argument +nobody can answer. "Let these women," he says, "let 'em do their +military service."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Well, you tell him that if men make wars, women make +soldiers; and get killed at that work too, sometimes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu</span> [<i>after reflecting for some moments</i>] I'll tell him, but +he won't understand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Well, no matter. I won't detain you any longer, Monsieur +Mafflu.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Oh! Madame. I should like to stay and talk to you for +hours.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>laughing</i>] You're too kind.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Then you forgive me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>going to the door with him</i>] What would one not forgive +you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu</span> [<i>turning back</i>] I say—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> No, no. Good-bye, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Mafflu.</span> Good-bye, Madame.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>to herself</i>] One really couldn't be angry!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Thérèse comes in with a little moleskin bag on her arm. She +is in a light dress, is very gay, and looks younger.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Good-morning, Madame. I'm so sorry to be late. I met Monsieur +Féliat, my godmother's brother.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> How is Madame Guéret?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Very well, he says.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> And does Monsieur Guéret like his new home?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, very much.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> And Madame Guéret?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> She seems to be quite happy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> What a good thing. Here's the letter Monsieur Nérisse +has written for you to that editor. [<i>She hands her an unsealed letter</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, thank you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Did you find out when he could see you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> To-morrow at Two O'clock. Can you spare me then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Yes, certainly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Thank you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Why don't you read your letter? You see it's open.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'll shut it up.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Read it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Shall I?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Yes, do.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>reading</i>] Oh, it's too much. This is too kind. With a letter +like this my article is certain to be read. Monsieur Nérisse <i>is</i> kind! +Will you tell him how very grateful I am?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>coldly</i>] Yes. [<i>She makes an effort to be kind</i>] I'll +tell him, of course. But I dictated the letter myself. Monsieur Nérisse +only signed it. [<i>She rings</i>]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Then I have one more kindness to thank you for.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>to the page boy</i>] I expect Monsieur Cazarès.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> Monsieur—?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Our old editor—Monsieur Cazarès. You know him very +well.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> Oh, yes, Madame, yes!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> He will have another gentleman with him. You must show +them straight into Monsieur Nérisse's room and let me know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> Yes, Madame.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>During this conversation Thérèse has taken off her hat and +put it into a cupboard. She has opened a green cardboard box +and put her gloves and veil into it—folding the latter +carefully—also Monsieur Nérisse's letter. She has taken out +a little mirror, given some touches to her hair, and has put +it back. Finally she closes the box.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Monsieur Cazarès is bringing us a new backer. We're +going to make changes in the paper. I'll tell you all about it +presently. [<i>With a change of tone</i>] Tell me, what was there between you +and Monsieur Cazarès?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>simply</i>] Nothing at all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Isn't he just a wee bit in love with you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I haven't the least idea. He's said nothing to me about it, if +he is.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> He's always behaved quite nicely to you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Always.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> And Monsieur Nérisse?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Monsieur Nérisse? I don't understand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Oh, yes, you do. Has he ever made love to you?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> [<i>hurt</i>] Oh, Madame!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> [<i>looking closely at her and then taking both her hands +affectionately</i>] Forgive me, dear child. I know how good and straight +you are. You mustn't mind the things I say. Sometimes I'm horrid I know. +I have an idea that Monsieur Nérisse is not as fond of me as he used to +be.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, indeed that's only your fancy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I hope so. I'm a bit nervous I think. I've such a lot of +trouble with the paper just now. It's not going well. [<i>Gesture of +Thérèse</i>] We're going to try something fresh. This time I think it'll be +all right. You'll see it will. [<i>A pause</i>] What's that? Did he call? I'm +sure that idiot of a boy hasn't made up his fire, and he'd never think +of it. He's like a great baby. [<i>As she goes towards Monsieur Nérisse's +door—the door on the left—the door on the right opens, and +Mademoiselle Grégoire comes in. She has taken off her hat. Madame +Nérisse turns to her</i>] Why, it's Mademoiselle Grégoire! You know, <i>Dr.</i> +Grégoire! [<i>To Mademoiselle Grégoire</i>] This is Mademoiselle Thérèse. +[<i>They shake hands</i>] I spoke to you about her. She'll explain everything +to you in no time. I'll come back very soon and introduce you to the +others. Excuse me for a minute. [<i>She goes out to the left</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> [<i>pleasantly</i>] I really don't know what Madame Nérisse wants me +to explain to you. You know our paper?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> No, I've never seen it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Never seen it! Never seen <i>Woman Free</i>?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> Never. I only know it by name.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> How odd! Well, here's a copy. It's in two parts, you see, and +they're quite different from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> each other. Here the doctrine, there the +attractions. Madame Nérisse thought of that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire</span> [<i>reading as she turns over the leaves</i>] "Votes +for Women."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>reading with her</i>] "Votes for Women," "An End of Slavery." And +then, on here, lighter things.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> Frivolities?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Frivolities. A story. "Beauty Notes."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire</span> [<i>reading and laughing a little</i>] "The Doctor's +Page."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, too bad! But it wasn't I who first said frivolities!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire</span> [<i>still laughing</i>] I shall bear up. And what comes +after "The Doctor's Page"?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> "Beauty Notes" and "Gleanings."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> Gleanings?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes. It's a column where real and imaginary subscribers +exchange notes about cookery receipts, and housekeeping tips, and hair +lotions, and that sort of thing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> Quite a good thing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I most confess it's the best read part.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> I'm not at all surprised.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'm afraid we can't conceal from ourselves that Monsieur +Nérisse has not altogether succeeded. Each of us is inclined to like +only her own section. We've a girl here, Caroline Legrand, one of the +staff, who's tremendously go-a-head. You should hear her on the subject +of "Soap of the Sylphs" and "Oriental Balm."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> It makes her furious?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> She's a sort of rampageous saint; ferocious and affectionate by +turns, a bit ridiculous perhaps, but delightful and generous. She's so +simple nasty people could easily make a fool of her, but all nice people +like her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> Shall I have much to do with her?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Not much. You'll be under Mademoiselle de Meuriot, and you'll +be lucky. She's a dear. She's been sacrificing herself all her life. +She's my great friend—the only one I have.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire</span> [<i>taking up the paper again</i>] But how's this? Your +contributors are all men. Gabriel de—, Camille de—, Claud de—, René +de—, Marcel de—.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Well! I never noticed that before. They're the pen-names of our +writers.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> All men's names?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes. People still think more of men as writers. You see they +are names that might be either a man's or a woman's. Camille, René, +Gabriel.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> There's only one woman's name—Vicomtesse de +Renneville.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> That's snobbery! It's Madame Nérisse's pen-name.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> Well, I suppose it's good business.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Mademoiselle de Meuriot comes in at the back, bringing a +packet of letters.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> The post's come, Thérèse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> This is Mademoiselle de Meuriot. [<i>Introducing Mademoiselle +Grégoire</i>] Our new contributor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> You're welcome, Mademoiselle.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The door on the left opens and Madame Nérisse appears +backwards, still talking to Monsieur Nérisse, who is +invisible in the inner room.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Yes, dearest. Yes, dearest. Yes, dearest.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p><div class="blockquot"><p><i>Mademoiselle Grégoire looks up at Madame Nérisse.</i></p> + +<p><i>Mademoiselle de Meuriot and Thérèse turn away their heads +to hide their smiles; finally Madame Nérisse shuts the door, +not having noticed anything, and comes forward. She speaks +to Mademoiselle Grégoire.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Come, my dear. I'll introduce you to the others. [<i>To +Mademoiselle de Meuriot</i>] Ah! the post has come. Open the letters, +Thérèse, will you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Yes, we will.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>at the door on the right, to Mademoiselle Grégoire</i>] +You first. [<i>They go out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>smiling</i>] I think our new friend was a bit +amused. She's pretty.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, and she looks capable.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Let's get to work.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She sits down, at a desk. Thérèse sits near her at the end +of the same desk. During all that follows Thérèse opens +envelopes with a letter opener and passes them to +Mademoiselle de Meuriot, who takes the letters out, glances +at them, and makes three or four little piles of them.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Here! [<i>Holding out the first letter</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>as she works</i>] And you? How are you this +morning? [<i>Looking closely at her and shaking a finger</i>] You're tired, +little girl. You sat up working last night.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I wanted to finish copying out my manuscript. It took me ages, +because I wanted to make it as clear as print.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>gravely</i>] You know you mustn't be ill, +Thérèse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> How good you are, Mademoiselle, and how lucky I am to have you +for a friend. What should I do without you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> How about your godmother?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I didn't get on with her. She never could hide her dislike for +me, and it burst out in the end. When she saw that in spite of +everything she could say I was going to leave her, she let herself go +and made a dreadful scene. And, what was worse, my good, kind godfather +joined in! It seemed as if they thought my wanting to be independent was +a direct insult to them. What a lot of letters there are to-day.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> It's the renewal of the subscriptions.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, is that it? So you see we parted, not exactly enemies—but, +well—on our dignity. We write little letters to one another now, half +cold and half affectionate. I tell you, without you I should be quite +alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Not more alone than I am.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I have someone to talk to now and tell my little worries to. +It's not that, even. One always finds people ready to listen to you and +pity you, but what one doesn't find is people one can tell one's most +impossible dreams to and feel sure one won't be laughed at. That's real +friendship. [<i>She stops working as she continues</i>] To dare to think out +loud before another person and let her see the gods of one's secret +idolatry, and to be sure one's not exposing one's precious things to +blasphemy. How I love you for being like you are and for caring for me a +little. [<i>She resumes her work</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> I don't care for you a little, Thérèse! I care +for you very much indeed. I like you because you're brave and hurl +yourself against obstacles like a little battering ram, and because +you're straight and honest and one can depend on you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>who can't get open the letter she holds</i>] Please pass me the +scissors. Thanks. [<i>She cuts open<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> the envelope</i>] I might have been all +those things, and it would have been no good at all, if you hadn't been +able to see them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Remember that in being friends with you I get +as much as I give. My people were very religious and very proud of their +title. I made up my mind to leave home, but since then I've been quite +alone—alone for thirty years. I'm selfish in my love for you now. I've +had so little of that sort of happiness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You've done so much for women. You've helped so many.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>touching her piles of letters</i>] Here's another +who won't renew.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> What will Madame Nérisse say? [<i>Continuing</i>] You know, +Mademoiselle, it's not only success that I want. I have a great +ambition. I should like to think that because I've lived there might be +a little less suffering in the world. That's the sort of thing that I +can say to nobody but you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>tenderly</i>] Thérèse has an ardent soul.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, Thérèse has an ardent soul. It was you who said that about +me first, and I think I deserve it. [<i>Changing her tone</i>] Here's the +subscriber's book. [<i>She hands the book and continues in her former +voice</i>] Like Guyan, I have more tears than I need to spend on my own +sufferings, so I can give the spare ones to other people. And not only +tears, but courage and consolation that I have no opportunity of using +up myself. Do you understand what I mean?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Yes, I understand, my dear. I see my own youth +over again. [<i>Sadly</i>] Oh, I hope that you—but I don't want to rouse up +those old ghosts; I should only distress you. Perhaps lives like mine +are necessary, if it's only to throw into relief<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> lives that are more +beautiful than mine. Keep your lovely dreams. [<i>A silence</i>] When I think +that instead of being an old maid I might have been the mother of a girl +like you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>leaning towards her and kissing her hair</i>] Don't cry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>tears in her eyes and a smile upon her lips</i>] +No, no, I won't; and when I think that somewhere or other there's a man +you love!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>smiling</i>] Some day or other I must tell you a whole lot of +things about René.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Have you seen him again?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> But you were supposed not to meet any more.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>with a mutinous little smile</i>] Yes, we were supposed not to +meet any more. One says those things and then one meets all the same. If +René had gone on being the feeble and lamentable young man that I parted +from the <i>Barberine</i> evening, I should perhaps have never seen him +again. You don't know what my René has done, do you now?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I've been looking forward so to telling you. [<i>Eagerly</i>] Well, +he's quite changed. He's become a different man. Oh, he's not a marvel +of energy even yet, but he's not the helpless youth who was still +feeding out of his father's hands at twenty-five.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> And how has this great improvement come about?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>looking at her knowingly</i>] You'll make me blush.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Was it for love of you?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I think it <i>was</i> for love of me. Let me tell you. He wanted to +see me again, and he waited at the door when I was coming out from my +work, just as if I was a little milliner's assistant. And then he came +back another evening, and then another. While we were walking from here +to my place we chattered, and chattered, and chattered. We had more to +say to each other than we'd ever had before, and I began to realize that +his want of will and energy was more the result of always hanging on to +his people than anything else. Then there came a crash. [<i>She laughs</i>] A +most fortunate crash. His father formally ordered him not to see me +again; threatened, if he did, to stop his allowance. What do you think +my René did? He sent back the cheque his people had just given him with +quite a nice, civil, respectful letter. Then he left his office and got +a place in a business house at an absurdly small salary, and he's been +working there ever since. [<i>Laughing</i>] He shocked all the other young +men in the office by the way he stuck to it. He got gradually interested +in what he had to do. He read it all up; the heads of the firm noticed +him and were civil to him, and now they've sent him on important +business to Tunis. And that's what he's done all for love of me! Now, +don't you think I ought to care for him a little? Don't you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Yes, my dear. But then if he's in Tunis?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, he'll come back.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> And when will the wedding be?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> He's sure his people will give in in the end if he can make +some money. We shall wait.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The page boy comes in with seven or eight round parcels in +his arms.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> Here are this morning's manuscripts.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Put them with the others.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> There was one lady was quite determined to see you herself. She +said her article was most particular. It's among that lot.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Very well.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> Mademoiselle Caroline Legrand is coming.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He opens the door and stands back to allow Caroline Legrand +to come in. She is dressed in a long brown tailor-made +overcoat and a white waistcoat, with a yellow necktie.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Good-morning, Meuriot.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Good-morning, Caroline Legrand. [<i>They shake +hands</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> It seems there's something new going on here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> I believe there is, but I know nothing about +it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> I expect the paper's not going well, the jam hasn't +hidden the pill. Even Madame Nérisse's thirtieth article upon divorce at +the desire of one party hasn't succeeded in stirring up enthusiasm this +time. She's been preaching up free love, but she really started the +paper only because she thought it would help her to get the law changed +and allow her to marry her "dearest."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Mademoiselle Legrand, I have some news that will please you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Are all the men dead?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> No, not yet; but I've heard that in a small country town +they're starting a Woman's Trade Union.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> It won't succeed. Women are too stupid.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> They've opened a special workshop there, and they're going to +have work that's always been done by men done by women.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> That's splendid! A woman worker the more is a slave +the less.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>gravely</i>] Are you quite sure of that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Oh, don't you misunderstand me! [<i>Forcibly</i>] Listen to +this. A time will come when people will be as ashamed of having made +women work as they are ashamed now of having kept slaves. But, until +then—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> The employer is rather disturbed about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> He's quite right. Very soon there'll be a fierce +reaction among the men about this cheap women's labor. There's going to +be a new sex struggle—the struggle for bread. Man will use all his +strength and all his cruelty to defend himself. There's a time coming +when gallantry and chivalry will go by the board, <i>I</i> can tell you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Madame Nérisse comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Oh, good-morning, Legrand. I'm glad you're here, I've +been wanting to ask your advice about a new idea I want to start in +<i>Woman Free</i>. A correspondence about getting up a league of society +women—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> What about the others?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>continuing, without attending to her</i>]—and smart +people, who will undertake not to wear ornaments in their hats made of +the wings or the plumage of birds.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> You're giving up <i>Woman Free</i> for <i>Birds Free</i>, then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> What do you mean?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> You'd better make a league to do away with hats +altogether as a protest against the sweating of the women who stitch the +straw at famine prices and make the ribbon at next to nothing. I shall +be more concerned for the fate of the sparrows when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> I haven't got to +concern myself about the fate of sweated women.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Well, of course. That's the article we've got to write.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Of course.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> We'll write it in the form of a letter to a member of +parliament—it had better be a man, because we're going to put him in +the wrong—a member of parliament who wants to form the league I +suggested. What you said about the sparrows will be a splendid tag at +the end. Will you write it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Rather! It's lucky you don't stick to your ideas very +obstinately, because they can sometimes be improved upon. I think I +shall write your paper for you in future.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Go along and send me in Mademoiselle Grégoire and Madame +Chanteuil. They'll bother you, and I want them here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> To write about "Soap of the Sylphs." <i>I</i> know.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She goes out to the right.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> She's a little mad, but she really has good ideas +sometimes.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The page boy comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Boy</span> [<i>to Madame Nérisse</i>] The gentlemen are there, Monsieur Cazarès and +another gentleman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Are they with Monsieur Nérisse?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> Yes, Madame.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Very well, I'll go. [<i>The boy goes out. She speaks to +the others</i>] Divide the work between you. [<i>To Madame Chanteuil and +Mademoiselle Grégoire, who come in from the right</i>] There's lots of work +to be done. [<i>She goes out to the left</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> We'd better sit down. [<i>She sits down and says +what follows whilst they are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> taking their places round the table. She +takes up the first letter</i>] This is for the advertising department. Is +Mademoiselle Baron here?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> No, poor little thing. She's trudging round Paris to try and +get hold of a few advertisements.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> It's a dreadful job, trying to get advertisements for +a paper that three-quarters of the people she goes to have never heard +of. It gives me the shivers to remember what I had to go through myself +over that job.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> And poor little Baron is so shy!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> She earned only fifty francs all last month.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> I know her, I met her lately; she told me she was +in luck, that she had an appointment with the manager of the Institut de +Jouvence.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> And she thinks she's in luck!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> It appears that that's a place where you can do +quite good business.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil</span> [<i>gravely</i>] Yes, young women can do business there if +they're pretty; but have you any idea what price they pay? Nothing would +induce me to put my foot inside the place again.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Oh, the poor little girl! Oh, dear! [<i>A pause. +She begins to sort the letters</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>half to herself</i>] It seems to me our name <i>Woman Free</i> is +horrible irony.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>holding a letter in her hand</i>] Oh, Chanteuil, +what <i>have</i> you done? Here's somebody perfectly furious. She says she +asked you to give her some information in the beauty column. [<i>Reading</i>] +It was something she was mistaken about. She wrote under the name of +"Always Young," and apparently you've answered "Always Young is a +mistake."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> She thinks you did it to insult her. You must write her a +letter of apologies.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> Yes, Mademoiselle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>holding up another letter</i>] "Little Questions +of Sentiment." This is for you, Thérèse. [<i>She reads</i>] "I feel so sad +because I am getting old," etc. Answer, "Why this sadness—"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> "White hairs are a crown of—" [<i>She writes a few words in +pencil upon the letter which Mademoiselle de Meuriot has passed to her</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> "Astral Influences." [<i>Looking round</i>] Who is +"Astral Influences"?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> I am.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>passing her letters</i>] Here are two, three—one +without a post office order. Put that one straight into the waste paper +basket. Remember that you must always promise them luck, with little +difficulties to give success more flavor. And be sure to tell them +they're full of good qualities, with some little amiable weaknesses and +the sort of defects one enjoys boasting about. [<i>Going on reading</i>] +"About using whites of eggs to take the sharpness out of sorrel," "To +take out ink-stains." These are for you, dear.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> Yes. [<i>She takes the letters</i>] I didn't think of +that when I took my degree.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>continuing</i>] "Stoutness"; that's for you too. +[<i>Glancing again at the letter</i>] What does this one want? [<i>Fluttering +the leaves</i>] Four pages; ah, here we are—"A slender figure—smaller +hips—am not too stout anywhere else." That's for the doctor. [<i>She +gives the letter to Mademoiselle Grégoire with several others</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> Iodiform soap.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> My dear, not at all, "Soap of the Sylphs."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> But that's exactly the same thing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> I know that. But it sounds so different. +[<i>Taking another letter</i>] "A red nose"—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> Lemon juice.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>continuing</i>] "Superfluous hairs." Be sure to +recommend the cream that gives us advertisements; don't make any mistake +about that. "Black specks on the chin," "Wrinkles round the eyes."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> There's no cure for that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> Tell her to go to bed early and alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> That's too easy, she wouldn't believe in it. +Find something else. [<i>Continuing to read</i>] "To make them firm without +enlarging them"; that's for you too. And all the rest I think. "To +whiten the teeth," "To make the hair lighter," "To give firmness to the +bust."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> They're always asking that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>reading</i>] "To enlarge the eyes," "get rid of +wrinkles"—"and double chins"—"a clear complexion"—"to keep +young"—ouf! That's all. No, here's one that wants white arms. They're +all alike, poor women!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> And all that to please men.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> To please a man more than some other woman, and so to +be fed, lodged, and kept by him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire</span> [<i>between her teeth</i>] <i>Kept</i> is the right word.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Ah, here's Mademoiselle Baron. [<i>To +Mademoiselle Baron</i>] Well? What luck?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Baron</span> [<i>miserably</i>] There's no one in the office. I've got +the signed contract for the advertisements of the Institut de Jouvence. +Now I must go on to the printers. Here it is. Good-bye. [<i>A silence</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>in a suffocated voice</i>] Good-bye, my dear.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They watch her go sadly. A long silence.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>speaking with great emotion</i>] Poor, <i>poor</i> little thing!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>also quite overcome, slowly</i>] Perhaps she has +someone at home who's hungry.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They each respond by a sigh or an ouf! Mademoiselle +Grégoire, Madame Chanteuil, and Mademoiselle de Meuriot +rise, picking up their papers.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire.</span> I must go and see to the "Doctor's Page."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> And I to the "Gleaner's Column."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They go out to the right. Thérèse rests her chin on her two +hands and reflects profoundly. Monsieur Nérisse comes in at +the back.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span> [<i>speaking back to the people he has left in his office in an +irritated voice</i>] Do as you like. I've told you my opinion. I wash my +hands of it. When your draft is ready show it to me. [<i>He shuts the +door. Thérèse, when she hears his voice, has gathered up her papers and +is making for the door on the right. He calls her back</i>] Mademoiselle!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Monsieur!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Listen. I have something to say to you. [<i>Thérèse returns</i>] Did +Madame Nérisse give you the letter of introduction I wrote for you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, Monsieur. Please forgive me for not having thanked you +before.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> It's nothing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Indeed it's a great deal.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, I'm sure to be received quite differently with that letter +from what I should be without it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> I can give you any number of letters like that. May I?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>coldly</i>] No, thank you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> You won't let me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You know very well why.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> You're still angry with me. You do yourself harm by the way you +treat me, you do indeed. Listen, this is the sort of thing. Moranville, +the editor of the review I was talking about, is going to meet me at my +restaurant after dinner. I know he wants just such stories as you write. +But Moranville reads only the manuscripts of people he knows—he has a +craze about it. Well, I hardly dare propose to you a thing which +nevertheless is perfectly natural among colleagues, to come and dine +with me first and meet him after. I hardly like—[<i>Thérèse draws herself +up</i>] You see, I'm right. You don't trust me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> On the contrary, I'll go gladly. Madame Nérisse will be with +you of course?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span> [<i>annoyed</i>] Madame Nérisse! Nonsense! Do you suppose I drag her +everywhere I go? Say no more about it. Whatever I say will only make you +suspicious. [<i>With a sigh</i>] All this misunderstanding and suspicion is +horrible to me. How stupid the world is! There are times when I feel +disgusted with everything, myself included! I'm getting old. I'm a +failure. I'm losing my time and wasting my life over this ridiculous +paper, which will never be anything but an obscure rag. I shall have +done for myself soon.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>awkwardly, for something to say</i>] Don't say that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Yes, I shall. I might have a chance of saving myself yet if I +took things energetically and got free of the whole thing. But I should +have to be quick about it. [<i>A silence. Thérèse does not know what to +say and does not dare to leave the room</i>] I'm so low—so unhappy!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> So unhappy?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Yes. [<i>Another silence. Madame Nérisse comes in and looks at +them pointedly</i>] Are they gone?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Yes, they're gone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Is it all settled?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Yes. I am to meet them at the bank at four. But they +wouldn't give way on the question of reducing expenses as regards the +contributors.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> And the dates of publication?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> We are to come out fortnightly instead of weekly. +[<i>Indicating the door on the right</i>] You must go and speak to them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Is Thérèse's salary to be reduced too?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> It would be impossible to make distinctions.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Difficult, yes. Still—I think one might have managed to do +something for her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I cannot see how she differs from the others. Can you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Oh, well—say no more about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> That will be best. [<i>He goes out to the right. To +herself</i>] I should think so indeed! [<i>To Thérèse</i>] While Monsieur +Nérisse was talking to the other man I had a chat with Monsieur Cazarès. +He was talking about you. He's a nice fellow, and it's quite a good +family you know. He's steady and fairly well off—very well off.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>laughing</i>] You talk as if you were offering me a husband!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> And what would you say supposing he had asked me to sound you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I should say that I was very much obliged, but that I decline +the honor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> What's wrong with him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Well then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You can't marry upon that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Have you absolutely made up your mind?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Absolutely.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I think you're making a mistake. I think it all the more +because this chance comes just at a time—well, you'll understand what I +mean when I've told you something that I have to say to you as +manageress of <i>Woman Free</i>. It's this. You know that in spite of all we +could do we've had to hunt about for more capital. We've found some, but +we've had to submit to very severe conditions. The most important is +that they insist upon a stringent cutting down of expenses. Instead of +coming out every week, <i>Woman Free</i> will be a fortnightly in future, and +we've been obliged to consent to reducing the salaries of the +contributors in proportion.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> How much will they be reduced?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> In proportion I tell you. They'll be cut down by one +half.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> And I shall not have enough to live upon even in the simplest +way.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> That was exactly what I said to them. And the work will +not be the same.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> My work will not be the same?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> No; you will be obliged to work at night.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> At night?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But then I shall be free all day.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> No, you won't. In the daytime you will have to take +charge of the business part of the paper, and in the evening too your +work will not be purely literary, but more of an administrative +character.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> It appears to me that I'm asked to accept a smaller salary and +to do double work for it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I am conveying to you the offers of the new Directors; +if they don't suit you, you have only to refuse them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Of course I refuse them, and you may say to the people who have +made them that they must be shameful sweaters to dare to offer women +salaries that leave them no choice between starvation and degradation.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Those are strong words, my dear, and you seem to forget +very quickly—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>softening</i>] Yes. Oh, I beg your pardon. But think for a +minute, Madame, and you'll forgive me for being angry. I hardly know +what I'm saying. [<i>Madame Nérisse half turns away</i>] Listen, oh listen! +Forget what I said just now; I'll explain to you. I accept the reduction +of salary. I'll manage. I'll get my expenses down. Only I can't consent +to give up all my time. You know I have some work in hand; you know I +have a big undertaking to which I've given all my life. I've told you +about it, you know about that. You know I can only stand my loneliness +and everything because of the hope I have about this. If people take all +my time, it's the same as if they killed me. I beg you, I implore you, +get them to leave me my evenings free.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> It can't be done.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>pulling herself together</i>] Very well, that's settled. I will +go at the end of the month; that's to say to-morrow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Take a little time to consider it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I have considered it. They propose that I should commit +suicide. I say no!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I'm sorry, truly sorry. [<i>She rings. While she waits for +the bell to be answered, she looks searchingly at Thérèse, who does not +notice it. To the page boy who comes in</i>] Go and call me a taxi, but +first say to Monsieur Nérisse—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> Monsieur Nérisse has just gone out, Madame.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Are you quite sure?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Boy.</span> I called him a taxi.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Very well, you can go. [<i>To Thérèse</i>] I'll ask you for +your final answer this evening. [<i>She hands her two large books</i>] If you +make up your mind to stay, make me these two bibliographies.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Thérèse does not answer. Madame Nérisse goes out to the +left. Left alone Thérèse begins to sort the papers on her +bureau rather violently. She seizes a paper knife, flings it +upon the couch, and afterwards walks up and down the room in +great agitation. The door on the right opens and there come +in such exclamations as No! Never! It's monstrous! I shall +leave! It's an insult!</i></p> + +<p><i>Caroline Legrand, Mademoiselle Grégoire, Madame Chanteuil, +and Mademoiselle de Meuriot come in. Mademoiselle de Meuriot +is the only one who has kept her self-possession.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Grégoire</span> [<i>speaking above the din</i>] Good-bye, all. [<i>She +goes to the small salon from which she originally came in, and during +the conversation that follows comes in putting on her hat, and goes out +unnoticed at the back</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Well, what do you think of this?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil and Caroline Legrand</span> [<i>together</i>] It's an insult.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> You must try and keep quiet. [<i>To Thérèse</i>] +What shall you do?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I shall leave.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> You ought to stay.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> No, Thérèse is right. We must all leave.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> We must leave to-morrow—no, this evening.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>quietly</i>] Do you think that you'll be able to +make better terms anywhere else?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> That won't be difficult.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> You think so?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Rather.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Where, for instance?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> There are other papers in Paris besides this one.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Then you know a lot of others that pay better?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> One will be enough for me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> And you think you'll find a place straight off? You +know there are other people—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'll give lessons. I took my degree.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Much good may it do you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> You think you'll be a governess? At one time a +governess could get 1,200 francs, now it's 650 francs—less than the +cook. And if you were to be a companion—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Why not a lady's maid at once?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Yes; lady's maid. That's not a bad idea. It's the only +occupation a girl brought up as rich people bring up their daughters can +be certain to get and to keep, if she's only humble enough.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I shall manage to get along without taking to that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> But, Thérèse, have you really been blind to all +that's been going on here? Haven't you constantly seen unfortunate +women, as well brought up and as well educated as yourself, coming +hunting for work? Don't you remember that advertisement of the girl that +Caroline Legrand was interested in? That advertisement has been +appearing in the paper for the last three months. I'll read it to you. +[<i>Caroline Legrand takes up a number of "Women Free" and passes it to +Mademoiselle de Meuriot</i>] Here it is. [<i>Reading</i>] "A young lady of +distinguished appearance, who has taken a high certificate for teaching. +Good musician. Drawing, English, shorthand, etc." I know that girl. She +told me all about her life. D'you know what she's offered? She asked two +francs an hour for teaching the piano. They laughed in her face, because +for that they could get a girl who'd taken first prize at the +Conservatoire. They gave her seventy-five centimes. Deduct from that +seventy-five centimes the price of the journey in that underground, the +wear and tear of clothes, the time lost in going and coming, and then +what do you think is left?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Let's be just. She got answers from doubtful places +abroad, letters from old satyrs, and invitations to pose for the +"movies."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> What's left then? The stage. It's quite natural +you should think of the stage.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> If one must.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> If one must! You'd condescend to it, wouldn't you? You +poor child!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> You can't get into the Conservatoire after +twenty-one. Are you under that? No. Are you a genius? No. Well then?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Have you a rich lover who will back you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> No. Then you'll get nothing at all in the +theatres except by making friends with half a dozen men or selling +yourself to one.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'll go into a shop. At any rate, when it shuts I shall be +free.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> You think they're longing for you, don't you? You +forget you'd have to know things for that one doesn't learn by taking a +degree; things like shorthand and typewriting. Do you know there are +twenty thousand women in Paris who want to get into shops and offices +and can't find places?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> I know exactly what's going to become of <i>me</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Now you're going to say something silly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> You think so, you've guessed. Well, I tell you, middle +class girls thrown on the world as we are can't get along without a +man—a husband or a lover. We haven't got the key of the prison door. +We've not learned a trade. We've learned to smile, and dance, and +sing—parlor tricks. All that's only of use in a love affair or a +marriage. Without a man we're stranded. Our parents have brought us all +up for one career and one only—the man. I was a fool not to understand +before. Now I see.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> Look here, you're not going to take a lover?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> Suppose I am?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Caroline Legrand.</span> My dear, you came here full of indignation, clamoring +against the state of society. You called yourself a feminist, but you, +and women like you, are feminists only when it's convenient. There are +no real feminists except ugly women like me or old ones like Meuriot. +You others come about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> us in a swarm and then drop away one after +another to go off to some man. As soon as a lover condescends to throw +the handkerchief you're up and off to him. You <i>want</i> to be slaves. Go, +my dear, and take your lover. That's your fate. Good-night. [<i>She goes +out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>to Madame Chanteuil</i>] Don't listen to her, you +poor child. Don't ruin all your life in a fit of despair.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> I can't stay here. I'm not a saint and I'm not a fool. +How can I live on what they offer to pay me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Stay for a little, while you're looking for +something else.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> Look for something else! Never! That means all the +horrors I went through, before I came here, over again! No! <i>no! no!</i> +Never! Looking for work means trailing through the mud, toiling up +stairs, ringing bells, being told to call again, calling again to get +more snubs. And then when one thinks one's found something one comes up +against a door guarded by a man who's watching you, and who's got to be +satisfied before you can get into the workroom, or the office, or the +shop, or whatever it may be. And then you've got to begin again with +somebody else and be snubbed again. No. Since it's an accepted, settled, +decided thing that the only career for a woman is to satisfy the +passions of a man, I prefer the one I've chosen myself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> And what if he goes off and leaves you with a +baby?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil.</span> Well, I'll bring it up. I shan't be the first. Women +do it. It happens to one in every five in Paris. Ask Mademoiselle de +Meuriot, the old maid, if she wouldn't be glad to have one now? When one +grows old it's better to have had a child in that way than not to have +had one at all. Ask her if<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> I'm not telling the truth. Ask her if she's +happy in her loneliness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot.</span> Oh, it's true—it's true! Sometimes—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She bursts into tears. Thérèse goes to her and takes her in +her arms.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, Mademoiselle, dear Mademoiselle!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Chanteuil</span> [<i>between her teeth</i>] Good-bye, Mademoiselle. Good-bye, +Thérèse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle de Meuriot</span> [<i>to Madame Chanteuil</i>] Wait, wait. I'm going +with you. I am not going to leave you just now.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Mademoiselle de Meuriot goes out with Madame Chanteuil. +Thérèse, left alone, buries her head in her hands and +thinks. Then she takes the two books that Madame Nérisse has +handed her, and with a determined swing sits down and starts +working. After a moment Monsieur Nérisse comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> My dear child, I have news for you. Pleasant news, I think.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>rather grimly</i>] Have you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> One little smile, please, or I shall tell you nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I assure you smiling is the last thing I feel like.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> If you only knew what I've been doing for you, you wouldn't +receive me so unkindly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> <i>You</i> can do nothing for me. Will you please leave me alone?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> I don't deserve to be spoken to like that, Thérèse. Listen; we +must come to an understanding. I know you're angry with me still about +what happened last month. I promised you then I would say no more. Have +I kept my word?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, you have.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Will you always be angry? Is it quite<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> impossible for us to be +friends? I am constantly giving you proofs of my friendship. I've done +two things for you quite lately. The first was that letter to the editor +you're going to see to-morrow, and the second is what I've done now with +our new backer. It's this. They wanted to sack you or to offer you +humiliating conditions. I said if you didn't stay I wouldn't stay +either. I gave in on other points to get my way about this. I shall have +their final answer to-morrow, and I know I shall succeed if I stick to +my point.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But what right had you to do such a thing? We agreed to forget +altogether that you had dared to make love to me. D'you really not +understand how that makes it impossible I should ever accept either +assistance or protection from you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> I have still the right to love you in secret.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Indeed you have not, and you've kept your secret precious +badly. Madame Nérisse suspects, and I can see quite well that she's +jealous of me. I owe her a great deal; she gave me my first start and +got me my place here. I wouldn't make her unhappy for anything in the +world. As soon as she hears of what you've done what d'you suppose +she'll think?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> I don't care a rap what she thinks.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But I care very much. You've compromised me seriously.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span> [<i>sincerely contemptuous</i>] Compromised you! Aha, yes, there's +the word! Oh, you middle class girls! Always the same! What are you +doing here then? What d'you know about life? Nothing. Compromised! Then +all your dreams of elevating humanity, all your ambitions, your career, +the realization of yourself—you'll give up all that before you'll be +what you describe by that stupid, imbecile, middle class word, +compromised. When you shook yourself free of your family you behaved +like a capable woman. Now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> you're behaving and thinking like a +fashionable doll. Isn't that true? I appeal to your intelligence, to +your mind, to everything in you that lifts you out of the ordinary ruck. +Your precious word compromised is only the twaddle of a countrified +miss. Don't you see that yourself?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>very much out of countenance</i>] Ah, if I were only certain that +you are hiding nothing behind your friendship and your sympathy!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span> [<i>with perfectly genuine indignation</i>] Hiding? You said hiding? +Is that what you throw in my face? You insult me? What d'you take me +for?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I beg your pardon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> What kind of assurance do you want me to give you? Do you +believe in nothing? Is it quite impossible for you to feel frankly and +naturally, and to say "I have confidence in you, and I accept your +friendship"—a friendship offered to you perfectly honestly and loyally? +It really drives one to despair.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>without enthusiasm</i>] Well, yes. I say it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She puts her hands into the hands Monsieur Nérisse holds +out to her.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Thank you. [<i>A silence. Then he says in a low voice</i>] Oh, +Thérèse, I love you, how I love you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>snatching her hands away</i>] Oh, this is abominable. You set a +trap for me, and my vanity made me fall into it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> I implore you to let me tell you about myself. I'm so miserable +and lonely when you're away.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>trying to speak reasonably</i>] I know quite well what you want +to say to me, and it all amounts to this: you love me. It's quite clear, +and I answer you just as clearly: I do <i>not</i> love you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> I'm so unhappy!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> If it's true that you're unhappy because I don't love you, that +is a misfortune for you; a misfortune<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> for which I am not in any way +responsible, because you certainly cannot accuse me of having encouraged +you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> I don't ask you to love me—yet. I ask you to allow me to try +and win your love.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>almost desperate</i>] Don't dare to say that again. If you were +an honorable man, you couldn't possibly have said these things to me +to-day when my living depends upon you. You know the position I'm in, +and you know that if I don't stay here, there are only two courses open +to me—to go and live at the expense of my godmother, which I will <i>not</i> +do, or to take the chances of a woman alone looking for work in Paris. +Don't you understand that speaking about your love for me to-day is the +same as driving me into the street?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> If you go into the street, it is by your own choice.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Exactly. There's the old, everlasting, scandalous bargain. Sell +yourself or you shall starve. If I give in, I can stay; if I don't—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> <i>I</i> didn't say so. But clearly my efforts to help you will be +greater if I know that I'm working for my friend.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You actually confess it! You think yourself an honorable man, +and you don't see that what you're doing is the vilest of crimes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Now I ask you. Did I wait for your answer before I began to +defend you and to help you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> No, but you believe I shall give in through gratitude or fear. +Well, don't count upon it. Even if I have to kill myself in the end, I +shall never sell myself, either to you or to anyone else. [<i>In despair</i>] +Then that's what it comes to. Wherever we want to make our way, to have +the right to work and to live, we find the door barred by a man who +says, Give yourself or starve. Because one's on one's own, because<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> they +know that there's not another man to start up and defend his <i>property</i>! +It's almost impossible to believe human beings can be so vile to one +another. For food! Just for food! Because they know we shall starve if +we don't give in. Because we have old people, or children at home who +are waiting for us to bring them food, men put this vile condition to +us, to do like the girls in the streets. It's shameful, shameful, +shameful. It's enough to make one shriek out loud with rage and despair.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span> [<i>speaking sternly</i>] I've never asked you to sell yourself. I +ask you to love me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I shall never love you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span> [<i>as before</i>] You'll never love. Neither me nor others. Listen—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>interrupting</i>] I—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span> [<i>preventing her from speaking</i>] Wait; I insist upon speaking. +You will never love, you say. You will live alone all your life. You're +foolish and self-confident enough to think that you can do without a +man's affection.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But I—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span> [<i>continuing</i>] I must try to make you understand your folly. +These efforts you're making to escape from the ordinary life of +affection are useless, and it's lucky for you they are useless. You +can't live without love.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> All lonely people are wretched. But the lonely woman is twice, +a hundred times more wretched than the man. You've no idea what it is. +It's to pass all your life under suspicion, yes, suspicion. The world +never believes that people live differently from others unless they have +secret reasons, and the world always says that secret reasons are +shameful reasons. And that's not all. Think of the lonely room where you +may cry without anyone to hear you. Think of illness<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> where to your +bodily pain is added the mental torture of the fear of dying all alone. +Think of the empty heart, the empty arms always, always. And in old age, +more wretchedness in the regret for a wasted life. And for what and for +whom are you making this sacrifice? For a convention; for a morality +that nobody really believes in. Who'll think the better of you for it? +People won't even believe in your honesty. They will find explanations +for it that would make you die of shame if you knew them. Is that what +you want, Thérèse? I am unhappy. Love me. Oh, if you only—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Please spare me your confidences.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> You think this is only a caprice on my part. You are mistaken. +I ask you to share my life.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I will never be your mistress.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> You're proud and you're strong. You insist upon marriage. Very +well. I agree.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I will not have you! I will not have you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Why? Tell me why.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I <i>will</i> tell you why; and then, I hope, I shall have done with +you. You're right in one way. I believe I should not be able to live all +alone. I should be too unhappy. But at least I'll keep my right of +choice. If ever I give myself to anyone, it will be to someone I love. +[<i>With vehemence</i>] And I love him, I love him!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span> [<i>violently</i>] You have a lover! If that's true—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>with a cry of triumph</i>] Oh, have I got to the bottom of your +vulgar, hateful little soul? If there ever was any danger of my giving +in, your expression then would have saved me. You never thought there +could be anything better. A lover! No, I have no lover. I have a love.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> I don't see so very much difference.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>proudly</i>] I know you don't, and that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> shows what you are. This +is the one love of my life, my love for my betrothed. I lost my money +and that separated us, but we found each other again. It's unhappy to be +separated, but we bear our unhappiness out of respect for what you call +prejudices, because we know how our defying them would hurt those we +love. You think me ridiculous, but you cannot imagine how utterly +indifferent I am. I am waiting, we are waiting, with perfect trust and +love. Now d'you understand that I'm perfectly safe from you? Go!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse</span> [<i>in a low voice which trembles with anger and jealousy</i>] How +dare you say that to me, Thérèse? How dare you bring such a picture +before me? I will not allow you to belong to another man. [<i>He advances +towards her</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>in violent excitement</i>] No, no, don't dare! Don't touch me! +don't dare to touch me!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She cries out those words with such violence and in a voice +of such authority that Nérisse stops and drops into a +chair.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Forgive me. I'm out of my mind. I don't know what I'm doing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>in a low, forced voice</i>] Will you go? I've work to do.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Yes, I'll go. [<i>He rises and says humbly</i>] I want to ask +you—you won't leave us?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You dare to say that? You think I'll expose myself a second +time to a scene like this. Yes! I shall leave, and leave to-night! +<i>Will</i> you go?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> I implore you. [<i>Hearing a noise outside, suddenly alarmed</i>] +Here she is! Control yourself, I beg of you. Don't tell her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You needn't be afraid.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Madame Nérisse comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>looking from one to the other</i>] What's going on here?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nérisse.</span> Mademoiselle Thérèse says that she's going to leave us, and I +tried to make her understand—perhaps you could do something—I must go +out.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Yes. Go.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He takes his hat and goes out at the back.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> You wish to leave us?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, Madame.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Because Monsieur Nérisse—?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, Madame.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse</span> [<i>troubled and sad</i>] What can I say to you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Nothing, Madame.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> My poor child.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I don't want pity. Don't be unhappy about me. I shall be able +to manage for myself. I have plenty of courage.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> I'm so ashamed to let you go like this. How honest and +loyal you are! [<i>To herself</i>] I was honest too, once.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Good-bye, Madame. [<i>She begins to tidy her papers</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Nérisse.</span> Good-bye, Thérèse.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Madame Nérisse goes out.</i></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>When Thérèse is left alone she breaks down and bursts out +crying like a little child. Then she wipes her eyes, puts +her hat on, goes to the cardboard box, and takes out her +veil, which she slips into her little bag. She takes out +Monsieur Nérisse's letter; still crying she puts the letter +into another envelope, which she closes and leaves well in +sight upon the table. Then she takes her little black +moleskin bag and her umbrella and goes out slowly. She is +worn out, almost stooping; and, as the curtain falls, one +sees the poor little figure departing, its shoulders shaken +by sobs.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>ACT III</h2> + + +<div class="blockquot"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>:—<i>Thérèse's studio at the bookbinding workshops of Messrs. Féliat +and Guéret at Evreux. Strewn about are materials for binding books: +patterns, tools, and silks. A glazed door on the right opens into the +general women's workshops, and there is a door leading into a small +office on the left. In the middle, towards the back, is a large drawing +table; several easels stand about. There are some chairs and a small +bureau. Cards hang upon the walls, on which are printed the text of the +Factory Laws. There is a door at the back.</i></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><i>It is October.</i></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><i>Monsieur Guéret and Monsieur Féliat come in excitedly.</i></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> I tell you Duriot's men are coming out on strike.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> And I ask you, what's that to me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Ours will do the same.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Oh no, they won't.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You'll see.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Duriot's men are furious with the women because of what happened +last year.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> They say woman's the enemy in business.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Let 'em talk.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> They want Duriot to sack all his women.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> And I've told you why. There's no danger of anything like that +happening here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You think so, do you? Well, you'll see.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> We shall see.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You'll give in only after they've broken two or three of your +machines as they did Duriot's, or done something worse, perhaps.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> My dear Guéret, I get out of the women for a cent what I have to +pay the men three cents for. And as long as I can economize ten cents on +the piece I shall go on.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You'll regret it. If I was in your place—[<i>He stops</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well, what would you do if you were in my place?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> What should I do?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Yes, what?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> I shouldn't take long to think. I'd cut off a finger to save my +hand, I'd turn out every one of the women to-morrow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You're mad. You've always objected to my employing women, and I +know very well why.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Well, let's hear why.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You want to know. Well, because you've been jealous of Thérèse +ever since she came here six months ago.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Oh, I say!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> That's it; my sister can't endure her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Marguerite—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You know she wouldn't even see her when she came down from +Paris; and if Thérèse got work here, it was in spite of Marguerite. I +was wiser than you about this. The girl's courage appealed to me. She's +plucky and intelligent. Oh, I don't want to make myself out cleverer +than I am. I took her a bit out of pity, and I thought she'd draw me a +few designs; that was all I expected. But she has energy and initiative. +She organized the two workrooms, and now she's got the whole thing into +order by starting this Union.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> The Hen's Union.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> That's what the men call her Union. You should hear the things +they say about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well, long live the Hen's Union! A hen's plucky when it has to +be.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Seriously, it's just this Union which has annoyed the men. They +feel it's dangerous.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Very well. I'll be ready for them.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Thérèse comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> I'll go and find out what's going on.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Yes, do.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Monsieur Guéret goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I've just been seeing the man who makes our finishing tools. He +says it's perfectly easy to make a tool from the drawing I did that +won't be more expensive than the old one. [<i>Looking for a paper and +finding it on the table</i>] Here's the drawing. You see I've thought of +cheapness, but I've not sacrificed utility. After all, it's only a copy +of a Grolier, just a little altered.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Very good, but what will the price come out at?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> How much do you think.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I can easily do it. [<i>He calculates during what follows</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> The beating won't be done with a hammer, but in the rolling +machine; the sawing-in and the covering will be done as usual.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>having finished his sum</i>] Two francs forty.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>triumphantly</i>] One franc seventy. You've calculated on the +basis of men's work. But, if you approve, I'll open a new workroom for +women in the old shop. Lucienne can manage it. I could let Madame +Princeteau take Lucienne's present place, and I'll turn out the stuff at +the price I quoted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But that's first-rate. I give you an absolutely free hand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Thank you, Monsieur Féliat.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> How do you think the men will take it? You know that last year, +before you came here, a strike of the workmen was broken by the women +taking the work the men were asking a rise for—taking it at lower +wages, too. Since then the men feel very strongly against the women. +Your godfather is anxious about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, leave it to me, I'm not afraid.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well done. I like pluck. Go ahead. How lucky I was to get you +here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> How grateful I am to you for believing in me. [<i>Lucienne +appears at the door on the right. She is speaking to a workwoman who is +not visible, while the following conversation goes on</i>] And how good you +are, too, to have given work to poor Lucienne. When I think what you +saved her from! She really owes her life to you. At any rate she owes it +to you that she's living respectably.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well, I owe <i>you</i> ten per cent reduction on my general expenses. +[<i>With a change of tone</i>] Then that's agreed? You're going ahead?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I'll go and give the necessary orders. [<i>He goes out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> It's all right. It's done. He's agreed! I'm to have my new +workroom, and you're to be the head of it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Oh, splendid! Then I'm really of some importance here at last. +[<i>A long happy sigh</i>] Oh dear, how happy I am. I'd never have believed I +could have enjoyed the smell of a bindery so. [<i>Sniffing</i>] Glue, and +white of egg, and old leather; it's lovely! Oh, Thérèse, what you did +for me in bringing me here! What I owe you! That's what a woman's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> being +free means; it means a woman who earns her own living.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, you're right! Isn't it splendid, Lucienne, ten wretched +women saved, thanks to our new workshop. I've seen Duriot's forewoman. +At any moment fifty women from there may be out of work. I can take on +only ten at present, and I've had to choose. That was dreadful! Thirty +of them are near starvation. I took the worst cases: the old maids, the +girls with babies, the ones whose husbands have gone off and left them, +the widows. Every one of those, but for me, would have been starved or +gone on the streets. I used to want to write books and realize my dreams +that way. Now I can realize them by work. I wish Caroline Legrand could +know what I'm doing. It was she who helped me to get over my silly +pride, and come and ask for work here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Dear Caroline Legrand! Without her! Without you! [<i>With a +change of tone</i>] What d'you suppose happened to me this morning? I had a +visit from Monsieur Gambard.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Another visit! I shall be jealous!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> You've reason. For the last week that excellent old man has +come every single morning with a book for me to bind. I begged him not +to take so much trouble, and I told him that if he had more work for us +to do, we could send for the books to his house. What d'you think he did +to-day?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I've no idea.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> He asked me to marry him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> My dear! What then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Why, then I told him that I was married and separated from my +husband.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> There's such a thing as divorce.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Naughty girl! That's exactly what he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> said. I told him that my +first experience of marriage was not calculated to make me run the +chances of a second. And then he asked me to be his mistress.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Indignation of Lucienne!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> No! I really couldn't be angry. He offered so naïvely to +settle part of his fortune upon me that I was disarmed. I simply told +him I was able to earn my own living, so I was not obliged to sell +myself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> And he went off?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> And he went off.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>starting suddenly</i>] Was that three o'clock that struck.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Yes, but there's nothing very extraordinary in that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Not for you, perhaps. But I made up my mind not to think about +a certain thing until it was three o'clock. I stuck to it—almost—not +very easily. Well, my dear, three o'clock to-day is a most solemn hour +in my life.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> You don't say so!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> <i>I do.</i> Lucienne, I am so happy. I don't know how I can have +deserved to be as happy as I am.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> Good gracious, what's happened in the last five minutes?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'll tell you. One hour ago René arrived at Evreux. He's come +back from Tunis. Come back a success and a somebody. And now—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Vincent, a workman, comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Good-morning, Mademoiselle Thérèse. I want a word with you, +because it's you who engages—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Not the workmen.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> I know. But it's about a woman, about my wife.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>sharply</i>] Your wife? But I don't want your wife.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> I heard as how you were taking on hands.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, but I choose them carefully. First of all I take the ones +who need work or are not wanted at home.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> You're quite right—but I ain't asking you to pay my old woman +very much—not as much as a man.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Why not, if she does the same work?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent</span> [<i>with male superiority</i>] Well, in the first place, she's only a +woman; and, besides, if you didn't make a bit out of it, you wouldn't +take her in the place of a man.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But you get excellent wages here yourself. You can live without +forcing your wife to work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Well, anyhow, her few halfpence would be enough to pay for my +tobacco.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Come, you don't smoke as much as all that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Besides, it'll put a bit more butter on the bread.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But your wife will take the place of another woman who hasn't +even dry bread perhaps.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Oh, if one was bothering all the time about other people's +troubles, you'd have enough to do!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Now will you forgive me if I meddle a little in what isn't +exactly my business?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Oh, go on, you won't upset me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> What d'you do when you leave the works? You go to the saloon?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent</span> [<i>losing control of himself and becoming violent and coarse</i>] +That's yer game, is it! You take me for a regler soaker. That's a bit +too thick, that is. You can go and ask for yourself in all the saloons +round here. Blimey, sometimes I don't drink nothing but water for a week +on end! Can you find anybody as has ever seen me +blue-blind-paralytic—eh? I'm one of the steady ones, I am. I has a +tiddley in the morning,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> like every man as is a man, to keep out the +fog; then I has a Vermouth before lunch, and a drop of something short +after, just to oil the works like—and that's the bloomin' lot. Of +course you're bound to have a Pernod before dinner to get your appetite +up; and if I go for a smoke and a wet after supper, well, it's for the +sake of a bit of company.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>who has been jotting down figures with a pencil while he has +been talking</i>] Well, that's a franc a day you might have saved.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> A franc.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>holding out the paper to him</i>] Add it up.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent</span> [<i>a little confused</i>] Oh, I'll take your word for it. I ain't +much good at sums.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> With that franc you might have put a fine lot of butter on +every round of bread.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Well, look here, I want a bicycle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Why? You live five minutes' walk from here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Yes, but I want to get about a bit on Sundays.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> There's one thing you haven't thought of. You have two little +children. Who'll look after them if your wife comes to work here?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Don't you worry about that. You takes 'em all dirty to the +crèche every morning and gets 'em back in the evenin' all tidied up.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> And who's going to get supper ready?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent</span> [<i>naïvely</i>] Why, the old woman when she comes back from work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> While you take your little drink?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent</span> [<i>the same tone</i>] Oh, yes; I shan't hurry her up too much.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Who'll mend your clothes?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Why, the old woman of course.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> When?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> On Sundays.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> While you go off for a run on the bicycle?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Yes; it'll be a change for her. And at night I'll take her to +see me play billiards. [<i>With a change of tone</i>] That's all settled, +ain't it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Indeed, it's not.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Why not? Aren't you going to open a new workroom?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Your wife has no need to work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> What's that got to do with you? You're taking on the others.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> The others are in want.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> That's nothing to me. You ought to take the wives of the chaps +as works here first.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> All I can do is to mention her name at the next meeting of our +Union.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Oh, damn your Union—it's a fair nuisance!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> A Union is always a nuisance to somebody.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> And you'll ask your Union not to take my old woman?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I certainly shall.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent</span> [<i>rather threateningly</i>] Very well. Things was more comfortable +here before you come from Paris, you know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>quietly</i>] I'm sorry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> And they'll be more comfortable when you take your hook back.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> That won't be for a good while yet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> I ain't so damned sure about that! Good-afternoon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Good-afternoon.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lucienne.</span> You've made an enemy, my dear.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p><p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I don't care as long as I'm able to prevent women being driven +to work to pay for their husbands' idleness and drunkenness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Féliat and Guéret come in. Lucienne goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Tell me, Mademoiselle, if there was a strike here, could you +count upon your workwomen?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'm sure I could.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Are you certain none of them would go back on you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Two or three married women might if their husbands threatened +them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Will you try, in a quiet way, to find out about that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, certainly. [<i>She makes a movement to go out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Look here, it seems that Duriot has just had a visit from two +delegates from the Central Committee in Paris, who were sent down to +protest against the engagement of women. I'm afraid we're going to have +trouble here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> The conditions here are very different from those at Duriot's.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> All the same, find out what you can.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I will, at once. [<i>She goes towards the door</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Whatever happens we must send off that Brazilian order. How is +it getting on?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> We shall have everything ready in three days. I'll go and +inquire about the other thing.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She goes out</i>]</p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Good.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Three days isn't the end of the world. I think I can promise you +to keep my men as long as that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> If it's absolutely necessary, one might make them some little +concessions.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> I'll do all I can.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Yes. And if they're too exacting, we'll let them go, and the +women shall get the stuff finished up for us. [<i>There is a knock at the +door</i>] Come in.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>René comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Hullo!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> René!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You or your ghost?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Where do you come from? Nobody's heard of you for a hundred +years.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Come now, only six months, and you've had some news.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Where are you from last?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> From Tunis.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> And what are you doing here?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I'll tell you all about it. I want to have a bit of a talk with +you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well, we're listening.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> You're mighty solemn about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> It's extremely serious business.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Don't be tragic. You're here safe and sound; and you've not lost +money, because you'd none to lose.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I've come to marry Thérèse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Well, I must say you don't beat about the bush.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But it's to your own people you've got to say that. What the +devil—! Thérèse has no more money than she had a year ago. So—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I'll marry her in spite of them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Well, we've nothing to do with it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Yes, but I don't want to marry her in spite of you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Nor in spite of herself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I'm certain she won't say no.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But a year ago you solemnly separated; you both agreed +everything was over.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Nothing was over. A year ago I was a fool.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> To the point again.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> And what are you now?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> At any rate I am not quite useless any longer. I'm not a boy now, +obliged to do what he's told because he's perfectly incapable of doing +for himself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Have you found something to do?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I'm in phosphates.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> And what the devil are you in phosphates?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Representative.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> How do you mean?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> A commercial traveller, as father said with great contempt.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap"> Guéret.</span> Well, it was not with a view to that sort of future that he had +you called to the Bar.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> At the Bar I could have earned my own living in about ten +years—possibly. When I had to give up marrying Thérèse I saw how +useless I was. Thanks to her I found myself out. She gave me a bit of +her own courage. She woke up my self-respect. Besides, after that I had +something to work for, an aim, and I seemed to understand why I was +alive. I worked and read a lot; my firm noticed me; they sent me to +Tunis. I asked them to let me give up clerk work and have a try on my +own. Over there I got into touch with three small firms. I placed their +goods. I earn four hundred francs a month. Next year I mean to start a +little branch in this district where we will manufacture +superphosphates. From now until then I shall travel about the district +and try and get customers; and my wife—and Thérèse—will go on with her +work here, if you will be so good as to keep her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Ouf! Think of a young man who can talk as long as that, without +taking breath, giving up the Bar. What a pity!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>to René</i>] Have you told all that to your people?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Yes. They're not at all proud of my business. And after refusing +to let me marry Thérèse because she had no money they won't let me marry +her now because she works for her living. To be directress of a bindery, +even of your bindery, uncle, is not distinguished enough for them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well, my boy, you certainly couldn't have stood up to things +like that a year ago. What d'you want us to do for you? Thérèse doesn't +want our consent to marry; nor do you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>While Monsieur Féliat has been speaking, old Mother Bougne +has come in from the right. She is a poor old workwoman who +walks with difficulty, leaning on a broom, from which one +feels that she never parts. She has a bunch of keys at her +waistbelt; her apron is turned up and makes a sort of pocket +into which she slips pieces of paper and scraps that she +picks up from the floor. René looks at her with surprise.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You're looking at Mother Bougne. Good-morning, Mother Bougne.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mother Bougne.</span> Good-morning, Monsieur Féliat.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> When does the Committee of your Union sit?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mother Bougne.</span> On Wednesday, Monsieur Féliat.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You won't miss it, will you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mother Bougne.</span> I haven't missed one up to now, Monsieur Féliat.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> That's right. [<i>She goes out at the back during what follows. +Monsieur Féliat turns to René and says</i>] We call Mother Bougne our +Minister of the Interior, because she tries to keep the place tidy. +She's been a weaver near Rouen since she was eight years old; she's been +stranded here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> And she's a member of the Committee of the Union?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Yes, she's a member. Thérèse insisted on it. When Thérèse +founded a Woman's Trade Union here she had the nice idea of including +among them this poor old creature, wrecked by misery and hard work. Our +Thérèse has ideas like that. [<i>With a change of tone</i>] But business, +business. What do you want us to do for you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I've come to ask you two things. The first is to try to get round +my people.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well, I'll try. But I know your father. He's even more obstinate +than I am myself. I shan't make the smallest impression upon him. What +else?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I want to have a talk with Thérèse in your presence.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> In our presence! Now listen, my boy. Our presence will be much +more useful in the work rooms. We have our hands full here. You've +dropped in just at the point of a split between workmen and employers. +Besides, to tell you the truth, I think I know pretty well what you have +to say to Thérèse. I'll send her to you. And, look here, don't keep her +too long, because she's got her hands full too. [<i>To Guéret</i>] Will you +go and telephone to Duriot's?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>looking at his watch</i>] Yes, there might be some news. [<i>He goes +out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>to René</i>] And I'll send Thérèse here.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out and René is alone for a few moments. Then +Thérèse comes in. They advance towards each other quietly.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> How do you do, René?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> How are you, Thérèse?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They shake hands, then, giving way to their feelings, they +kiss each other tenderly and passionately.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>in a low voice</i>] That'll do; don't, René dear. [<i>She withdraws +gently from his embrace</i>] Don't. Let's talk. Have you seen your people?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Well, Thérèse, they won't come to our wedding.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> They still refuse their consent?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> We can do without it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But they refuse it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Yes. Forgive me, my dearest, for asking you to take just my own +self. Do you love me enough to marry me quite simply, without any +relations, since I leave my relations for your sake?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> My dear, we mustn't do that; we must wait.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> No, I won't wait. I won't lose the best time of my life, and years +of happiness, for the sake of prejudices I don't believe in. Do you +remember what you said to me the night we played <i>Barberine</i>? You were +splendid. You said: "Marry me all the same, in spite of my poverty." +[<i>She makes a movement to stop him</i>] Oh, let me—please let me go on! I +was only a miserable weakling then, I was frightened about the future. +But you roused me and set me going. If I'm a man now, it's to you I owe +it. Thanks to you I know how splendid it is to trust one's self and +struggle, and hope, and succeed. Now I can come to you and say: "I am +the man you wanted me to be, let us marry and live together." Oh, +together, together! How splendid it sounds! Do you remember how you said +that night long ago: "Let us conquer our place in the world together"?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, René! René! We must wait!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Why? Why must we wait? What possible reason can you have for not +doing now what you wanted me to do a year ago? Don't you believe in me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh yes, yes. It's not that!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> What is it then? Thérèse, you frighten me. It seems as if you were +hiding something from me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> No, no. What an idea!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Is it—oh, can it be that you don't love me so much?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, René, no, no. Don't think that for a moment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> But you're not being straight with me. You're hiding something.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Don't ask me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Thérèse!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, please don't ask me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Now, you know very well that's impossible. How can there be +secrets between us? You and I are the sort of people who are straight +with one another. I must have my share in everything that makes you +unhappy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Well, then, I must tell you. It's about your father and mother. +Oh, how I wish I needn't tell you. René, while you've been away your +people have been dreadful to me. Your father came here to see me. He +wanted me to swear never to see you again—never. Of course I wouldn't. +When I refused to give in he said it was through worldly wisdom. He +said: "If he wasn't going to inherit my money, you wouldn't hang on to +him like this." He dared to say that to me, René—your father whom I +have always wanted to respect and love. He thought that of me. And then +I swore to him, and I've sworn to myself, that I'll never marry you, +never, without his consent. I cannot be suspected of <i>that</i>. You +understand, don't you? The poorer I am the prouder I ought to be. [<i>She +bursts into tears</i>] My dear—my dear! How unhappy I am! How dreadfully +unhappy I am!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> My darling! [<i>He kisses her</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Don't, René! I couldn't help telling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> you. But you understand, +my dearest, that we've got to wait until he knows me better.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René</span> [<i>forcibly</i>] No. We will <i>not</i> wait.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'll never break my word.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> What d'you want us to wait for? A change of opinion that'll +probably never come. And our youth will go, we shall have spoilt our +lives. You want to send me back to Paris all alone and unhappy, to spend +long silent evenings thinking about you and suffering from not being +with you, while you, here, will be suffering in the same way, in the +same loneliness. And we love each other, and it absolutely depends only +on ourselves whether we shall change our double unhappiness for a double +joy. [<i>Changing his tone</i>] I can't stand it, Thérèse. I've loved you for +two years, and all this last year I've toiled and slaved to win you. +[<i>Low and ardently</i>] I want you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, hush, hush!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I want you. You're the one woman I've loved in my life. My love +for you <i>is</i> my life. I can't give up my life. Listen: I have to be in +Paris this evening; are you going to let me leave you broken-hearted?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Do you think that I'm not broken-hearted?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I shan't suffer any the less because I know that you're suffering +too.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> It doesn't depend upon us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> It depends entirely upon us. Look here, if people refuse to let us +marry, our love for each other is strong enough to do without marriage. +Thérèse, come with me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, René, René! What are you asking me to do?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Have you faith in me? Look at me. Do you think I'm sincere? Do you +think I'm an honest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> man? Do you think that, if people refuse to let us +go through a ridiculous ceremony together, our union will be any the +less durable? Is it the ceremony that makes it real? Thérèse, come with +me. Come this evening; let's go together; let's love each other. Oh, if +you loved me as much as I love you, you wouldn't hesitate for a second.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, don't say that, I implore you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Then you don't trust me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I won't do it. I won't do it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> What prevents you? You're absolutely alone, you have no relations. +You owe nothing to anybody. No one will suffer for your action. You've +already given a year of your life to the foolish prejudices of society. +You've shown them respect enough. First they prevented our marriage +because you were poor; now they want to prevent it because you work. +Thanks to you I have been able to assert myself and get free. My father +and mother can keep their money. I don't want it. Come.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>in tears</i>] You're torturing me. Oh, my dear, you're making me +most unhappy. I could never do that, never. Don't be angry with me. I +love you. I swear that I love you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> I love you, Thérèse. I swear that I love you. All my life is +yours. [<i>He breaks down</i>] Don't make me so unhappy. The more unhappy, +the more I love you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I couldn't do it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Monsieur Féliat comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Hullo! Was it to make her cry like that that you wanted to see +her? Is that what you've learnt "in phosphates"? [<i>To Thérèse</i>] Don't, +my dear. [<i>In a tone of kindly remonstrance</i>] You! Is it you I find +crying like a little schoolgirl? [<i>Thérèse wipes her eyes</i>] Oh, I +understand all about it. But<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> his father will give in in the end. And +you, René, be reasonable, don't hurry things.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> But I want—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>interrupting him</i>] No, no, for goodness' sake, not just now. +We'll talk about it later on. Just now we have other fish to fry. We're +in a fix, my young lover. We've got to face some very serious +difficulties. Go along with you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Monsieur Guéret comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>to Monsieur Féliat</i>] One of the delegates of the Central +Committee is outside.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> And what does the brute want?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>makes a gesture of caution and points to the door</i>] He wishes +to speak to the Chairman of the Women's Union.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Oh, ask the gentleman in. [<i>To René</i>] My boy, you must be off. +I'll see you presently.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">René.</span> Yes, presently.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>aside to René</i>] Be at the station half an hour before the +train goes. I'll be there to say good-bye.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>René goes out. Monsieur Guéret brings in the delegate and +goes out again himself.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Good-morning. What can I do for you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> I am a delegate from the Central Committee in Paris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I am Monsieur Féliat, the owner of these works. I'm at your +service.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> It's not to you I wish to speak. This is a question which +doesn't concern you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Which doesn't concern <i>me</i>!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> Not at present, at any rate. Will you kindly tell me where I +can find the person I have come to see?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>furious</i>] I—[<i>controlling himself</i>] She is here. [<i>He +indicates Thérèse</i>]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Monsieur Féliat goes out to the right.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> Mademoiselle, I'm here as the representative of the Central +Committee in Paris to request you to break up your Women's Union.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> So that's it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> That's it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> What harm does it do you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> It strengthens you too much against us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> If I asked you to break up yours for the same reason, what +would you say to me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> Our union is to fight the masters; yours is to fight us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> It does you no harm whatever.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> Your union supports a movement we've decided to fight.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> What movement?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> The movement of the competition of women, the invasion of the +labor market by female labor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Not a very dangerous invasion.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> You think not. Listen. I've just come down from Paris. Who +gave me my railway ticket? A woman. Who did I find behind the counter at +the Post Office? A woman. Who was at the end of the telephone wire? A +woman. I had to get some money; it was a woman who gave it to me at the +bank. I don't even speak of the women doctors and lawyers. And in +industry, like everywhere else, women want to supplant us. There are +women now even in the metal-working shops. Everyone has the right to +defend himself against competition. The workmen are going to defend +themselves.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Without troubling about the consequences. To take away a +woman's right to work is to condemn her to starvation or prostitution. +You're not competitors, you're enemies.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> You're mistaken. We're so little the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> enemies of the women +that in asking you to do away with your Union we're speaking in your own +interest.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Bah!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> We don't want women to take lower wages than ours.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I know the phrase. "Equal wages for equal work."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> That's absolutely just.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> The masters won't give those equal wages.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> The women have a means of forcing them to; they can strike.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> We don't wish to employ those means.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> I beg your pardon, the women would consent at once. It's you +that prevent them, through the Union that you've started. Isn't that so?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> That is so. But you know why.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> No, I do not know why.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Then I will tell you why. It is because the phrase only seems +to be just and generous. You know very well that here, at any rate, the +owner would not employ any more women if he had to pay them the same +wages he pays the men. And if they struck, he'd replace them by men. +Your apparent solicitude is only hypocrisy. In reality you want to get +rid of the women.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> Well, I admit that. The women are not competitors; they're +enemies. In every dispute they'll take the side of the masters.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> How d'you know that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> They've always done it, because women take orders by instinct. +They're humble, and docile, and easily frightened.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Why don't you say inferiors, at once?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> Well, yes; inferiors, the majority of them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> If they're inferiors, it's only right that they should take +lower wages.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> Oh, I didn't mean to say—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>interrupting him</i>] But it's not true—they are <i>not</i> your +inferiors. If they believe they are, it's because of the wrongs and +humiliations you've imposed on them for centuries. You men stick +together. Why are we not to do the same? If you start trade unions, why +may not we? As a matter of fact, as regards work, we're your equals. We +need our wages; and to get hold of the jobs that we're able to do we +offer our work at a cheaper rate than you do. That is competition; you +must protect yourselves from it. If you want no more competition, keep +your women at home and support them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> But that's precisely what we want: "The man in the workshop, +the woman in the home."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> If the mother is not at home nowadays, it's because the man is +in the saloon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> The men go to the saloons because they're tired of finding the +place badly kept and the supper not ready when they go home, and instead +of a wife a tired-out factory hand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> D'you think it's to amuse themselves the women go to work? +Don't you suppose they prefer a quiet life in their own homes?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> They've only got to stay there.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> And who's to support them?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> Their husbands!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> First they've got to have husbands. What about the ones who +have no husbands—the girls, the widows, the abandoned? Isn't it better +to give them a trade than to force them to take a lover? Some of them +want to leave off being obliged to beg for the help of a man. Can't you +see that for a lot of women work means freedom? Can you blame them for +demanding<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> the right to work? That's the victory they're fighting for.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> I'm not at all sure that that victory is a desirable one. +Indeed, I'm sure it is not. When you've succeeded in giving the woman +complete independence through hard work; when you have taken her +children from her and handed them over to a crèche; when you've severed +her from her domestic duties and also from all domestic happiness and +joy, how d'you know she won't turn round and demand to have her old +slavery back again? The quietness and peace of her own home? The right +to care for her own husband and nurse her own child?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But can't you see that it's just that that the immense majority +of women are demanding now? We want the women to stay at home just as +much as you do. But how are you going to make that possible? At present +the money spent on drink equals the total of the salaries paid to women. +So the problem is to get rid of drunkenness. But the middle classes +refuse to meet this evil straightforwardly because the votes which keep +them in power are in the pockets of the publicans; and you socialist +leaders refuse just as much as the middle classes really to tackle the +drink question because you're as keen for votes as they are. You've got +to look the situation in the face. We're on the threshold of a new era. +In every civilized country, in the towns and in the rural districts, +from the destitute and from the poor, from every home that a man has +deserted for drink or left empty because men have no longer the courage +to marry, a woman will appear, who comes out from that home and will sit +down by your side in the workshop, in the factory, at the office, in the +counting house. You don't want her as housewife; and as she refuses to +be a prostitute, she will become a woman-worker, a competitor; and +finally, because she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> has more energy than you have, and because <i>she</i> +is not a drunkard, she will take your places.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate</span> [<i>brutally</i>] Well, before another hour's gone over our heads +you'll find that she won't start that game here.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Monsieur Féliat comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>to the delegate</i>] My dear sir, a thousand pardons for +interrupting you, but as I've just turned your friend out of my house +because he took advantage of being in it to start a propaganda against +me, what's the use of your going on talking to this lady about a course +of action she will no more consent to than I shall?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> Very well, Monsieur. I shall telephone to Paris for +instructions. Probably you will refuse to let me use your instrument.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I most certainly shall.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> So I shall go to the Post Office, and in ten minutes—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Go, my dear sir, go. But let me tell you in a friendly way that +it'll take you more than ten minutes to get on to Paris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delegate.</span> It takes you more, perhaps, but not me. Good-morning. [<i>The +delegate goes out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>to Thérèse</i>] The low brute! Things are not going well. What +happened at Duriot's has made a very unfortunate impression here. The +news that you were going to open a new workshop for the women has been +twisted and distorted by gossip and chatter, and my men have been worked +up by the other brute to come and threaten me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> What d'you mean?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> They threaten me with a strike and with blacklisting me if I +don't give up the idea.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You can't give up absolutely certain profits.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> If I am too obstinate, it may result in much larger losses which +will be equally certain.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But what then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I've had to promise that for the present at any rate there's no +question of taking on any more women.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> What could I do?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Monsieur Guéret comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>to Guéret</i>] Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> They wouldn't listen.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I was afraid they wouldn't. [<i>To Thérèse</i>] That's not all. Your +godfather has been trying something else, and I understand he's not +succeeded. I shall have to take the mending away from your workshop.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> The women won't agree to that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Perhaps that would be the best solution of the difficulty.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>startled</i>] Don't say that. You can't mean it. Think!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> What's more, the men refuse to finish the work the women have +begun.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> We'll finish it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Then they'll strike.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Let them strike. Monsieur Féliat, you can fight now and get +terms for yourself. Just at this moment we have only one very urgent +order. If the men strike, I can find you women to replace them. Every +day I am refusing people who want to be taken on.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>suddenly</i>] I have an idea.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> What's that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> I know my men; they're not bad fellows.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> My workers are splendid women.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Of course they are. As a matter of fact<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> we're face to face now, +not with a fight between men and masters, but with a fight between +men-workers and women-workers. The men have their trade union, and the +women have theirs. Both unions have a President and two Vice-Presidents. +Both have their office. We must have a meeting between the two here at +once, in a friendly, sensible way, before they've all had time to excite +themselves; and let them find some way out that'll please 'em all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But, my dear fellow, if you bring them together, they'll tear +one another's eyes out.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Oh, we know you don't believe the working classes have any +sense.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>between his teeth</i>] I don't. I've been an employer too long.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>to Monsieur Féliat</i>] Why not try what my godfather suggests? +What do you risk?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I don't mind. But I will have nothing to do with it personally.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Neither will I.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I'll go and see if Berthe and Constance are here. [<i>To Guéret</i>] +You go and fetch your men. [<i>She goes out to the left</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> I give you my word that, if there's any possible way out, this +is the only chance of getting at it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Very well, go and fetch them.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Guéret goes out. Thérèse comes in with Berthe and +Constance. They are wearing large aprons and have scissors +attached to their waistbelts. Berthe is a fat, ordinary +woman. Constance is tall, dry, and ugly.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe</span> [<i>respectfully</i>] Good-morning, Monsieur Féliat.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance</span> [<i>the same</i>] Good-morning, Monsieur Féliat.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I want Berthe and Constance to tell you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> themselves whether you +can count upon them in case of the men striking.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance.</span> Oh yes, Monsieur Féliat. We'll do anything you want us to.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> Oh, Monsieur Féliat, don't send us away!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance</span> [<i>imploringly</i>] Oh, Monsieur Féliat, you won't send us away, +will you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> We do want the work so, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance.</span> It's God's truth we do.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I'll do everything possible on my side, but it all depends on +yourselves and the men. Try to come to some understanding.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe</span> [<i>lowering her voice</i>] If you can't pay us quite as much for the +mending, we don't mind taking a little less. You'd keep it dark, +wouldn't you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> We'll see about it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Girard, Charpin, Deschaume, and Vincent come in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Workmen</span> [<i>very civil and speaking together</i>] Good-morning, ladies and +gents.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Has my brother explained to you why he asked you to meet the +representatives of the Women's Union and to try to come to an +understanding with them?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Yes, Monsieur Féliat.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> That's all we want. All friends together, like.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> That's the hammer, mate!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Then I'll go. Do try and keep your tempers.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>speaking together</i>] Oh yes. To be sure, sir. You needn't trouble, +sir.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Féliat goes out. The workmen and workwomen left together +shake hands all round without any particular courtesy or +cordiality.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> Well, what d'you say to a sit down?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume</span> [<i>speaking of Charpin</i>] That lazy swine's only comfortable +when he's sittin' down.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> I ain't agoing to tire meself for nix, not 'arf!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Berthe and Constance have mechanically brought chairs for +the workmen, who take them without any thanks, accustomed as +they are to be waited upon. When all are seated they see +that Thérèse has been left standing.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance</span> [<i>rising</i>] Have my chair, Mademoiselle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> No, thank you, I prefer to stand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> I see that all our little lot's here. There's four on us, but +only three 'er you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume</span> [<i>meaningly</i>] One of the hens ain't turned up yet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin</span> [<i>sniggering</i>] Perhaps she's a bit shy, like.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You mean Mother Bougne. You, workmen yourselves, mock at an old +woman wrecked by work. But you're right. She ought to be here. I'll go +and fetch her. Only to look at her would be an argument on our side. +[<i>She goes out to the right</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> Mademoiselle Thérèse needn't kick up such a dust about a +little thing like that. There's four on us; so there must be four on +you, in case we have to take a vote.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Thérèse comes back with Mother Bougne.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>to the workmen</i>] Give me a chair. [<i>They do so</i>] Sit down, +Mother Bougne. [<i>Insisting</i>] Mother Bougne, sit down.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mother Bougne.</span> Oh, don't trouble, miss, I'm not used to—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>sharply</i>] Sit down.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Mother Bougne sits down.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> Well, here's the bloomin' bunch of us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> We'd best fix up a chairman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> What's the good of that?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> We'd best have you, Girard. You've education, and you're up +to all the dodges about public meetings.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> It's not worth while.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> Well, I only put it forrard because it's the usual. But have +it your own way! [<i>A silence</i>] Only don't all jaw at once. You'll see +you'll want a chairman, I tell you that, but I don't care. It ain't my +show.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> Get a move on you, Girard, and speak up.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Well, ladies—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent</span> [<i>interrupting</i>] Now look here. I want to get at an +understandin'.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Monsieur Girard, will you be kind enough to speak for your +friends? We have nothing to say on our part. We're asking for nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Well, that's true. We want to have the mending back.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> And we don't mean to give it up.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Well, we expected that. Now, to show you that we're not such a +bad lot as you think, we'll share it with you on two conditions. The +first is that you're paid the same wages as we are.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> Look here, that won't suit me at all, that won't. If my old +woman gets as much as me, how am I to keep her under? Blimey, she'll +think she's my bloomin' equal!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard</span> [<i>impatiently</i>] Oh, bung her into some other berth. Let me go on. +The second condition is that you aren't to have a separate workshop. +We'll all work together as we used to.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> You women do a damned sight too much for your ha'pence.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Yes, it's all in the interests of the masters. It's against +solidarity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Will you allow me to express my astonishment that you should +make conditions with us when you wish to take something from us?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> We're ony tellin' you our terms for sharing the work with you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> I quite understand; but we have no desire to share it with you. +We mean to keep it. And I'm greatly surprised to hear you suggest that +we should all work together.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance.</span> Indeed we won't.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> Why not, Mademoiselle? When we worked together—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance</span> [<i>interrupting</i>] When we worked with you before, you played +all sorts of dirty tricks on us to make us leave.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> What tricks? Did you hear anything about that, Charpin?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> I dunnow what she's talkin' about. D'you Vincent?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> Look here, I only want to get to an understandin'.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance.</span> You never stopped sayin' beastly things.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume and Charpin</span> [<i>protesting together</i>] Oh! O-ho!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> Well, if we can't have a bit of chippin' in a friendly way +like!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> Beastly things like that ain't jokes. I didn't know where to +look meself; and I've sat for a sculptor, so I ain't too particular.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> He! He! I thought she was talkin' about that old joke of the +rats.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The men laugh together.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, you're laughing about it still! About shutting up live +rats in our desks before we came to work.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> He! He! We didn't mean any harm.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You didn't mean any harm! The little apprentice was ill for a +week, and Madame Dumont had a bad fall. You thought of dozens of things +of that kind, like the typists who mixed up all the letters on the +women's desks. When we went away to get our lunch, you came and spoilt +our work and made the women lose a great part of their day's pay or work +hours of overtime. We don't want any more of that. You agreed we should +have a separate workshop. We'll keep it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> If Monsieur Féliat sticks to you, we'll have to come out on +strike.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> We don't want Monsieur Féliat to get into trouble because of +us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Well, what are you going to do about it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> We'll take your places.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin</span> [<i>bringing his fist down with a bang upon the table</i>] Well, I'm +damned!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume</span> [<i>threateningly</i>] If you do, we'll have to put you through it!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance.</span> We'll do it!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard</span> [<i>to Thérèse</i>] D'you understand now, Mademoiselle, why we +socialists don't want women in the factory or in the workshop? The +woman's the devil because of the low salary she has to take. She's a +victim, and she likes to be a victim, and so she's the best card the +employer has to play against a strike. The women are too weak, and if I +might say so, too slavish—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> Yes, that's the word, mate, slavish.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe</span> [<i>very angry</i>] Look at that man there, my husband, and hear what +he's saying before me, his wife, that he makes obey him like a dog. He +beats me, he does. You don't trouble about my being what you call +slavish when it's you that profits by it! I'd<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> like to know who taught +women to be slavish but husbands like you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You've so impressed it upon women that they're inferior to men, +that they've ended by believing it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Well, maybe there's exceptions, but it's true in the main.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> Let 'em stay at home, I says, and cook the bloomin' dinner.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> And what'll they cook the days when you spend all your wages in +booze.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> It's the people that started you working that you ought to +curse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> I like that! It was my husband himself that brought me to the +workshop.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> She's not the only one, eh, Vincent?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> But I ain't sayin' nothin', I ain't. What are you turnin' on me +for? I ain't sayin' nothin'.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> We'd like nothing better than to stay at home. Why don't you +support us there?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance.</span> It's because you don't support us there that you've got to +let us work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> We ain't going to.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> We won't give in to you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> If you don't, we'll turn the job in.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> And I tell you that we shall take your places.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> Rats! You can't do it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> We couldn't at one time, that's true. But now we've got the +machines. The machines drove the women from their homes. Up to lately +one had to have a man's strength for the work; now, by just pulling a +lever, a woman can do as much and more than the strongest man. The +machines revenge us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> We'll smash the things.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> She's right. By God, she's right! It's them machines has done +it. If any one had told my grandfather a time would come when one chap +could keep thousands of spindles running and make hundreds of pairs of +stockings in a day, and yards and yards of woollen stuff, and socks and +shirts and all, why grandfather'd've thought everybody'd have shirts and +socks and comforters and shoes, and there'd be no more hard work and +empty bellies. Curse the damned things! We works longer hours, and +there's just as many bare feet and poor devils shivering for want of +clothes. The machines were to give us everything, blast 'em! The workers +are rotten fools! The damned machines have made nothing but hate between +them that own them and them that work them. They've used up the women +and even the children; and it's all to sell the things they make to +niggers or Chinamen; and maybe we'll have war about it. They've made the +middle classes rich, and they're the starvation of all of us; and after +they've done all that, here are the women, our own women, want to help +'em to best us!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mother Bougne.</span> You're right, Girard. When I was a kid, and there was no +machines—leastways, not to speak of—we was all better off. Women +stayed at home, and they'd got enough to do. Why, my old grandmother +used to fetch water from the well and be out pickin' up sticks before it +was light of a mornin'! Yes, and women made their own bread, and did +their washin', and made their bits of things themselves! Now it's +machines for everythin', and they say to us: "Come into the factory and +you'll earn big money." And we come, like silly kids! Why, fancy me, +eight years old, taken out of the village and bunged into a spinnin' +mill! Then, when I was married, there was me in a workman's dwellin'. +You turn a tap for your water, don't fetch it; baker's bread, and your +bit of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> dinner from the cookshop, or preserved meat out of a tin. You +don't make a fire, you turn on the gas; your stockin's and togs all +fetched out of a shop. There ain't no need for the women to stay at home +no longer, so they cuts down the men's wages and puts us in the +factories. We ain't got time to suckle our kids; and now they don't want +young 'uns any more! But when you're in the factory, they make yer pay +through the nose for yer gas and yer water, and baker's bread and +ready-made togs; and you've got nothin' left out of yer bit of wages, +and you're as poor as ever; and you're only a "hand" at machines in the +damp and smoke, instead of bein' in your own house an' decent like. What +are you fussin' about, Girard? Don't you see that we <i>can't</i> go back to +the old times now? A woman ain't got a house now, only a little room +with nothin' but a dirty bed to sleep on! And I tell you, Girard, you've +got to let us earn our livin' like that now, because it's you and the +likes of you that's brought us to it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Well, after all, we've got to look after our living. The women +want to take it from us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mother Bougne.</span> It's because they haven't got any themselves, my lad. +They've got to live as well as you, you see.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> And supposing there isn't enough living for everybody?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mother Bougne.</span> The strongest'll get it and the weak 'uns'll be done in.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Well, we've not made the world, and we're not going to have our +work taken away from us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance.</span> And we're not, either.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> Damn it all, we've got to live.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> Well, we've got to live too. The kids has got to live and we've +got to live. One would think we was brute beasts.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Constance.</span> We say just the same as you. We've not made the world, it +ain't our fault.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>During the last few speeches women have appeared at the +door to the right and have remained on the threshold, +becoming excited by the conversation.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman</span> [<i>at the door</i>] It ain't our fault.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Some men show themselves at the door at the back.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> So much the worse for you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another Woman.</span> We've got to live, we've got to live!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another Man.</span> Ain't we got to live too?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Well, don't drink so much.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The women applaud this speech with enthusiasm.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman</span> [<i>bursting out laughing</i>] Ha! Ha! Ha!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Women.</span> Right, Mademoiselle! Well done! Good!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They come further forward.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> You won't get our work away from us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> It's <i>our</i> work; you took it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> You gave it up to us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> Well, we'll take it back from you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another Man.</span> We were wrong.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another Man.</span> Drive out the Hens.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another Man.</span> The strike! Long live the strike! We'll come out!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman.</span> We'll take your places; we've got to live.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> There's no living for you here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman.</span> Yes there is; we'll take yours.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, we'll take yours. And your wife that you brought here +yourself will take your place, Vincent. And you the same, Deschaume. +She'll take your place, and it'll serve you right. You can stay at home +and do the mending to amuse yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard</span> [<i>to the women</i>] This woman from Paris is turning the heads of +the lot of you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> Yes, that's about the size of it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> She don't play the game. She does as she bloomin' well likes. +She wouldn't engage my old woman. She took women from Duriot's.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard</span> [<i>to Thérèse</i>] That's it. It's you that's doing it. [<i>To the +women</i>] You've got to ask the same wages as us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You know very well—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard</span> [<i>interrupting</i>] It's all along of your damned Union.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vincent.</span> There wasn't any ructions till you come.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> We'll smash the Hens' Union.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A row begins and increases.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> Put 'em through it! Down 'em! Smash the Hens! Smash 'em!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman.</span> Turn out the lazy swines!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman</span> [<i>half mad with excitement</i>] We're fightin' for our kids. [<i>She +shrieks this phrase continuously during the noise which follows</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> Turn out the lazy swines!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume</span> [<i>shaking his wife</i>] Shut up, blast you, shut up!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another Man</span> [<i>holding him back</i>] Don't strike her!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> It's my wife; can't I do as I like? [<i>To Berthe</i>] Get out, +you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Berthe.</span> I won't!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Deschaume tries to seize hold of his wife; this starts a +general fight between the men and women, during which one +distinguishes various cries, finally a man's voice.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> Damn her, she's hurt me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another Man.</span> It's her scissors! Get hold of her scissors.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Berthe screams.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> They'll kill one another! [<i>To the women</i>] Go home, go home; +they'll kill you. Go home at once.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The women are suddenly taken with a panic; they scream and +run away, followed by the men.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman.</span> Oh, you brutes! Oh, you brutes!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Thérèse goes out to the right with the women. The men go +off with Deschaume, whose hand is bleeding. Girard, who was +following them, meets Monsieur Féliat at the door.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard</span> [<i>to Féliat</i>] Deschaume's bin hurt, sir.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> He must be taken to the Infirmary.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume</span> [<i>excitedly</i>] With her scissors she did it, blast 'er!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> The police, send for the police!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Don't be a bally fool. We can take care of ourselves, can't we, +without the bloomin' coppers.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume</span> [<i>shouting</i>] The police, send for the police! To protect the +right to work. Send for 'em.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard</span> [<i>to Monsieur Féliat</i>] If 't was to bully us, you'd have sent for +'em long ago. What are you waiting for?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I'm waiting till you kindly allow me to speak. I can't believe +my ears. Is it you, Girard, and you, Deschaume, who want to have the +police sent for to save you from a pack of women? Ha! Ha!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> Oh, it makes you laugh, does it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> You defend the cats because they're against us. Well, we won't +have it. Duriot's men came out—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> Yes, and we'll do the same.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> We will. Look out for the strike!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> We're agreed; ain't we, mates?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin and Deschaume</span> [<i>together</i>] Yes, yes. We'll strike. Let's strike.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You don't really mean that you're going on strike?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Don't we, though!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> How can you? I've given everything you've asked for.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin</span> [<i>growling</i>] That's just the reason.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> If you've given in, that shows we were right. You'll have to +give in some more.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Good God, what d'you want now?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> We want you to sack all the women.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> No we don't. We want you to sack Mademoiselle Thérèse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You're mad! What harm has she done you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> The harm she's done us? Well, she's on your side.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Deschaume.</span> She's turned the women's heads. They want to take our places.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> And we won't have it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Come! Be reasonable. You can't ask me that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> We <i>do</i> ask you that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> It will upset my whole business.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> What's that to us?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well, I must have time to think about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> There's nothing to think about. Sack the Paris woman or we go on +strike.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You can't put a pistol to my head like this. I've got orders in +hand.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> What's that to us?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well then, I won't give in this time. You demanded that I should +not open a new workshop. I gave in. I won't go further than that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Then out we go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well go, and be damned to you. [<i>Pause</i>] The women will take +your places.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> You think so, do you? You think it's as easy as that. Well, try. +Just you try to fill up our places. Have you forgot there's two +delegates here from the Central Committee? A phone to Paris and your +bally show is done for.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> It's damnable.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> And if that doesn't choke you off, there's other things.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> We'll set the whole bloomin' place on fire.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> Don't you try to bully us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Well, look here. We won't quarrel. I'll send away Mademoiselle +Thérèse. But give me a little time to settle things up.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> No; out she goes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Give me a month. I ask only a month.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> An hour, that's all you'll get, an hour.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin.</span> An hour, not more.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Girard.</span> We're going off to meet the delegates at the Hotel de la Poste; +you can send your answer there. The Parisian goes out sharp now, or else +look out for trouble. Come on, boys, let's go and tell the others. +There's nothing more to do here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But stop, listen—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Charpin</span> [<i>to Féliat</i>] That's our last word. [<i>To the others</i>] Hurry on.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The workmen go out. Thérèse has come in a moment before and +is standing on the threshold.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat</span> [<i>to Thérèse</i>] How much did you hear?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, please, please, don't give in. Don't abandon these women. +It's dreadful in the workroom. They're in despair. I've just been with +them, talking to them. They get desperate when they think of their +children.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> The men are not asking me now to get rid of them. What they're +asking for is the break-up of your Union, and that you yourself should +go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, they say that now. But if you give in, they'll see that +they can get anything they like from your weakness, and they'll make you +turn out all these wretched women.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But I can't help myself! You didn't hear the brutal threats of +these men. If I don't give in, I shall be blacklisted, and they'll set +the place on fire; they said so. Where will your women's work be then? +And I shall be ruined.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Then you mean to give in without a struggle?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Would <i>you</i> like to take the responsibility for what will happen +if I resist? There'll be violence. Just think what it'll mean. In the +state the men are in anything may happen. There's a wounded man already. +How many would there be to-morrow?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You think only of being beaten. But suppose you win? Suppose +you act energetically and get the best of it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> My energy would be my ruin.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>with a change of tone</i>] Then you wish me to go?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I have only made up my mind to it to prevent something worse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>very much moved</i>] It's impossible you can sacrifice me in this +way at the first threat. Look here, Monsieur Féliat; perhaps it doesn't +come very well from me, but I can't help reminding you that you've said +repeatedly yourself that I've been extremely useful to you. Don't throw +me overboard without making one try to save me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> It would be no use.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> How can you tell? It's your own interest to keep me. The +delegate said that if I go they'll break up the Women's Union and make +the women take the same wages as the men.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> They won't do that because they know I wouldn't keep them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You see! If you give in, it means the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> break-up of the whole +thing and the loss to you of the saving I've made for you. And you have +obligations to these women who have been working for you for years.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> If I have to part with them, I will see they are provided for.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, for a day—a week, perhaps. But afterwards? What then? +Little children will be holding out their hands for food to mothers who +have none to give them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> But, good God, what have <i>I</i> to do with that? Is it my fault? +Don't you see that I'm quite powerless in the matter?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> No, you're not quite powerless. You can choose which you will +sacrifice, the women who have been perfectly loyal to you, or the men +who want to wring from your weakness freedom from competition which +frightens them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> They're fighting for their daily bread.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, fighting the woman because she works for lower wages. She +can do that because she is sober and self-controlled. Is it because of +her virtues that you condemn her?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> I know all that as well as you do, and I tell you again the +women can go on working just as they were working before you came.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> You'll be made to part with them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> We shall see. But at present that's not the question. The +present thing is about you. One of us has to be sacrificed, you or me. I +can see only one thing. If I stick to you, my machinery will be smashed +and my works will be burned. I'm deeply sorry this has happened, and I +don't deny for a moment the great value of your services; but, after +all, I can't ruin myself for your sake.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>urgently</i>] But you <i>wouldn't</i> be ruined.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> Defend yourself, +take measures. Ask for assistance from the Government.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> The Government can't prevent the strike.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> But the women will do the work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You think of nothing but your women. And the men? They'll be +starving, won't they? And their women and their children will starve +with them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>almost in tears</i>] And me, you have no pity for me. What's to +become of me? If you abandon me, I'm done for. I'd made a career for +myself. I had realized my dreams. I was doing a little good. And I was +so deeply grateful to you for giving me my chance. I'm all alone in the +world, you know that very well. Before I came here I tried every +possible way to earn my living. Oh, please don't send me away. Don't +drive me back into that. Try once again, do something. Let me speak to +the men. It's all my life that's at stake. If you drive me out, I don't +know where to go to.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Monsieur Guéret comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret</span> [<i>greatly excited</i>] Féliat, we mustn't wait a moment; we must +give in at once. They're exciting themselves; they're mad; they're +getting worse; they may do anything. They've gone to the women's +workroom and they're driving them out.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>From the adjoining workshop there comes a crash of glass +and the sound of women screaming.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>desperately</i>] Go, Monsieur! Go quickly! Don't let anything +dreadful happen. You're right. I'll leave at once. Go!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Monsieur Guéret and Monsieur Féliat rush into the women's +workshop. The noise increases; there is a sound of furniture +overthrown and the loud screams of women.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>alone, clasping her hands</i>] Oh, God! Oh, God!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Thérèse stands as if hypnotized by terror, her eyes wide +open and fixed upon the door of the workshop. The noise +still increases; there is a revolver shot, then a silence. +Finally the voice of Monsieur Féliat is heard speaking, +though the words are not intelligible, and a shout of men's +voices. Then Monsieur Guéret comes in very pale.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Don't be frightened, it's all over. The shot was fired in the +air. The men have gone out; there are only the women now—crying in the +workshop.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Are you sure nobody is killed? Is it true, oh, tell me, is it +really true?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Monsieur Féliat comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Poor Thérèse! Don't be frightened.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Oh, those screams! Those dreadful screams! Is it true, really, +nobody was hurt?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Nobody, I assure you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> The shot?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> Fired in the air, to frighten the women. The men broke in the +door, and upset a bench, and made a great row. I got there just in time. +As soon as they were promised what they want they were quiet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse</span> [<i>after a pause, slowly</i>] They were promised what they want. So +it's done. [<i>A silence</i>] Then there's nothing left for me but to go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Guéret.</span> Where are you going to?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You needn't go at once.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> Yes, I'm going at once. [<i>A silence</i>] I'm going where I'm +forced to go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Féliat.</span> You can leave to-morrow or the day after.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Thérèse.</span> No, I leave by train, this evening, for Paris.</p> + +<h4>CURTAIN.</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> +<h2>FALSE GODS</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHARACTERS</h2> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">The High Priest</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Rheou</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Satni</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Pakh</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Bitiou</span>, the dwarf<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Nourm</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">The Steward</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">The Exorcist</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">A Priest</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">The Paralyzed Youth</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">The Man with the Bandaged Head</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">The Two Sons of the Mad Woman</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Mieris</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Kirjipa</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Zaya</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Delethi</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Nagaou</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Hanou</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Nahasi</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Sitsinit</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Mouene</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Nazit</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">The Young Woman</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">The Mother</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">The Blind Girl</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Five Mourners</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<h4>The Scene is laid in Upper Egypt during the Middle Empire.</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> +<h2>ACT I</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>:—<i>The first inner court of the house of Rheou. At the back +between two lofty pylons the entrance leading up from below. Through the +columns supporting the hanging garden which stretches across the back +can be seen the Nile. A high terrace occupies the left of the scene. +Steps lead up to it, and from there to the hanging garden. Along the +side of the terrace a small delicately carved wooden statue of Isis +stands on a sacrificial table. On the right is the peristyle leading to +the inner dwelling of Akhounti. The bases of the columns are in the form +of lotus buds, the shafts like lotus stems, the capitals full blown +flowers. In the spaces between the columns are wooden statues of the +gods.</i></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><i>Delethi is playing a harp. Nagaou dances before her. Nahasi is juggling +with oranges, while Mouene sits watching a little bird in a cage. Yaouma +reclines on the terrace supporting her head on her elbows and gazing out +at the Nile. Zaya is beside her. On a carpet Sitsinit, lying flat upon +her stomach with a writing box by her side, is busy painting an ibis on +the left hand of Hanou, who lies in a similar attitude.</i></div> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Sitsi.</span> Did you not know? She, on whose left hand a black ibis has been +painted, is certain of a happy day.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> A happy day! Why then, 'tis I, perhaps, who will be chosen +to-night!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi</span> [<i>playing the harp while Nagaou dances before her</i>] More +slowly!—more slowly!... you must make them think of the swaying of a +lotus flower, that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> the Nile's slow-moving current would bear away, and +that raises itself to kiss again the waters of the stream.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nagaou.</span> Yes, yes.... Begin again!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nahasi</span> [<i>juggling with oranges</i>] Nagaou would let herself be borne away +without a struggle. [<i>She laughs</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouene</span> [<i>hopping on one foot</i>] We know that she goes to the bank of the +Nile, at the hour when the palm-trees grow black against the evening +sky, to listen to a basket maker's songs.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou</span> [<i>to Sitsinit</i>] And this morning I anointed my whole body with +Kyphli, mixed with cinnamon and terrabine and myrrh.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi</span> [<i>to Nagaou</i>] 'Tis well ... you may dance the great prayer to +Isis with the rest.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nagaou</span> [<i>to Mouene</i>] Yes! I do go to listen to songs at dark. You are +still too little for anyone, basket maker or any other, to take notice +of you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouene.</span> You think so!... who gave me this little bird? [<i>She draws the +bird from the cage by a string attached to its leg</i>] Who caught thee, +flower-of-the-air, who gave thee to me? [<i>Holding up a finger</i>] Do not +tell! Do not tell....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou</span> [<i>looking at herself in a metal mirror</i>] Sitsinit ... the black +line that lengthens this eye is too short ... make it longer with your +reed. I think the more beautiful I am, the more chance I shall have to +be chosen for the sacrifice.... Is it not so, Zaya?... What are you +doing there without a word?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> I was watching the flight of a crane with hanging feet, that +melted away in the distant blue of heaven.... Do not hope to be chosen +by the gods, Hanou.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> Wherefore should I not be chosen?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> Neither you nor any who are here. The gods never demand the +sacrifice two years together from the same village.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> Never?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> Rarely.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> 'Tis a pity. Is it not, Nagaou?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nagaou.</span> I know not.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sitsi.</span> Would it not make you proud?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nagaou.</span> Yes. But it makes me proud, too, to lean on the breast of him +whose words still the beating of my heart.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> To be taken by a god! By the Nile!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> Preferred to all the others!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouene</span> [<i>the youngest</i>] For my part I should prefer to live....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sitsi.</span> Still, if the God desired you....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> Oh! one can refuse....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> Yes, but one must leave the country, then.... None of the +daughters of Haka-Phtah could bring themselves to that.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A pause.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>to herself</i>] Perhaps!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nahasi.</span> What do you say, Yaouma?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Nothing. I was speaking to my soul.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouene.</span> Yaouma's eyes weep for weariness because they watch far off for +him, who comes not.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Peace, child.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya</span> [<i>to Delethi</i>] One thing is certain, someone must go upon the +sacred barge?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> Without the sacrifice the Nile would not overflow, and all the +land would remain barren.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> And the corn would not sprout, nor the beans, nor the maize, nor +the lotus.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> And all the people would perish miserably.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> So that she who dies, sacrificed to the Nile, saves the lives of +a whole people. That is a better thing, Nagaou, than to make one man's +happiness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A pause.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>to herself</i>] Perhaps.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> And on the appointed day one is borne from the house of the god +to the Nile, surrounded by all the dwellers in the town.... The +Pharaoh—health and strength be unto him!...</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> You do not know, Hanou, you tell us what you do not know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> But it is so, is it not, Zaya? Zaya knows about the ceremony, +because last year it was her sister who was chosen.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouene.</span> Tell us, Zaya.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nahasi.</span> Yes, tell us the manner of it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> On the fifth day of the month of Paophi....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouene.</span> To-day—that is to-day?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nahasi.</span> Yes. What will happen.... The prayer of Isis.... But afterwards? +Before?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They gather round Zaya.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> Before the sun has ended his day's journey, the people, summoned +to the terraces by a call from the Temple, will intone the great hymn to +Isis, which is sung but once a year. Within the house of the god the +assembled priests will await the sign that shall reveal the virgin to be +offered to the Nile to obtain its yearly flood. The name of the chosen +will be cried from the doorway on high, caught up by those who hear it +first, cried out to others, who in turn will cry it running towards the +house that Ammon has favored with his choice. Then shall the happy +victim of the year stand forth alone, amid her kinsfolk bowed before +her, and to her ears shall rise the shoutings of the multitude.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Oh!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> And after a month of purification she will be borne to the +house of the god!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> And on the day of Prodigies....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nahasi.</span> Oh, the day of Prodigies!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> She will be the foremost nearer to the Sanctuary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> than all the +rest. She will pray with the praying crowd, she will behold the lowering +of the stone that hides the face of Isis....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> She will behold Isis—face to face....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Oh!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> She will beg the goddess graciously to incline her head, in sign +that, yet another year, Egypt shall be protected. And when the fervor of +the crowd's united prayer is great enough, the head of the Goddess of +Stone will bow. That will be the first prodigy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> The head of the Goddess of Stone will bow—that will be the +first prodigy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> And in the crowd there will be blind who shall see, and deaf who +shall hear, and dumb who shall speak.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> Perhaps Mieris, our good mistress, will be cured of her +blindness at last.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> And when she who is chosen goes forth from the house of the +God.... Tell us, Zaya, tell us the manner of her going forth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> Three days before the appointed day, in the town and throughout +the land, they will begin the preparations for the festival. When the +moment comes, the crowd will surge before the temple, guarded by Lybian +soldiers. And she, she, the elect, the saviour, will come forth, ringed +by the high priests of Ammon in purple and in gold, and aloft on a +chariot where perfumes burn, deafened by sound of trumpet and cries of +joy, she will behold the people stretch unnumbered arms to her....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Oh!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> And she will be borne to the Nile....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> And she will be borne to the Nile. She will board the barge of +Ammon....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> And the barge will glide from the bank....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> And the barge will glide from the bank where all the crowd will +bow their faces to the dust. [<i>She<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> stops, greatly moved</i>] And when the +barge returns she will be gone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>in low tones</i>] And when the barge returns she will be gone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> And after two days the waters of the Nile will rise.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> The waters of the Nile will rise....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> And as far as the waters flow they will speak her name, who +made the sacrifice, with blessings and with tears.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> If it were I!...</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>save Yaouma</i>] If it were I!...</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Yaouma rises to a sitting posture.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> If it were you, Yaouma?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Perhaps I should refuse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Oh!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouene</span> [<i>mischievously</i>] I know why! I know why!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> We know why.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> Tell us....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Tell them....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> 'Tis the same reason that has held you there this many a day.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouene.</span> She watches for the coming of the galley with twenty oars, +bearing the travellers from the North. There is a young priest among +them, the potter's son.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> A young priest, the potter's son, who went away two years ago.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> He is my betrothed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nahasi.</span> But you know what they say?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zaya.</span> They say that on the same boat there comes a scribe who preaches +of new gods....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> Of false gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouene.</span> The priests will stop the boat, and eight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> days hence, perhaps, +Yaouma will still be awaiting her betrothed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I shall wait.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Steward enters and whispers to Delethi.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> The mistress sends word the hour is come to go indoors.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They go out L, Sitsinit picking up the writing box, Nahasi +juggling with oranges, Mouene carrying her cage and dancing +about, Delethi plays her harp singing with Hanou and +Nagaou.</i></p></div> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Black is the hair of my love,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">More black than the brows of the night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Than the fruit of the plum tree.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Steward, who had gone out, returns at once, whip in +hand, followed by a poor old man, half naked, and covered +with mud, who carries a hod.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward</span> [<i>stopping before the statue of Thoueris</i>] There. Draw near, +potter, and look. By some mischance, the horn and the plume of Goddess +Thoueris have been broken. The master must not see them when he comes +back for the feast of the Nomination. There is the horn—there is the +plume. Replace them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh</span> [<i>with terror</i>] I—must I ... to-day when my son is coming home?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Are you not our servant?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I am.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> And a potter?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I am.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Did you not say you knew how to do what I ask?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I did not know that I must lay hands on the Goddess Thoueris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Obey.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh</span> [<i>throwing himself on his knees</i>] I pray you! <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>I pray you ... I +should never dare. And then ... my son ... my son who is coming back +from a long, long journey....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> You shall have twenty blows of the stick for having tired my +tongue. If you refuse to obey me you shall have two hundred.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I pray you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Bid Sokiti help you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out at the back; as he passes he gives Sokiti a +blow with his whip, making a sign to him to go and join +Pakh.</i></p> + +<p><i>Sokiti obeys without manifesting sorrow or surprise.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> He says we must lift down the Goddess.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> You and I.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>beginning to tremble. After a pause</i>] I am afraid.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I too—I am afraid.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> If you touch her you die.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> You will die of the stick if you do not obey.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Why cannot they leave me at my work. I was happy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> We must—we must tell her that it is in order to repair her crown.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Yes. We must let her know.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They prostrate themselves before the goddess.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Oh, Mighty One!—thou who hast given birth to the gods, pardon if +our miserable hands dare to touch thee! Thy horn and thy right plume +have fallen off. 'Tis to replace them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> We are forced to obey—O breath divine—creator of the +universe.... It is to mend thee.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh</span> [<i>rising, to Sokiti</i>] Come!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Bitiou, the dwarf, enters; he is a poor deformed creature. +When he sees Pakh and Sokiti touching the statue, he tries +to run away. He falls, picks himself up, and hides in a +corner. By degrees he watches and draws<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> near during what +follows. Pakh and Sokiti take the statue from its pedestal +and set it upright on the ground.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> She has not said anything.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> She must be laid on her belly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Gently....</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They lay her flat.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh</span> [<i>giving him the horn</i>] Hold that. [<i>He goes to his hod, takes a +handful of cement, and proceeds to mend the statue</i>] Here ... the plume +... so ... there ... we must let her dry. In the meantime let us go look +upon the Nile; we may see the boat that brings my son.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> You will not see him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I shall not see him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> He is a priest.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Not yet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> But he was brought up in the temple ... 'tis to the temple he +will go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> He will come here ... because he would see his father and mother +once more.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> And Yaouma his betrothed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> And Yaouma his betrothed.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes R. Bitiou approaches the statue timidly, and stops +some way off.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> There is nothing in sight.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> No.... [<i>suddenly</i>] You saw the crocodile?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Yes.... There is a woman going to the Nile with her pitcher on +her head.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> That is my wife, that is Kirjipa, that is mine. She seeks with her +eyes the boat that bears her son—Satni.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> She is going into the stream.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> How else can she draw clear water?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> But at the very spot where the crocodile plunged.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> What matter? She wears the feather of an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> ibis ... and I know a +magic spell. [<i>He begins to chant</i>] Back, son of Sitou! Dare not! Seize +not! Open not thy jaws! Let the water become a sheet of flame before +thee! The spell of thirty-seven gods is in thine eye. Thou art bound, +thou art bound! Stay, son of Sitou! Ammon, spouse of thy mother, protect +her!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>without surprise</i>] It is gone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh</span> [<i>without surprise</i>] It could not do otherwise.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Bitiou, now close to the statue, touches it furtively with +a finger tip, then runs, falls, and picks himself up. He +comes up to Pakh and Sokiti.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>pointing to the statue</i>] She is dry now, perhaps?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Yes, come.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I am afraid still.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> So am I, but come and help me.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They replace the statue on its pedestal, then step back to +look at it.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> She has done us no harm.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Ha! ha!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Ha! ha! ha! ha! [<i>Bitiou laughs with them. A distant sound of +trumpets is heard. Sokiti and Pakh go to the terrace to look</i>] It is the +chief of the Nome. They are bearing him to the city of the dead. At this +moment his soul is before the tribunal, where Osiris sits with the two +and forty judges.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> May they render unto him all the evil he has done!...</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> The evil he has done will be rendered unto him a thousand fold.... +He will pass first into the lake of fire.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Pakh! Pakh! picture him in Amenti—in the hidden +place—</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p><p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I see him ... the pivot of the gate of Amenti set upon his eye, +turns upon his right eye, and turns on that eye whether in opening or in +shutting, and his mouth utters loud cries.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>doubling up with delight</i>] And he who ate so much!... He who +ate so much! He will have his food, bread and water, hung above his +head, and he will leap to get it down, whilst others will dig holes +beneath his feet to prevent his touching it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Because his crimes are found to outnumber his merits....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> And we—we—say—what will happen to us?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> We shall be found innocent by the two and forty judges.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> And after?—after?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> We shall go to the island of the souls—in Amenti—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Yes, where there will be.... Speak. What shall we have in the +island of the souls?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Baths of clear water....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>with loud laughter</i>] What else ... what else?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Ears of corn of two arms' length.... [<i>Laughing</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Yes, ears of corn, of two arms' length.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> And bread of maize, and beans....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> And blows of the stick—say, will there be blows of the stick?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Never again.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Never again....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I shall forget all I have endured.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I shall be famished; and I shall be able to eat until my hunger +is gone ... every day!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> And I—I shall be tall, with straight strong legs, like the rest +of the world.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> That will be better than having been prince on the earth.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They laugh. The Steward appears.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> What are you doing there? [<i>Striking them with the whip</i>] Your +mistress comes! Begone!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They go out.</i></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Steward bows low before Mieris who is blind, and who +enters with her arms full of flowers and led by Yaouma.</i></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Steward retires.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>gently</i>] Leave me, Yaouma—I shall be able to find my way to +her, alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Yes mistress.... [<i>Nevertheless, she goes with her +noiselessly</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>smiling</i>] I can feel you do not obey. Be not afraid. [<i>She has +come as far as the little statue of Isis</i>] You see, I do not lose my +way. I have come every day to bring her flowers, a long, long time.... +Leave me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Yes, mistress.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She withdraws.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>touching the statue in the manner of the blind</i>] Yes, thou art +Isis. I know thy face, and I can guess thy smile. [<i>She takes some of +the flowers which she has laid beside her and lays them one by one on +the pedestal of the statue</i>] Behold my daily offering! I know this for a +white lotus flower. It is for thee. I am not wrong, this one, longer, +and with the heavier scent, is the pink lotus. It is for thee. And here +are yet two more of these sacred flowers. At dawn, they come from out +the water, little by little. At midday they open wide. And when the sun +sinks they, too, hide themselves, letting the waters of the Nile cover +them like a veil. Men say they are fair to see. Alas, I know not the +beauty of the gifts I bring! Here is a typha ... here an alisma; and by +the overpowering perfume,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> this, I know, is the acacia flower. I have +had them tell me how the light, playing through the filmy petals, tints +them with color sweet unto the eyes. May the sight gladden thine! I know +not the beauty of the gifts I bring! But all the days of my life, a +suppliant I shall come, and weary not to ply thee with my prayers, until +in the end thou absolve me, until thou grant me the boon that all save I +enjoy, to behold the rays of the shining God, of Ammon-Ra, the Sun +divine. O Isis, remember the cruel blow that did befall me! I had a +little child. Unto him sight was given, and when he first could speak, +it was life's sweetest joy, to hear him tell the color and the form of +things. He is dead, Isis! And I have never seen him—Take thou my tears +and my prayer, bid this perpetual night, wherein I scarce can breathe, +to cease—And if thou wilt not, deliver me to +death—She-who-loves-the-silence, and after the judgment I may go to +Amenti, and find my well-beloved child—find him, and there at last +behold his face. Isis, I give thee all these flowers. [<i>She rises</i>] +Come, Yaouma. [<i>As she is about to go, she stops, suddenly radiant</i>] +Stay—I hear—yes! Go, bring the ewer and the lustral water. It is the +master—He is here.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Yaouma goes out, but returns quickly. Enter Rheou.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Be welcome unto your house, master!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Yaouma pours water over the hands of Rheou and gives him a +towel.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Gladly I greet you once more in your house, mistress! [<i>Pakh +appears, returning to look for his hod</i>] [<i>To Pakh</i>] Well! potter, do +you not go to meet your son?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I would fain go, master, but I looked upon the Nile a while ago; +there is nothing in sight.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> The galley came last night at dusk, and, by order of the priests, +was kept at the bend of the river till now. Go!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I thank you, master.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Is all made ready for the solemn prayer to Isis? The Sun is +nearing the horizon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Yaouma, go and warn them all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>kneeling in supplication</i>] Mistress—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>laying her hand on Yaouma's head</i>] What is it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> The galley.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Well?—Ah, yes! you were betrothed to the potter's son—But +to-day you must not go forth. Who shall say you are not she whom the God +Ammon will choose?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> The God Ammon knows not me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Did he choose you, he must know you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Me! Me! A poor handmaiden—Is it then possible—truly?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Truly—Yaouma, go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>to herself as she goes</i>] The God Ammon—the God of Gods—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Rheou, what ails you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>angered</i>] It was a fresh insult that awaited me—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Insult?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> When I came into the audience chamber I prostrated myself before +the Pharaoh. "What would you?" he cried in that hard voice of his. You +know 'tis the custom to make no reply, that one may seem half dead with +fear before his majesty—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Did you not so?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> I did, but he—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Have a care! Is no one there who might overhear you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> No one—but he, in place of ordering them to raise me up, in +place of bidding me speak—Oh, the dog of an Ethiopian!—he feigned not +to see me—for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> a long while, a long, long while—At length, when he +remembered I was there, anger was choking me; he saw it; he declared an +evil spirit was in me, and having ridiculed me with his pity, he bade me +then withdraw. He forgets that if I wished—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Be still! Be still! Know you not that there, beside you, are the +Gods who hear you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>derisively</i>] Oh! the Gods!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> What mean you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>derisively</i>] I am the son of a high priest; I know the Gods—The +Pharaoh forgets that were I to remind the people of my father's +services, were I to arm all those who work for me, and let them loose +against him—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Rheou! Rheou!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Think you they would not obey me? I am son of that high priest, +the Pharaoh's friend who wished to replace the Gods of Egypt, by one +only God. The court cannot forgive me for that. Little they dream, that +were I to declare my father had appeared to me, all those who know me, +all the poor folk whose backs are blistered by the tax-gatherer's whip, +all who are terrorized by schemes of foreign war—all, all would take my +orders as inspired, divine.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> The fear of the Gods would hold them back.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> How long—I wonder!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> I hear them coming for the prayer.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Yes. Let us pray—that they may have nothing to reproach me with +before I choose my hour.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> What hour?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Could I but realize the work my father dreamed of—and at the +same stroke be avenged—avenged for all the humiliations—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Be silent—I hear—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The singers and the dancers and all the women and servants +come on gradually.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>going to the terrace</i>] The sun is not yet down upon the hill. +But look—upon the Nile—see, Yaouma! 'tis the galley that bears your +betrothed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> 'Tis there! 'Tis there!—See—it has stopped—they take the +mallet, and drive in the stake. The boat's prow is aground. Now they +have prayed—they disembark. Look, there is the strange scribe!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>looking</i>] A stranger—he—I do not think it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I thought, from his garments, perhaps—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Pakh returns.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Did you not wait for your son?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh</span> [<i>terrified</i>] Master, on the road that leads to the Nile, I beheld +two dead scarabs—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> None, then, save the High Priest, may pass till the road be +purified.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I have warned the travellers they must go a long way round.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Did you not recognize your son?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> No, he will be among the last to land, perhaps.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> But look—look! Behold that man—the stranger who comes this way +alone—Pakh! where were they, Pakh—the scarabs?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Near to the fig tree.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>terrified</i>] He is about to pass them—Oh! He does not +know—[<i>Relieved</i>] Ah! at last, they warn him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> He stays.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Near to the fig tree, said you! But he is going on—He moves—he +comes—He is past them—[<i>To Mieris</i>] Come, mistress, come! Oh Ammon! +Ammon!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Hiding her face she leads Mieris quickly away.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> 'Tis to our gates he comes—he is here.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Satni enters.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>bowing before Rheou</i>] Rheou, I salute you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> What do I behold! Satni—'tis you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> My son!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>kneeling</i>] Father!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> 'Twas you!—you, who came that way, despite the scarabs?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> It was I.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> You know then some magic words, I do not doubt; but I—I who saw +them—I must needs go purify myself before the prayer—to-day is the +feast of the Nomination—did you know?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I knew—and Yaouma?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> She is here—in a little you shall see her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Satni!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You called me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Yes. Did not you see the two scarabs that lay upon your path?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I saw them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> And you did not stop?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I have learned many things in the countries whence I come.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> You are a priest. Was not your duty to go unto the temple, even +before you knelt at your father's feet?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Never again shall I enter the temple.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A long trumpet call is heard far off.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> It is the signal for the prayer.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He mounts the terrace and stretches his arms to the setting +sun. Women play upon the harp and upon drums, and the double +flute. Others clash cymbals and shake the sistrum. Dancers +advance, slowly swaying their bodies. The rest mark the +rhythm by the beating of hands.</i></p> + +<p><i>Music.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> O Isis! Isis! Isis! Three times do I pronounce thy name.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>murmuring</i>] O Isis! Isis! Isis! Three times do I pronounce thy +name.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> O Isis! thou who preservest the grain from the destroying winds, +and the bodies of our fathers from the ruinous work of time.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>murmuring</i>] O Isis! thou who preservest the grain from the +destroying winds, and the bodies of our fathers from the ruinous work of +time.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> O Isis! preserve us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>murmuring</i>] O Isis! preserve us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> By the three times thy name is spoken.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>murmuring</i>] By the three times thy name is spoken.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Both here, and there, and there.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>murmuring</i>] Both here, and there, and there.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> And to-day, and all days, and throughout the ages, as long as our +temples are mirrored in the waters of the Nile.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>murmuring</i>] And to-day, and all days, and throughout the ages, as +long as our temples are mirrored in the waters of the Nile.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Isis!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>murmuring</i>] Isis!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Isis!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>murmuring</i>] Isis!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Isis!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>murmuring</i>] Isis!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>All prostrate themselves save the singers and the dancers.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> We beseech thee, Ammon! Deign to make known the virgin who will +be offered to the Nile. Ammon, deign to make her known!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>murmuring</i>] Deign to make her known.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The music stops. A long pause in silence. Then far off a +trumpet call.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Rise! The God has made his choice.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>All rise, and begin chattering and laughing gaily.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>to Satni</i>] You, alone, did not pray, and stood the while. +Wherefore?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I have come from a land where I learned wisdom.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> You!—You who were to be priest of Ammon!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I shall never be priest of Ammon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Voices.</span> Listen! Listen!—The name! They begin to cry the name!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The distant sound of voices is heard. Every one in the +scene save Satni is listening intently.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> The name! The name!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He mounts the terrace. The setting sun reddens the +heavens.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>to Yaouma</i>] At last I find you again, Yaouma. And you wear still +the chain of maidenhood. You have waited for me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Yes, Satni, I have waited for you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> The memory of you went with me always.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Listen!—[<i>Distant sound of voices</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman.</span> Methinks 'tis Raouit of the next village.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> No! No! 'Tis not that name.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>to Yaouma</i>] What matter their cries to you. Have you forgot our +promises?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> No—Listen!—[<i>Voices nearer</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman.</span> 'Tis Amterra! 'Tis Amterra!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> No! 'Tis Hihourr!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> No! Amterra lives the other way.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> One can hear nothing clearly now.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> They are passing behind the palm grove.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>to Yaouma</i>] Answer me—you have ears only for their clamor—I +love you, Yaouma.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Voice.</span> They are coming! They are coming!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> Then 'tis Karma, of the next house.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> No! 'tis Hene. Ahou, I tell you—or Karma! Karma!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>to Yaouma</i>] Have you, then, ceased to love me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>distracted</i>] No, no, I love you—Satni—but I seem to hear my +name amid the cries—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Let them cry your name—I will watch over you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Oh, Satni! If the God have chosen me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> What God? It is the priests who make him speak.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The sounds come nearer.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Voice.</span> 'Tis Yaouma! they come here! Quick, quick, let us do them honor +on their coming.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> No!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> Yes!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> 'Tis she!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> No!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> Yes! yes! Yaouma!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>to Yaouma</i>] Do not be fooled. The God is but a stone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>who no longer listens</i>] I have heard. It is my name—my name!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Voice.</span> They are coming!—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> They are here!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Every one begins to go out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another</span> [<i>going</i>] 'Tis Yaouma!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Loud shouts without—"'Tis Yaouma—'Tis Yaouma—"</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward</span> [<i>to Rheou</i>] Master, it is Yaouma.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Go, as 'tis custom, let all go forth to meet those who come.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>All go out save Yaouma and Satni.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> 'Tis you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>radiant</i>] 'Tis I!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You may refuse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> And leave Egypt—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> We will leave it together.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> 'Tis I! Think of it, Satni! The God, out of all my companions, +the God has chosen me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Do not stay here. Come with me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>listening</i>] Yes—yes—You hear them? It is I!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You are going to refuse!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>with a radiant smile</i>] You would love me no longer, if I +refused.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> But know you not, it is death?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>in ecstasy</i>] Yes, Satni, it is death!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You are mine—You are plighted to me—Come—Come!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Satni—Satni—you would not have me refuse?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I would. I love you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Refuse to answer the call of the Gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> The call of the Gods is death.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> The God has chosen me, before all he has preferred me. He has +preferred me to those who are fairer, to those who are richer. And I +should hide myself!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> It is out of pride then that you would die?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I die to bring the flooding of the Nile—to make fertile all the +Egyptian fields. If I answer not to the voices that call me, my name +will be a byword wherever the rays of the sun-God fall. Another than I +will go clothed in the dazzling robe. Another will hear the shouting of +the multitude. Another will be given to the Nile.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Another will die, and you, you will live, for your own joy and +for mine.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> For my own shame and for yours.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Light the world with your beauty. Live, Yaouma, live with me! +Bright shall your breast be with the flower of the persea, and your +tresses anointed heavy with sweet odor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> The waves of the Nile will be my head-dress. Oh! fair green +robe, with flowers yet more fair.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yaouma, you loved me—[<i>She bends her head</i>] Remember, remember +my going away, but two years since, how you did weep when I embarked. +You ran by the bank, you followed the boat that bore me. I see you +still, the slim form, the swift lank limbs; I can hear still the sound +of your little naked feet upon the sand. And when the boat grounded—do +you remember? For hours the oarsmen pushed with long poles, singing the +while, and you clapping your hands and crying out my name. And when at +length we floated, there was laughter and cries of joy—but you, you did +stand all on a sudden still, and I knew then that you wept. You climbed +to a hillock, and you waved your arms, you grew smaller, smaller, +smaller, till we turned by a cluster of palms. Oh, how you promised to +wait for me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Have I not waited?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> We had chosen the place to build our home. Do you remember?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> And dreamed of nights when you should sleep with your head upon +my breast—[<i>Yaouma bends her head</i>] And now you seek a grave in the +slime of the river.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>with fervor</i>] The slime of the river is holy, the river is +holy. The Nile is nine times holy. It makes grow the pasture that feeds +our flocks. It drinks the tears of all our eyes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Listen, Yaouma, I will reveal the truth to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> you. The Gods who +claim your sacrifice—the Gods are false.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> The Gods are true—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> They are powerless.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> It is their power that subdues me—it is stronger than love. +Until to-day I loved you more than all the living things upon the +earth—the breath of your mouth alone gave life to my heart. Even this +very day, I dreaded being chosen of the Gods. But now, who has so +utterly transformed me if it be not the Gods? You are to me as nothing, +now. And I who trembled at a scorpion, who wept at the pricking of a +thorn, I am all joy at the thought of dying soon. How could this be if +the Gods had not willed it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Hear me a little—and I can prove to you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> No words can take away the glory of being chosen by the Gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> By the priests.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> 'Tis the same, the priests are the voice of the Gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> 'Tis they who say so. The Gods of Egypt exist only because men +have invented them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> The peoples from whose lands you come have made you lose your +reason. [<i>With a smile of pity</i>] Say that our Gods exist not! Think, +Satni!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Neither the Gods, nor the happy fields, nor the world to come, +nor hell.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Ah! Ah! I will prove you mad—you say there is no hell—But we +know, we know that it exists, look there! [<i>Pointing to the sunset</i>] +When the sun grows red at evening, is it not because the glow of hell is +thrown upon it from below? You have but to open your eyes. [<i>Laughing</i>] +The Gods not exist!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> They do not. In the sanctuaries of our temples is nothing save +beasts, unclean, absurd, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> lifeless images; believe me, Yaouma—I +love you—I will not see you die. Your sacrifice is useless. Not because +you are offered up will the waters of the Nile rise! Refuse, hide +yourself, the waters will still rise. Ah, to lose you for a lie! To lose +you—you! How can I convince you?—I know! Yaouma, you saw me cross the +dead scarabs on my path. And yet I live! Oh! it angers me to see my +words move you not. Your reason, your reason! Awaken your reason—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I am listening to my heart.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I will save you in spite of you—I will keep you by force—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> If you do, I shall hate you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> What matter I shall have saved you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> And I shall kill myself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>seizing her</i>] Will you not understand! The God-bull, the +God-hippopotamus, the God-jackal—they are naught but idols!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> My father worshipped them.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Every one comes back. Rheou, who during all the preceding +scene was hidden behind a pillar, goes to meet them.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Some Men.</span> Yaouma! Yaouma!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> Up to the terrace!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Others.</span> Up to the terrace! Let her go up to the terrace!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> And let her lift her arms to heaven!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> Let her show that she will give herself to the Nile.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>to Yaouma</i>] Stay! Stay with me! Then together—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>in ecstasy</i>] He has chosen me from among all others!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Yaouma!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> She has refused! She has refused! And I will take her away.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> No! No! To the terrace! The prayer! The prayer!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Yaouma, go and pray.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> She has refused!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Choose, Yaouma, between our Gods and a man.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Between the glory of sacrifice—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Between falsehood and me, Yaouma—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> The God has called me to save my brothers!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You are going to death!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> To life—the real life—the life with the Gods. [<i>Going to the +terrace</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> They lie!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Peace!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> In spite of you, I will save you. [<i>Yaouma goes up the stairway +leading to the terrace. Satni stands on a bench and shouts to the +crowd</i>] Hear me, my brothers, I know of better Gods, of Gods who ask for +no victims—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The People.</span> They are false Gods!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> They are better Gods—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Rheou! Rheou! bid him cease!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> No—let him speak.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I come to save you from error, to overthrow the idols, to teach +you eternal truths—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>An immense shout of acclamation drowns the rest of Satni's +words, as Yaouma, who has appeared on the terrace above, +stands with her arms raised to the setting sun. Mieris +kneels and crosses her hands in prayer.</i></p></div> + +<h4>CURTAIN</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p> +<h2>ACT II</h2> + + +<div class="blockquot"><span class="smcap">Scene:</span> <i>Same as Act I.</i></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Rheou discovered alone. After a few moments the Steward +enters through the gates.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> What have you seen?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> The preparations for the festival continue.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> At the Temple?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> At the Temple.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> For the Feast of Prodigies?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> For the Feast of Prodigies.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> And the priests believe they can celebrate it to-morrow?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> I have seen no reason to doubt of it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Without Yaouma?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> I do not know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> You are mistaken perhaps. Did you go down as far as the Nile?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Yes, master.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> They have finished the decoration of the sacred barge.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> I do not understand it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Nor I, for I know that a certain number of the soldiers have +refused to renew the attempt of yesterday—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> They have refused?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> What did they say?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> That they were afraid.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Of what—of whom?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Of Satni.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Of Satni?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Yes. They say it was he who caused the miracle of yesterday.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> What—what do they say? Their words—tell me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> That it was he—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> He, Satni?—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Who caused the miracle of yesterday?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> The miracle that prevented them from carrying out the order of +the High Priest?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> The order to come here and seize Yaouma?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> So that is what they say?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Every one says it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>after some reflection</i>] Come, it is time you learned the truth, +that you may repeat it all. In the countries whither he went Satni +learned many things—great things. Come hither, lend your ear. He +declares there be other gods than the gods of Egypt—and more powerful. +If you remember, my father and the Pharaoh Amenotep likewise declared +this, and would have made these gods known to us. How they were +frustrated you know. It seems—for my own part I know not, 'tis Satni +says so, ceaselessly, these two months since his return—it seems then, +the time is come when these Gods would make them known to us. They have +endowed Satni with superhuman power. That I <i>know</i>, and none may doubt +it now. Satni is resolved to keep his betrothed, and the Lybian Guards +were not deceived, it was he who yesterday called down<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> the thunder and +the floods from Heaven upon the soldiers sent here to seize Yaouma.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> The oldest remember but one such prodigy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> What I have told you, tell to all; and this, besides, say to +them: each time that any would cross the will of Satni—they who dare +the attempt will be scattered, even as the guards were scattered +yesterday. Add this, that Satni is guided by the spirit of the dead +Pharaoh, that I last night beheld my father's spirit, and that great +events will come to pass in Egypt.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> I shall tell them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Behold, the envoy of the new gods! Leave me to speak with him. +Go, repeat my words.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Steward goes out.</i></p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Satni enters from the back. Rheou prostrates himself before +Satni.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>looking behind him</i>] Before which God do you still bow down?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Before you. If you be not a God, you are the spirit of a God.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I do not understand your words.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Who can call down thunderbolts from heaven, unless he be an envoy +of the Gods?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I am no—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> 'Tis well, 'tis well. You would have us blind to your power of +working miracles. After yesterday you can hide it no more. Henceforth, +Satni, you must no longer confine your teaching to Mieris, to me, to +your parents, Yaouma, to a few—henceforth you may speak to all, all +ears are opened by this miracle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Let us leave that! I pray you rise and tell me rather what has +befallen Yaouma.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Yaouma!—Did she not at first interpret the thunderclap as sign +of the wrath of Ammon against her?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> She believes still in Ammon, then, despite all I have said to +her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Happily I undeceived her. I made her understand that 'twas you +the elements obeyed, that the thunder that frighted her, was but a sign +of your power.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Why should you lie to her?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> It was not wholly lying. Besides, it was fortunate I could thus +explain the event. Had you but seen her—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> All my efforts of these two months past, in vain!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> You remember when you left us yesterday. You might have thought +that all her superstitions were banished at last. She no longer answered +you, she questioned you no more, and at your last words her silence +confirmed the belief that at length you had won her away from Ammon. Yet +after you were gone, at the moment of entering her hiding place, she was +swept with sudden fury as though an evil spirit had entered her, wept, +cried and tore her hair—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> What said she?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> "To the temple! to the temple! I would go to the temple! The God +has chosen me! The God awaits me! Egypt will perish!" In short, words of +madness. She would have killed herself!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Killed herself!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> We had to put constraint on her. And 'twas only when I led her to +this terrace, after the thunderbolt, and pointed out the scattered +soldiery, that she came to herself, that at length she perceived that +your God was the most powerful. "What," she cried, "'tis he, he, my +Satni, who shakes the heavens and the earth for me! For me!" she +murmured, "for me!" She would have kissed your sandals, offered you a +sacrifice, worshipped, adored you. See where she comes, with Mieris! +Stay.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes. Rheou accompanies him. Mieris enters, bearing +flowers and led by Yaouma.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>listening</i>] Is he there?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Leave me.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Yaouma goes out. Mieris left alone makes several hesitating +steps toward the statue of Isis, then goes up to it and +touches it. A pause.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> If it be only of wood!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A gesture of disillusion. She draws slowly away from the +statue, letting her flowers fall, broken-hearted, and begins +to weep. Rheou returns.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Why, Mieris—do you bring flowers to Isis still?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> It is the last time. Listen, Rheou—We mast ask Satni to heal +me. Do not tell me it is not possible; he has healed Ahmarsti.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Healed Ahmarsti?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris,</span> Yes. He made her drink a liquid wherein no doubt a good genius +was hidden, and the evil spirit that tormented her was driven forth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>credulously</i>] Is't possible?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Every one saw it. And Kitoui—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Kitoui, the cripple, went this morning to draw water from the +Nile, before all her neighbors who marvelled and cried with joy. And she +had merely touched the hem of his garment, even without his knowing it. +He has healed the child of Riti, too, he knows gods more powerful than +ours—younger gods, perhaps, our gods are so old—If it were not so, how +could he have walked unscathed the road where the scarabs lay, that day +when he came home? Since then, men have seen him do a thousand forbidden +things, have seen him defy our gods by disrespect. Without the +protection<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> of a higher power, how could he escape the chastisement +whereof another had died? Who are his gods? Rheou, he must make them +known to you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> He refuses.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> For what reason?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> The reason he gives is absurd—he says there are no gods—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> No gods! no gods!—he is mocking you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> He is bound to secrecy, perhaps.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Rheou, know you that this Ahmarsti—these two years now, on the +day of Prodigies, have I heard her at my side howling prayers at the +goddess that were never answered.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> I know. Satni declares he could have healed all whom the goddess +has relieved.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>to herself</i>] He relieves even those women whom she +abandons—[<i>After a pause</i>] He must teach you the words that work these +miracles.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> He refuses.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Force him!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> He says there are none.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Threaten him with death—he will speak.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>with excitement</i>] But you do not understand me!—he has healed +Ahmarsti, he has healed Kitoui, wherefore should he not heal me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>sadly</i>] Ah! Mieris, Mieris, think you I waited for your prayer, +to ask him that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Well—Well—?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> I could gain nothing but these words from him: "Could I overcome +the evil Mieris suffers from, even now should she rejoice in the +splendor of day."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Nothing is impossible to the gods, even to ours; how much more +then to his!—He did not yield to your prayers!—Insist, order, +threaten! Force him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> to speak. You have the right to command him. He is +but the son of a potter after all. Let him be whipped till he yield. Do +anything, have him whipped to the point of death—or better, offer him +fields, the hill of date-trees that is ours; offer him our flocks, and +my jewels and precious stones—tell him we know him for a living +god—but I would be healed. I would be healed! I would see! See! [<i>With +anger</i>] Ah! you know not the worth of the light, you whose eyes are +filled with it! You cannot picture my misery, you who suffer it not! You +grieve for me, I doubt not, but you think you have done enough, having +given me pity!—No, no, I am wrong—I am unjust. But forgive me; this +thought that I might be healed has made me mad. Rheou!—Think, Rheou, +what it means to be blind, to have been so always, and to know that +beside one are those who see—who see!—The humblest of our shepherds, +the most wretched of the women at our looms, I envy them. And when, at +times, I hear them complain, I curb myself lest I should strike them, +wretches that know not their good fortune. I feel that all you, you who +see, should never cease from songs of joy, and hymns of thanksgiving to +the gods—[<i>With an outburst</i>] I speak of sight! Think, Rheou, I have +not even a clear idea of what it means "to see." To recognize without +touch, to know without need to listen. To perceive the sun another way +than by the heat of its rays!—They say the flowers are so beautiful!—I +would see <i>you</i>, my well-beloved. Oh! the day when I shall see your +eyes!—I would see, that you may show me some likeness of the little +child we lost. You shall point out, among the rest, those that are most +like to him. This misery—O my beloved!—I do not often speak of it—but +I suffer it! I suffer it! [<i>She is in his arms</i>] They have taken from me +the hope that our gods will heal me, if they give me nothing in its +place,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> know you what I shall do?—I shall go away, alone, one night, +touching the walls, and the trees—and the trees, with my arms +outstretched; I shall go down as far as the Nile and there, gently, I +shall glide away to death.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Peace, O my best beloved!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>listening</i>] I hear him—he comes. I leave you with him! Lead +him to my door—love me—save me!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She attempts to go out, he leads her. Satni enters followed +by Nourm, Sokiti, and Bitiou.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Yes! Thou who art mighty!—Yes! Yes! Make me rich—I have had +blows of the stick so long! I would be rich to be able to give them in +my turn!—You have but to speak the magic words.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>somewhat brutally</i>] Leave me! I am no magician.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I, I do not ask for money. Listen not to him; he is bad. I, I +only ask that you make Khames die; he has taken from me the girl I would +have wed. [<i>Satni pushes him away. Sokiti, weeping, clings to his +garments</i>] Grant it, I implore you—I implore you!—My life is gone with +her—make him die, I pray you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Leave me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Hear me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou</span> [<i>coming between them and striking Sokiti</i>] Begone! Begone! He +would not hear you! [<i>Sokiti goes out</i>] Listen—listen—you see I made +him go. All—all whom you will, I shall beat them for you. Listen—if +you could make me tall like you, and steady on my legs—See—here—I +have hidden away, safe, three gold rings, that I stole a while since; I +will give them you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Go, take them to the high priest—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou</span> [<i>pitiably</i>] I have given four to him already.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p><div class="blockquot"><p><i>Sokiti and Nourm are conferring together. Enter Rheou. +They run away, Bitiou follows, falling and picking himself +up.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> What do they want of you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> They came here, following me. They believe me gifted with +supernatural power, and crave miracles of me, as though I were a God, or +a juggler. I am neither, and I work no miracles.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> None the less you have worked two miracles.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Not one.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> And you will work yet one more.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Never. I came hither not to perform miracles, but to prevent +them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> You will heal Mieris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No one can heal her, nor I, nor any other.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Give her a little hope.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> How can I?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Tell her you will invoke your God, and that some day perhaps—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I have no God. If there be a god, he is so great, so far from as, +so utterly beyond our comprehension, that for us it is as though he did +not exist. To believe that one of our actions, to believe that a prayer +could act upon the will of God, is to belittle him, to deny him. He is +himself incapable of a miracle; it would be to belie himself. Could he +improve his work, he would not then have created it perfect from the +first. He could not do it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Our ancient gods at least permitted hope.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Keep them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> In the heart of Mieris, you have destroyed them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Do you regret it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Not yet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> What would you say?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Even if it be true that sight will never be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> given her, do not +tell her so. Far better promise that she will be healed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> And to all the others, must I promise healing too? Because in a +house I relieved a child, whose illness sprang from a cause I could +remove; because a woman, ill in imagination, did cure herself by +touching my garment's hem; must I then descend to play the part of +sorcerer? I had behind me there, but now, a rabble of the wretched +imploring me, believing me all powerful, begging for them and theirs +unrealizable miracles. Should I then cheat them too, all those poor +wretches, promising what I know I cannot give? I came hither to make an +end of lies, not to replace them with others.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>with passion</i>] Ah! You would not lie. You would not lie to the +wretched. You would not lie to Mieris. You would lie to no one, is it +so?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> To no one.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> We shall see! [<i>Calling right</i>] Yaouma!—Let them send Yaouma! +[<i>To Satni</i>] Not to her either, then? Good; if you speak the truth to +her, if you deny that you have supernatural power, if you force her to +believe you had no hand in the miracle that saved her yesterday, she +will give herself to the priests, or she will kill herself! What will +you do?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Yaouma enters, she tries to prostrate herself before Satni, +who prevents her. In the meantime the Steward greatly moved +has come to whisper to Rheou.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>deeply moved</i>] He is there!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> In person.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> 'Tis an order of the Pharaoh then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> I am troubled.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out with the Steward.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>to Yaouma</i>] What is it ails you? Why are you so sad?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> You will want nothing more of me, now that you are a god.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Be not afraid: I am not a god.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Almost. 'Tis a daughter of the Pharaoh you will marry now.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I will marry you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> You will swear to.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> By Ammon?—[<i>Recollecting</i>] By your god?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> My god is not concerned with us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Who then is concerned with us?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No one.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> You do not want to tell me. You treat me as a child—mocking me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Why do you need an oath? I love you, and you shall be my wife.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>radiant</i>] I shall be your wife!—I, little Yaouma, I shall be +wife to a man whom the heavens obey!—[<i>A pause</i>] When I think that you +loosed the thunder for my sake—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No, vain child, I did not loose the thunder.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Yes, yes, yes—I understand. You want no one to know that you +have found the book of Thoth—fear not, I know how to hold my peace. +[<i>Coaxingly she puts her arms round Satni's neck and rubs her cheek +against his</i>] Tell me, how did you find it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I have not found the book of magic spells; besides, it would have +profited me nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Sit—you would not sit? They say 'tis shut up in three caskets, +hidden at the bottom of the sea.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I tell you again I neither sought, nor found it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> What do you do then, to strike fire from heaven?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I did not strike fire from heaven.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>crossly</i>] Oh! I do not love you now!—Yes, yes, yes, I love +you! [<i>A pause</i>] So it pleased you then, when you were going away in the +galley, to see me run barefoot on the bank—?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>angry</i>] But speak! speak! [<i>Checking herself, then more coaxing +still</i>] You wanted to weep? No? You said you did. For my part I know +not, then, I could see nothing. But the day of your return, when you +learned I was chosen for the sacrifice, then, then I saw your eyes—You +love me—You said to me you would prevent me going to the Nile. I +believed you not—you remember—Why! even yesterday, yes, yesterday +again, in spite of all your words, I was resolved to escape and go to +the temple. It needed this proof of your power!—tell me, it was you who +shook the heavens and the earth for me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Again!—You must think but little of me, to believe I should +reveal what you bade me keep secret. [<i>She lays her hands on Satni's +cheeks</i>] It <i>was</i> you, was it not?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No, no, no! a thousand times no!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> It was your gods then, your gods whom I know not.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Who was it then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No one.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>out of countenance</i>] No one! [<i>A pause</i>] You possess no power +that other men have not?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>the same</i>] You seem as one speaking truth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I speak the truth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> 'Tis a pity!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Why?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> It would have been more beautiful. [<i>A long grave pause</i>] To go +in the barge, on the Nile, that too had been more beautiful.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Rheou and the Steward enter</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou</span> [<i>agitated</i>] Go in, Yaouma. [<i>To the Steward</i>] Conduct her to her +mistress—and make known to her what has passed. [<i>Yaouma and the +Steward go out</i>] Satni, terrible news has come to me: the Pharaoh, +finding the people's enmity increase against him, has taken fright, and +striking first, the blow has fallen on me. My goods are confiscated. I +am sent to exile. The palace Chamberlain, but now, brought me the order +to quit my house to-day, and deliver myself to the army leaving for +Ethiopia.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Can you do nothing against this order?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Yes. I can kill those who gave it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Kill!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Listen. I bring you the means to win the triumph of your ideas, +and at the same time serve my cause. I can arm all the dwellers on my +lands. We two must lead them. They will follow you, knowing you all +powerful. Nay, hear me—wait. The soldiers, who fear you, will not dare +resist us, we shall kill the high priest, the Pharaoh if need be—we +shall be masters of Egypt.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I would not kill.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> So be it. Enough that you declare yourself ready to repeat the +miracle of yesterday.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I would not lie.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> If you would neither kill nor lie, you will never succeed in +governing men.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I would fight the priests of Ammon, not imitate them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> You will never triumph without doing so. Profit by events. Do not +deny the power they believe to be yours. Men will not follow you, if you +speak only<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> to their reason. You are above the crowd by your learning; +that gives you rights. You would lead them to the summits; to get there, +one must blindfold those who suffer from dizziness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I refuse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> One would think you were afraid of victory!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Rheou, 'tis not the victory of my ideas you seek, 'tis your own +vengeance, your own ambition.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> They wish to rush the people of Egypt into an unjust and useless +war. They hesitate; they feel the people lacking zest, that is why they +have delayed the going of the army till the feast of Prodigies. +To-morrow they will make the goddess speak, and all those poor creatures +will be led away. You can save thousands of lives by sacrificing a few.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I refuse. The truth will prevail without help from cruelty or +falsehood.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Never. The crowd is not a woman to be won by loud wooing, but one +who must be taken by force, whom you must dominate before you can +persuade.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Say no more, Rheou, I refuse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Blind! Fool! Coward!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Mieris enters, led by Yaouma. A moment later some +men—Bitiou, Sokiti, Nourm.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Rheou!—where are you? where are you? [<i>Yaouma leads her toward +him</i>] It is true, this that I hear?—Exile—Misery?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> It is true.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Courage—As for me, a palace or a cottage—I know not the one +from the other.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> [<i>to Satni</i>] Satni, can you still refuse?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You torture me! No, I will not be credited with power that is not +mine; to stir men up against their fellows—I would not kill, I tell +you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> I understand you, Satni—it is wrong to kill!—But look once +more upon me—I am poor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> now, I am going away, will you not consent to +heal me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>anguished</i>] Mieris—Could I have healed you, would it not be +done already?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> You can do it! I know you can do it! Work a miracle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> A miracle! Show that your god is more powerful than our gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man</span> [<i>who has just entered</i>] Heal us!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I am not able.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> Work a miracle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> There are no miracles!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> Then your gods are less mighty than ours.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yours do not exist.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The People</span> [<i>terrified at the blasphemy</i>] Oh!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> Why do you lead us away from our gods, if you have no others to +give us?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> You shall not insult our gods!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> We will hand you over to the priests lest the gods smite us for +hearing you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> Ammon will chastise us!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> Isis will abandon us!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> It will not make you more wretched.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> Then show us you are stronger than our gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> A miracle!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> He is stronger than our gods!} <span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> A miracle or I die!} +[<i>Together</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You demand it! You demand a miracle. Well, then, you shall have +one, I will do this, but in the presence of all! Go! go! go throughout +the domains—bring hither those you find bowed on the earth, or hung to +poles for drawing water. Go you others, summon the slaves, the piteous +workers—call hither<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> the drawers of stones, bid them drop the ropes +that flay their shoulders, bid them come.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> What would you do?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Convince them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Now of a sudden, brutally?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Brutally.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Do you believe them ready?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You are afraid.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Day comes not suddenly on night, between them is the dawn.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Delethi leads Mieris right under the peristyle.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I would have day, broad daylight—Now, at once, for all! 'Tis a +crime to <i>promise</i> them reward for their suffering. How do we know that +they will ever be paid?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> They are so miserable—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> The truth—is the truth good only for the rich? Will you add that +injustice to all the others? Behold them! [<i>Gradually the slaves and +workers of all kinds have entered till they fill the stage. Amongst them +Pakh, Sokiti, Bitiou the Dwarf</i>] Yes, behold them, the victims, behold +the wretched! I know you all. You, you are shepherd, you are worse +nourished than your flocks, and your beasts, at least, are not given +blows. They do not beat the cows nor the sheep. You, you sow and you +reap; beneath the sun, tortured by flies, you gather abundant crops. You +sleep in a hole. Others eat the corn you made grow, and sleep on +precious stuffs. You, you are forever drawing water from the Nile; +betwixt you and the ox they harness to another machine, there is no +difference, and yet you are a man. You, you are one of those who drag +great stones, to build the monuments of pride. You are a digger in the +tombs, you live a month or more without sight of day. To glorify the +death of others, you give your life. You are a trainer of lions for war; +your father was eaten—they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> would have wept had the lion died—How can +it be that you accept all this, when you see beside you happiness +without work, and abundance without effort? I will tell you. 'Tis +because, in the name of the god Ammon-Ra, they have said to you: "Have +patience, this injustice will last but a life-time." Fools! nothing but +that! All the time you are on earth, suffer, produce for others. Content +ye with hunger, you who produce food. Content ye with worse usage than +the swine, you who have guard of them. Content ye to sleep in the open, +you who build palaces and temples. Content ye with all miseries, you +carvers of gold, and setters of precious stones. Look without envy, +without anger, on the welfare of those who do nothing, all this will +last only the whole of your lives! After, in another world, you shall +have the fulness of all the crops, and the joy of all the pleasures. +Well, they lied to you: there is no island of souls, there are no happy +fields, there is no life of atonement after this. [<i>Loud murmurs</i>] They +have set up these gods for your servile adoration; they have counselled +you: "Bow down, these gods will avenge you." They have said: "Prostrate +yourselves, these gods are just." They have said: "Throw yourselves to +earth, these gods are good." They have declared them all powerful; shut +them in sanctuaries of awful gloom, whence you are shown them once a +year, to keep alive your terror of the Gods; and last, they have made +you believe no man may touch these images and live. I tell you they +lied—I will show you they lied to you. Behold the most mighty +Ammon—the father of the gods—I spit my hate at him! Thou art but an +idol; I curse thee for evil men have done in thy name! I curse thee in +the name of all the enslaved, in the name of all those they have cheated +with hopes of an avenging life; in the name of all who for thousands of +years have groaned and wept; suffered insult, outrage, blows, death, +without<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> thought of revolt, because promises made in thy name had +soothed their rage to sleep! And I curse thee for the sorrow that now +fills me, and for the ills that must come even of thy going! Die! [<i>He +throws a stool in the face of the statue</i>] You others do as I. Go, climb +their pedestals! Lay hold of their hands, they are lifeless! Strike, +'tis but an image! Spit in their faces, they are senseless! Strike! +Ruin! All this is nothing but hardened mud!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The crowd which had punctuated the words of Satni with +cries and murmurs has approached the statues behind him and +followed his example, blaspheming, and howling with fury. +The more courageous begin, being hoisted to the pedestals, +the rest follow suit. The gods are overthrown.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Now, let them open my granaries, that each may help himself; and +take from my flocks to sate you all.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Cries of joy, they go out slowly. Bitiou in the meantime +approaches an overthrown statue and still half-afraid, kicks +it. He tries to run, falls, picks himself up, then seeing +that decidedly there is no danger, seats himself on the +stomach of the goddess Thoueris and bursts into a peal of +triumphant bestial laughter.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Then he perceives the little statue of Isis which Mieris +shields with her arms, points it out to a couple of men who +advance to it.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> Mistress, they would take Isis!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>in tears</i>] Let me keep her—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> No, Mieris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>letting go</i>] Take her—[<i>Then</i>] Stay!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rheou.</span> Wherefore?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Can you part from her, and feel nothing? Even now, Satni, in +denouncing the gods to the fury of the crowd, you did not say +everything—You, who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> can see her, behold this little image, think how +many tears were shed before her, in the years since she was made. She +has been ours for generations. Call up the countless crowds of those who +have fixed their anxious looks upon her eyes, dead even as mine are. It +is for all the anguish she has looked upon, we must respect her. Tears +make holy. I doubt not you are right: she must be broken too—but not +without farewell. [<i>To Yaouma</i>] Where is she, Yaouma? I would say my +last prayer to her. [<i>To the statue</i>] Oh, them who didst not heal, but +didst console me; O thou who hast heard so many entreaties and +thanksgivings, thou art but clay! Yet men have given thee life; thy life +was not in thee, it was in them—and the proof is that thou diest, now +they have taken their soul from thee. I give thee over to those who +would break thee, but I revere thee, I salute thee, and I thank thee for +all the hope thou hast given me; and I thank thee in the name of all the +sorrows that thou hast sent to sleep. [To the men] Take her hence—let +them destroy her with respect.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They take Isis away.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> There is nothing so sad or so great as the death of a god! [<i>A +pause. To Yaouma, who comes through the crowd</i>] Behold, Yaouma! The gods +are dead and I live—behold them! Do you believe me—do you believe me?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Sadly Yaouma looks at the broken statues, then bursts into +tears before Satni, who stands amazed.</i></p></div> + +<h4>CURTAIN</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> +<h2>ACT III</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>:—<i>The yard in front of the potter's hut. On the right from the +middle of the back of the scene to the footlights, the walls of the +dwelling made of beaten clay. Two unequal doors. The wall is slightly +raised supporting a terrace where pottery of all kinds is drying in the +sun. Left, a wall of loose stones high enough to lean on. Between the +wall and the house an opening leading to an invisible inclined plane +that descends to the Nile, the water and opposite bank of which are +visible. Behind the house and on the right groups of lofty palms. The +whole is abject misery beneath the splendor of a heaven blazing with +light.</i></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><i>Kirjipa, crouching down, is grinding corn between a large and a small +stone. Satni is seated on the wall dreaming.</i></div> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> Son.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Mother.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> And so you do not believe that when the moon grows little by +little less, 'tis because it is eaten by a pig?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No, mother.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> Then what beast eats it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> None.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa</span> [<i>laughing</i>] You have ideas that are not reasonable. What makes +me marvel, is that your father seems to understand them. I must haste to +make the bread, that he find it when he returns.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Here comes the messenger from Rheou.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa</span> [<i>horrified</i>] The messenger of him who kills the gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> We do not kill what has no life.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> I would not see him. [<i>She picks up her corn</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> Brrr!—[<i>To herself</i>] To-morrow I shall burn some sacred herbs +here. [<i>She goes out</i>].</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Steward enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Satni, I have been seeking you. Since this morning unhappy +things have come to pass—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yaouma is not in danger, or Mieris, of Rheou?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> No. All three are safe in the palace.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> You remember the order the master gave me this morning, after +the death of the gods?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Yes, to open his granaries to all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yes, yes, well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> When I went to obey, to my amazement I beheld the men stand by +the door in earnest converse, then without entering they withdrew. This +is what happened. They went to the house of the neighboring master, +roused his servants and laborers, and strove to force them to overthrow +the statues of his gods, and rob him of his corn. They killed his +steward. Soldiers came—Nepk had been killed, others too. Then all were +scattered. The master sent me to bid you reason with those whom you +might find. Look! there are some who have taken refuge here! [<i>To some +men who are outside</i>] Enter—come—Satni would speak with you!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Bitiou, Sokiti, and Nourm appear behind the wall. Bitiou +comes in.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>To Bitiou</i>] Whither go you?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Whither go you? Whence come you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> I followed the others—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Whence come you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> I came back with the others, Sokiti and Nourm.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Where are they?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> There.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Bid them enter.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>going to the door</i>] Sokiti, Nourm, come.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Sokiti and Nourm enter awkwardly.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Why do you hide yourselves?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> We do not hide from you, but from the Lybian soldiers.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Why do you fear them?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Because they are chasing us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> And why are they chasing you?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The three men look at each other.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Bitiou, answer.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> Bitiou knows not.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward</span> [<i>to the others</i>] You know it, you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> They took us for the others.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> What others?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Perhaps they took us for the servants of the neighboring master.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> They have done mischief, then, the servants of the neighboring +master? [<i>Pause</i>] Answer—you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm</span> [<i>to Satni</i>] They did that at his house, that you made us do at +yours.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> The priests heard of it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> No, but the master sent for the soldiers.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Only for that!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> I know not.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Had there been nothing else, he would not have sent for the +Lybian soldiers. He knew our projects—he is with us. There is something +else, eh!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Bitiou yawns loudly.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>to Nourm</i>] Tell.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> They were angered with the master. He was bad, the master.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> He is hard, but he gives much to those who have nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> He gave here, that he might receive hereafter.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> After his death.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> And now he gives no more?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Ah!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> Nothing—and so, all stomachs empty, very much. [<i>He laughs</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> He gives only blows of the stick now.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>with conviction</i>] One cannot live on that alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> And so his servants asked him for corn?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> No good—only blows of the stick.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> They <i>took</i> the corn that was refused them?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Hunger! [<i>A gesture</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You knew they were going to do that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> It was for that you went to join them?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> It came into our heads like this: better not take corn from the +good master, but take it from the bad one.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Justice!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou</span> [<i>to the Steward</i>] You content. You still got all your corn.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He laughs, his comrades laugh with him.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> You, we like you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> You—good! We—good!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> See!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou</span> [<i>collecting two ideas</i>] Wait: neighboring master bad. They bad. +[<i>To the others</i>] Heh?—Heh?—you see—Heh? Heh? [<i>All three draw +themselves up proudly and laugh</i>] And the steward he bad, he dead—well +done!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> What would he say?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>laughing</i>] They took the steward and then—[<i>Chokes with +laughter</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> They gave him back all the blows of the stick they had had from +him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You saw that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>proudly</i>] Me too, me too—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> I laugh very much—because—because—Steward, very big, strong, +and then when very much beaten, fell down—fell on the ground—like me! +like me! He, big, he fell down just the same—he like Bitiou—I very +glad. [<i>During what follows he plays with his foot</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> What they have done is bad.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> No. The steward had been happy all his life. He was old.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> He was old. So 'tis not bad to have killed him—He had +finished—He was fat—and he had lost his appetite—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Only just, he should leave his place to another.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> We must not kill.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> What does that mean?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Yes, kill a good one, that is bad. But kill a bad one, that is +good.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> And if you are mistaken?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> No, he is bad, I kill him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> What if he be not bad, and you think him so?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> If he were not bad, I should not think it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> You do not understand—Listen, I am not bad, am I?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> But we do not want to kill you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Let me speak. You remember Kob the black. He thought me bad.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> And if he had killed me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> We are not blacks—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> You do not understand me. Consider. He thought me bad. I am not +bad. What you were saying, would justify him if he had killed me.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They consider.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I understand. You say: If the slave had killed me—no, it is not +that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Human life must be respected.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Gravely they make sign of acquiescence, to escape further +torment. Nourm picks up a package he had brought and turns +to go out unobserved.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> What are you carrying there?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Nothing, 'tis mine—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> That is a necklace—show. [<i>Begins to open the package</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Yes, a necklace.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> From whom did you take it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> From the neighboring master.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Do you think you did well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm</span> [<i>hesitating</i>] Why—yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You are wrong.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Be not afraid, no one saw me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> It is wrong.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> No. What can wrong me, is wrong. Since no one saw me, they will +not punish me. So it is not wrong.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Wrong not to you, but to the neighboring master.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> He has many others.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Has had them for years, he has! Nourm never had one. Not just. +I, I never had, this—[<i>He holds up a bracelet</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You have taken this bracelet!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>delighted</i>] It is mine.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> We are content.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They laugh.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> And Bitiou—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni and Sokiti.</span> Yes, Bitiou—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> He took the best thing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> A woman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> By force?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> No woman would come willingly with Bitiou.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> But she escaped from him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> Yes. [<i>He weeps</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You must give back the necklace and this bracelet to the +neighboring master.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Give back, but he has others!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You cannot make yourself the judge of that. If you were selling +perfumes, for instance, would you think it natural that a man should +come and take them from you, because you had plenty and he had none?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> You tell me hard things.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You must give back this bracelet, Sokiti.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Yes, master.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> And you the necklace.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Yes, master.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A sorrowful pause.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> See, you are sad. You perceive that you did wrong.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Yes, we did wrong<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Ah!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> We did wrong to tell you what we did, because you are not +pleased.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> 'Tis for your sake I am grieved.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Then you have not told the truth; there is a hell, and there is +an island of souls.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> If the gods do not punish, and men, not having seen, do not +punish either—[<i>Pause</i>] Well—I shall give it back.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I, I shall not give back. Not stolen. Another, a servant of the +neighboring master stole the bracelet, not I!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Yet 'tis you who have it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I took it from the other.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> He let you do it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Yes. Could not help it, he was wounded.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You should have succored him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I did not know him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> He was a man like you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> There are plenty of them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> We must do good to others.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> What good will that do to me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You will be content with yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I would rather have the bracelet—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> It is only by refraining from doing one another harm that mankind +may hope to gain happiness; nay more, only by lending one another aid. +Do you understand?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>gloomily</i>] Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> And you, and you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm and Bitiou</span> [<i>in different tones</i>] Yes, yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward</span> [<i>to Sokiti</i>] Repeat it then.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> If men did not steal bracelets—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> Bracelets—[<i>He laughs</i>].<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>to Nourm</i>] And you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> He was wrong to take the bracelet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Because you are not pleased.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No, no, 'tis not for that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I was not wrong—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Yes! wait! I understand—If you steal, another may steal from +you. Likewise if you kill—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Right. And why is it necessary to be good?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> Wait [<i>To Sokiti</i>] If you do good to one whom you know not, +another who knows you not, may do good to you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Ah!—Do you understand, Sokiti?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> I think so.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Explain.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti</span> [<i>after a great effort</i>] You do not want us to steal bracelets +from you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I do not want you to steal from any one—Do you understand?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sokiti.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward</span> [<i>to Bitiou, who listens open-mouthed</i>] And you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> I—I have a pain in my head—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Satni comes to the Steward. Bitiou and Sokiti slip off.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> Look at them—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> The tree that was bent from its birth, not in one day can you +make it straight?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> We must leave it what it is, or tear it down?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No, we must seek patiently to straighten it. [<i>With feeling</i>] And +above all we must keep straight those that are young.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Cries are heard outside.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Steward.</span> What cries are those?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Women in distress.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Yaouma enters, leading Mieris. Both are agitated.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Come, mistress—come—We are at the house of the potter, the +father of Satni—Satni help—quick! quick! Run! your father, Satni!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Mieris, Yaouma, how come you here?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> They will tell you—go!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Fly to the rescue, he is wounded!—I have sent to the palace for +those who drive out the evil spirits.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> We were set upon by some men.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> He defended us—But they will kill him—go!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Satni and the Steward seize some arms left by Nourm and run +out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Yaouma! He is wounded! Wounded in saving us—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Alas!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>listening</i>] Who is there?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nourm.</span> I, mistress.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Nourm! Run to the palace, bid them send hither those who drive +forth the evil spirits—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Alas! mistress, I do fear—already he has fallen—struck to +earth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> They will save him, they will bear him hither—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Will they bear him hither alive?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>to Nourm</i>] Run!—You hear!—Run to the palace, bid those who +assist at the last hour be ready to come. If he have died defending us, +the same honors shall be paid him as though ourselves were dead! Go! +[<i>Nourm goes out. A pause</i>] Now, Yaouma, lead me out upon the road to +the Nile.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Mistress, you seek to die? Many then must be your sorrows!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Alas! Alas! Why did you discover my flight? Why did you seek me, +find me, and bring me back<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Had I not guessed your purpose?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> What have I left to live for?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> You have lived all these years in spite of your affliction, what +is there that is changed?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> What is there that is changed! You ask me what is changed! Until +now I lived in the hope of a miracle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Perhaps it would never have come.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Even at my last hour I should have still looked for it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Then you would have died believing in a lie—if what they say be +true.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> What matter, I had smiled as I died, thinking death but the +journey to a land where my lost child was waiting for me. The death of a +child! No mother ever can believe, at heart, in that. It is too +unjust—too cruel to be possible. One says to oneself: it is but a +separation! Oh! Satni, thy doctrines may be the truth. But they declare +this separation eternal; they make the death of our loved ones final, +irreparable, horrible, therefore I foretell thee this: Women will never +believe them! What is there that is changed?—Yesterday, children came +playing close to us. You know how their cries and laughter made me +glad—the voice of one of them was like the voice of mine. I made him +come, I put out my hand, in the old way. I felt, at the old height, +tossed hair, and the warmth of a living body. And I did not weep, but my +voice spoke in my heart and said: "Little child, thy years are as many +as his, whom she-who-loves-the-silence took from me. But in Amenti, +where he is, in the island of souls, he is happier than thou, for he is +safe from all the ills that threaten thee. He is happier than thou. He +lives beneath a sun of gold, amid flowers of strange beauty, and +perfumed baths refresh him. And when she-who-loves-the-silence takes me +in my turn, <i>I shall see him, I shall see him</i> for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> the first time—and +I shall fondle him as I fondle thee, and none, then, may put us asunder. +Go, little child, the happy ones are not on this side of the earth!" Now +have I lost the hope of a better life before death, and the hope of a +better life beyond as well. If you took both crutches from a cripple, he +would fall. Only this twofold hope sustained me. They have taken it from +me. And so, it is the end, it is the end—'tis as though I were fallen +from a height, I am broken, I have no strength left to bear with life: I +tell you, it is the end, it is the end!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>with intense fervor</i>] Mistress, they speak not the truth!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Our gods, did they exist, would already have taken vengeance.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Before the outrage, already, they had taken vengeance on you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Good Yaouma, you would give me back my faith, you who could not +keep your own.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Mistress, I lied to you; nothing is destroyed in me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> You refuse to give yourself in sacrifice!—Oh, you are right....</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I do not refuse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> You do not?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> No. Know you how I learned, a while ago, that you were gone?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> How?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I, too, was seeking to escape.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> You?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> To go to the temple, to place myself in hands of the priests, to +give to Ammon the victim he has chosen.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Do you believe in all these fables still?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>in a low voice</i>] Mistress, I have <i>seen</i> Isis.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Has one of her images been spared then?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> It was not an image that I saw. It was Isis herself, the +goddess—I have <i>seen</i> her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> You—you have seen—what is it? I know not what you say—to +see—that word has no clear sense for me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> She has spoken to me—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> You have heard her voice—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I have heard her voice.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> How! How!—You were sleeping—'twas in a dream—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I did not sleep. I did not dream. I saw her. I heard her. I was +alone, and I wept. A great sound filled me with terror. A great light +blinded me. Perfumes unknown ravished my senses. And I beheld the +goddess, more beauteous than a queen. Then all was gone—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> But her voice—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> The next day she came again, she spoke to me, she called me by +name and said to me: "Egypt will be saved by thee."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Why did you not speak of it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I feared they would not believe me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Oh, Yaouma, how I envy you! If you but knew the ill they have +done me. They have half killed me, killing all the legends and all the +memories that were mine. They made me blush at my simplicity. I felt +shamed to have been so easily fooled by such gross make-believes. And +now, what have I gained by this revelation? My soul is a house after the +burning, black, ruined, empty. Nothing is left but ruins, ruins one +might laugh at. [<i>In tears</i>] I am parched with thirst, I hunger, I +tremble with cold. They have made my soul blind, too. I cry out for +help, for consolation. Oh! for a lie, some other lie, to replace the one +they have taken away from me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Why ask a lie? Why not forget what they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> have said. Why not +recall what you learned at your mother's knee—Why not, yourself, set up +in your heart again, those images which they threw down—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Yes! Yes! I will do it. They have awakened my reason, and killed +my faith. I shall kill my reason, to revive our gods. Though I no longer +believe, I shall do the actions of believers—and, if my god be false, I +shall believe so firmly in him that I shall make him true!—Yes, the +lowest, the most senseless superstitions, I venerate them, I exalt—I +glory in them! The ugliest, the most deformed, the most unreal of our +gods, I adore them, and I bow down before their impossibility. [<i>She +kneels</i>] Oh, I stifle in their petty narrow world, sad as a forest +without birds! Air! Air! Singing! The sound of wings! Things that fly!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>kneeling</i>] Let me be sacrificed!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Let me have a reason for living!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I would give my life to the gods who gave me birth!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> I would believe that there is some one above men!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Some one who watches over us!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Who will console as with his justice!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Some one to cry our sorrows to!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Yes, some one to pray to, and to thank!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>sobbing</i>] Oh! the pity of it, to feel we were abandoned!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>throwing herself in Yaouma's arms</i>] I would not be abandoned!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> We are not! Gods! Gods!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Gods! We need gods! There are too many sorrows, it is not +possible this earth should groan as it groans beneath a pitiless +heaven—Ammon, reveal thyself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Isis, show thyself! Have pity! [<i>A pause. Then in a hushed +voice</i>] Mistress, I think she is going<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> to appear to me +again!—Isis!—mistress—do you hear—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>listening</i>] I hear nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Singing—the sound of harps—'tis she—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> I do not hear—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> She speaks! Yes—goddess!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Do you see her?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>in ecstasy</i>] I see her! She is bending down above us—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> O goddess!—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> She is gone—Mistress, you could not see her, but did you hear +the sound of her feet?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> Yes, I believe I heard it—I believe and I am comforted.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> I am happy! To the temple! She beckoned me! To the temple! Come!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They go up. Rheou meets them and leads them away. Satni +enters with some men bearing Pakh, who is wounded. Kirjipa +almost swooning follows, supported by some women who lead +her into the house. The Exorcist, who with his two +assistants follows Pakh, takes some clay from a coffer +carried by one of his men, shapes it into a ball, and +begins, then, the incantation.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Exorcist.</span> Pakh! Son of Ritii! Through thy wound an evil spirit has +entered thee. I am about to speak the words that shall drive him out: +"The virtues of him who lies there, and who suffers, are the virtues of +the father of the gods. The virtues of his brow are the virtues of the +brow of Thoumen. The virtues of his eye are the virtues of the eye of +Horus, who destroys all creatures."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A pause.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Begone!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Exorcist.</span> His upper lip is Isis. His lower lip is Neptes, his neck is +the goddess, his teeth are swords, his flesh is Osiris, his hands are +divine souls, his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> fingers are blue serpents, snakes, sons of the +goddess Sekhet—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Begone! I no longer believe in your power!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Exorcist</span> [<i>taking a doll from the coffer</i>] Horus is there! Ra is there! +Let them cry to the chiefs of Heliopolis—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Have done!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He knocks down the doll which the Exorcist holds over him. +The music stops suddenly.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Exorcist.</span> The evil spirits are strongest in him. He will die. Only his +son has the right to be with him at death.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>All go out save Pakh and Satni.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> My father—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> You are there, my son—'tis well—I am glad—that that maker of +spells is gone. [<i>Simply</i>] Heal me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yes, father, you shall be healed. But you must have patience.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh</span> [<i>simply</i>] Heal me, now, at once.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I cannot.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Why do you not want to heal me?—See you not that I am wounded—I +suffer—come, give me ease—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I would give all, that it were in my power to do so.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> You know prayers that our priests know not—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I know no prayers.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh</span> [<i>in anguish</i>] You are not going to let me die?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You will not die—have confidence.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> Confidence? In what? [<i>A pause</i>] You cannot heal me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I cannot.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> All your knowledge, then, is but knowledge of how to destroy—My +son!—I pray you—my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> blood goes out with my life—I do not want to die! +I pray you—give me your hand. I seem to be sinking into night—hold me +back—you will not let me die—your father! I am your father. I gave you +life—hold me back—all grows dim around me—But at least do +something—speak—say the incantations—[<i>He raises himself</i>] No! No! I +refuse to die! I am not old. [<i>Strongly</i>] I will not! I will not! Do not +let go my hand! I would live, live—All my life, I have worked, I have +sorrowed, I have suffered—Satni—will you let me go before I share the +peace and happiness you promised—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Oh! My father!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> You weep—I am lost, then—Yes—I have seen it in your eyes. And +the silence deepens around me. To die—to die—[<i>A long pause</i>] And +after? [<i>Pause</i>] And so this is a poor man's life! Work from childhood, +blows. Then work, always, without profit. Only for bread. And still +work. For others. Not one pleasure. We die. And 'tis finished! You came +back to teach me that—Work—blows—misery—the end. [<i>A silence</i>] What +did you come here to do? Is that your work? [<i>Strongly</i>] Satni, Satni! +Give me back my faith! I want it! Ah! Why were you born a destroyer? Is +that your truth? You are evil—you were able to prove that all was +false. Prove to me now that you lied! I demand it! Give me back my +faith, give me back the simple mind that will comfort me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Do not despair—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> I despair because the happy fields do not exist—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yes, father, yes, they exist—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> You lied, then!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I lied.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> They exist—and if I die—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> If you die, you will go to Osiris, you will become Osiris.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pakh.</span> It is not true. 'Tis now you lie—There is no Osiris! There is no +Osiris! Nothing! there is nothing—but life. I curse you, you who taught +me that [<i>He almost falls from his litter, Satni reverently lifts him +up</i>] Ah! accursed! Accursed! I die in hate, in rage, in fear. Bad son! +Bad man! I curse you, come near. [<i>Seizing him by the throat</i>] Oh! If I +were strong enough!—I would my nails might pierce your throat—Ah! Ah! +accursed [<i>He lets him go</i>] All my life lost! All my suffering +useless!—Forever—Never! Never! shall I know—Pity! [<i>He holds out his +arms to Satni and falls dead</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>horror-stricken</i>] He is dead!—[<i>He lifts him reverently and +lays him on the litter</i>] Father! For me, too, at this moment there would +have been comfort in a lie—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He weeps, kneeling by the body with his arms stretched over +it. Kirjipa appears at the door of the house. She comes +near, then standing upright cries out to the four points of +the horizon, tearing her hair.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> The master is dead! The master is dead! The master is dead! The +master is dead!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The five mourners appear outside, Delethi, Nazit, Hanou, +Zaya, and Nagaou.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa</span> [<i>with cries that are calls</i>] The master is dead! The master is +dead!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mourners</span> [<i>entering</i>] The master is dead! The master is dead!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Music till the end of the scene.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> O my father!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mourners</span> [<i>louder and in a chant</i>] O my master! O my father!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> O my beloved!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mourners.</span> The she-wolf, death; the she-wolf, death; the she-wolf, death, +has taken him!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They rush at the body, kissing it with piercing cries. They +beat their breasts, uttering long cries, after silent +pauses. Kirjipa and another woman dance a hieratic dance, +their feet gliding slowly over the ground. They bend to +gather handfuls of earth, which they scatter on their heads +as they dance. The cries are redoubled.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa</span> [<i>after bowing before the corpse</i>] Go in peace towards Abydos! +Go in peace towards Osiris!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Towards Abydos! Towards Osiris! To the West, thou who wast the best +of men!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> If it please the gods, when the day of eternity comes, we shall +see thee, for behold thou goest towards the earth that mixeth men.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Towards Abydos! Towards Osiris!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They make believe to bear away the corpse; ritual +movements.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> O my husband! O my brother! O my beloved! Stay, live in thy +place. Pass not away from the earthly spot where thou art! Leave him! +Leave him! Wherefore are ye come to take him who abandons me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mourners</span> [<i>in a fury of despair</i>] Groans! Groans! Tears! Sobs! Sobs! +Make, make lamentation without end, with all the strength that is given +you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The music stops.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa</span> [<i>to the corpse</i>] Despair not. Thy son is there!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They point to Satni.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Despair not. Thy son is there!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi.</span> When I have spoken, and after me Hanou, and after her Nazit, +thy son will speak the magic words, whose power shall make thee go even +unto Osiris, before the two and forty judges. They shall place thy heart +in the balance, and thou shalt say: "I have done wrong to no man, I have +done nothing that is abominable in the sight of the gods."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>to himself</i>] No, I will not speak the magic words.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The music begins again.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Despair not! Thy son is there!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hanou.</span> Despair not, thy son is there. When I have spoken and after me +Nazit, thy son will say the magic prayers whose power shall bring thee +even unto Osiris, and thou shalt say: "I have starved none, I have made +none weep, I have not killed, I have not robbed the goods of the +temples."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>to himself</i>] No, I will say no useless words.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Despair not! Thy son is there!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Nazit.</span> Despair not! Thy son is there! When I have spoken he will say the +sacred words whose power shall bring thee even unto Osiris and thou +shalt say: "I did not filch the fillets from the mummies, I did not use +false weights, I did not snare the sacred birds. I am pure—"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> I am pure! I am pure!—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa</span> [<i>continuing</i>] Give to me what is my due, to me who am pure. +Give me all that heaven gives, all that the earth brings forth, all that +the Nile bears down from its mysterious springs. Despair not! Thy son is +there! Thy son will say the sacred words!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A pause. All look at Satni.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No, I will not say words that are lies!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>General consternation. Kirjipa comes to him and lays her +hands on his shoulders.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> Speak the sacred words!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> No!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Kirjipa.</span> Accursed!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She falls in a swoon. The women press round her. Satni +bursts into sobs.</i></p></div> + + +<h4>CURTAIN</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> +<h2>ACT IV</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>:—<i>The interior of a temple.</i></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><i>Columns, huge as towers and covered with hieroglyphics. On the left the +Sanctuary; in the foreground in a little nook, invisible to the +faithful, but visible to the audience is installed the machinery for the +miracle, a lever, and ropes. Against the central pillar two thrones, one +magnificent, that of the Pharaoh; the other simple, that of the High +Priest.</i></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><i>The Pharaoh, the High Priest, an officer, an old man, and six priests +discovered. When the curtain rises all are seated, the priests on little +chairs between the two thrones.</i></div> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The Officer</span> [<i>prostrated before the Pharaoh</i>] Pharaoh! may Ammon-Ra +preserve thy life in health and strength!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> [<i>with fury</i>] My orders! My orders!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Officer.</span> Lord of the two Egypts, friend of Ra, favorite of Mentu, +may Ammon—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Enough! my orders!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Officer.</span> I would have died—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> The wish shall be granted, be assured, and soon! My orders! +Dog, why did you not carry out my orders?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Officer.</span> Satni—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Satni! Yes, Satni, the impostor! Where is he?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Officer.</span> Pharaoh—may Ammon, Soukou Ra, Horus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> I will have you whipped till your blood run—Satni! Where +is Satni! I sent you to seize him! Where is he?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Officer.</span> No one knows.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Scoundrel! You are his accomplice!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Officer.</span> O Ammon!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Did you go to the house of his father, to Rheou?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Officer.</span> We searched them in vain.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> He has taken flight, then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Officer.</span> I know not.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> You are a traitor! You shall die! Take him out! And you +others, hear the commands of the High Priest and begone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Let each fulfil the mission he is charged with. Let the +young priests mix with the crowd, the moment it enters the Temple. Let +them excite the people's fervor, that as many prodigies as possible may +be won from the goddess. Now when you are gone the stones that screen +the sanctuary will roll away before the Pharaoh and the High Priest; +and, first by right, they shall behold the goddess face to face. Humbly +prostrated we shall speak to her the mysterious words that other men +have never heard. Bow down before the Pharaoh, may he live in health and +strength [<i>All kneel and remain with their faces on the ground during +what follows, save an old man whom the High Priest calls to his side by +a sign; and to whom he says in low tones</i>] Let the man Satni be taken +from the crypt where he is imprisoned [<i>The old man bows</i>] When I give +the signal let them bring him here. While the Pharaoh goes in procession +through the town let them do what I have told you [<i>The old man bows</i>] +[<i>To the others</i>] Rise! [<i>To the Pharaoh</i>] Son of Ammon-Ra, bow down +before him who represents the god.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> [<i>The Pharaoh rises and after a +slight hesitation bows down before the High Priest</i>] Withdraw, we would +pray. [<i>Motionless the High Priest and the Pharaoh wait till the last of +the assistants are gone</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh</span> [<i>giving up his hieratic pose, angrily</i>] I would all the +flies of Egypt might eat thy tongue.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest</span> [<i>without feeling</i>] The flies of Egypt are too many and my +tongue is too small, for your wish to be realized, Pharaoh.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> This is the result of my weakness!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest</span> [<i>with flattering unction</i>] The Pharaoh, Son of +Ammon-Ra—Lord of the two Egypts—Friend of Ra—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Enough! Enough! We are alone. There are none whom your +words may deceive. And your mock-reverence fools not me. You would not +let me put Satni to death, your subtleties confused my mind, I gave in +to you, and now Satni escapes us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> You should not let anger master you for that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Satni has foretold to thousands of ears that there will be +no miracle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> The miracle will be.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Who knows that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> I.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Satni has declared he will enter the temple—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> 'Tis possible.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> He has declared he knows the secret recess, whence one of +your priests makes the head of the image move.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Most like he speaks the truth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> He declares the miracle will not take place. If the people +suffer this disappointment, tell me what chance can there be for the war +of conquest I would wage in Ethiopia?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Why wage a war of conquest in Ethiopia?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> I need gold. I need women. I need slaves. There will be a +share of the spoil for your temple.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> I like not bloodshed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> The treasury is empty. Our whippings are useless now. Our +blows no longer bring forth taxes. If the people lose confidence in the +gods, what will happen to-morrow? Who will follow me, unless they +believe the gods confirm my orders?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Satni will not prevent the miracle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> What do you know of it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> I know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Is Satni dead?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> He lives.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh</span> [<i>suddenly guessing</i>] You are hiding him!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> You knew I was about to rid me of him, and you took him to +prevent me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> What do you intend?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> It shall be done with him as I wish, not as you wish.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> His crime is a crime against Egypt.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> A crime against me. That is still more grave. Therefore be +satisfied.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Why then all these ceremonies before you kill him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> That all may know his faults.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Satni was one of yours, and you defend him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> We must not make martyrs—if we can avoid it. In killing +Satni you would have killed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> only a man. If what I dream succeed, I +shall kill his work. That is a better thing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> What will you make of him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> A priest.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> A priest?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> He was initiated before he went away. He was then a young +man, pious and wise. On his travels he lost some piety, and gained some +wisdom.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Have I not always said: "it is not good to travel."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> I think like you. Travellers learn too much. Yet am I +hopeful. I shall bring him back to our gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> You will fail.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> He who for long has breathed the air of temples can never +wholly clear his breast of it. If he give way, he shall never leave the +house of the Gods again, if he be still rebellious, he shall leave to go +to his death.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> I order you to give Satni up to me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> I would I might bow to your will. But he is a priest: his +life is sacred. And I may not transgress the orders given me by the +Gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Prate not of these follies to me—do you take me for one of +your priests? Obey! I command you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Do you take me for one of your soldiers?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> I command it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> The gods forbid.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> I laugh at your gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Beware lest your people hear.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> I would be master, in truth. And more, I refuse to submit +to the humiliation that again you put on me a while ago.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> How should that humiliate you? Before you, the highest bow +down.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Yes. And straightway, then, I must bow me down before you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> You salute, not me, but the god whom I represent.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> I pay homage to the god, it is the priest who receives it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest</span> [<i>faintly smiling</i>] Rest assured! I pass it on to him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> And you mock me, besides! Oh! if I but dared to kill you, +hypocrite!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Vain man!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> You tremble at sight of a sword, coward!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Being a butcher, you know only how to kill.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Liar!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Who made you Pharaoh?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Pharaoh.</span> Beware lest one day I have you thrown to my lions!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Beware lest one day I strike the crown of the two Egypts +from your head, telling the people the god has set his face against you! +[<i>A pause</i>] Come, we must work together. We complete each other. To +govern men, we have both the reality of the evils you inflict on them, +and the hope of the good I promise them. Believe me, we must work +together. The day that one of us disappears, the fate of the other will +be in jeopardy—I perceive they make sign to me. They think our prayers +are long and fervent. The hour is come for you to receive the +acclamation of your people, and follow them to the shrine of Isis—when +Satni will not prevent the miracle, I pledge my word to that.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The cortége comes on and goes out with Pharaoh. Satni is +led before the High Priest.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> You know me again!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>troubled</i>] Yes, you are the High Priest.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest</span> [<i>with sweet gentleness</i>] I, too, I know you again. Your +father is a potter. You were brought up and taught by us. In the crowd +of neophytes I singled you out by your gentleness, your great +intelligence; and I saw you destined for the highest dignities. I +esteemed you, I was fond of you. We took you from wretchedness. What you +know, for the most part, you owe to us. This thing that you have done +should anger me—I am only sad, my son. [<i>A pause</i>] You are troubled.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yes, I looked for threats, for torture. The kindness of your +voice unmans me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Be not distressed. Forget who I am. None hear us. Let us +talk together as father and son. Or better, since your learning makes +you worthy, as two men. You have proclaimed broadcast that the miracle +will not come to pass.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> The goddess is stone. Stone does not move itself. The image will +not bow its head unless man intervene.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> That is evident.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You admit it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> To you, yes. We give to each one the faith he deserves. Had +you remained with us, at each step in the priesthood you would have +beheld the gods rise with you, become more immaterial, more noble, as +you became more learned. We give to the people the gods they can +understand. Our god is different. He is the one who exists in essence. +The one who lives in substance, the sole procreator who was not +engendered, the father of the fathers, the mother of mothers. The one +and only. And we crave his pardon for belittling him by miracles. But +they are part of that faith which alone contents the simple-minded. You +are above them—I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> admit freely that the miracle could be prevented. You +declared it would not take place—you have found the means to make it +impossible?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>suspecting the trap</i>] I said that, left to herself, the goddess +would not move.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> To say only that, would not have served you. You intended +to prevent the miracle. Come, admit it—it is so.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Perhaps.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> By seizing you, I prevent your committing the sacrilege. +Your purpose will not be realized. In an hour the festival of the +Prodigy will take place, and you are my prisoner. It follows then, the +miracle will be performed—you believe that, do you not?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>after a pause</i>] Yes, I believe it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> And so your cause is lost. [<i>A pause</i>] Listen to me; the +priests who have taken their final vows are as wise and as little +credulous as you. I offer you a place among them. Return to us. A little +wisdom banishes the gods—great wisdom brings them back.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I refuse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> My son, my son, you will not cause me this sorrow. Think +what you will drive me to, if you refuse—Satni, do not force me to send +you before the tribunal, whose sentence must be death. Death, for you, +so young, whose future is so bright!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I do not fear death.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Besides—I mind me—you were betrothed to that little +Yaouma whom the god has chosen as victim. You know she may be saved from +the sacrifice, if she become the wife of a priest. They guarded her but +ill at Rheou's house, she is here. I have seen her; she is kind and +gentle, and you would lead a happy life with her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yaouma! Yaouma! [<i>He hides his face</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest</span> [<i>laying a hand on his shoulder</i>] So that on one side is +Yaouma's death and yours; on the other, happiness with her—and power. +Say nothing. I speak as a father might, you can see. I say besides, that +you will better serve the crowd in leaving them their gods. I wish to +convince you of it, and you will stay with us—weep no more. You will +stay, will you not? Wait! Hear me, before you answer. You seek happiness +for the lower orders? There is no happiness for them without religion. +Already you have seen what they become, when it is taken from them. The +riots of yesterday cost your father his life. He suffered much, they +tell me. Is it true? I do not know the details. You saw him die, did you +not? Tell me how it happened.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Ah! I was right. It was in truth torture that awaited me here. +You have guessed you would gain nothing racking my body—you keep your +torments for my heart.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Have I said other than what is true? The conversions that +your preaching made were followed by disorders—was it not then that +your father was wounded? I knew him. He was a man, simple and good. You +are the cause of his death, as you will be the cause of Yaouma's.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Peace! You would have my sorrows crush my will!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> I shall speak of them no more. But think of the people of +Egypt, what evils you would bring on them! If you take away their +religion, what will keep them virtuous?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> What you call their virtue, is only their submission.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> You let loose their vilest instincts, if you remove the +fear of the gods.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> The fear of the gods has prevented fewer crimes than were needed +to create it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Be it so. But it exists.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> It is your interest to spread the belief, that the fear of the +gods is a restraint. And you know that it is not. You do not leave the +punishment of crime to the gods. You have the lash, hard labor in the +mines; you have scaffolds, you have executioners. No one believes +sincerely in the happy life beyond the grave. If we believed, we should +kill ourselves, the sooner to reach the Island of the Souls, the fields +of Yalou.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> By what then are the appetites restrained?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> By the laws, by the need of the esteem of others—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> We have just seen that, in sooth. So then it was virtue +that the people showed yesterday, after you made them break their gods? +They seemed to care little for the esteem of others, for they stole, +they pillaged, they killed. Do you approve of that? Have they gained +your esteem, those who have done what they have done?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Oh, I know! I know! That is your strongest argument. Creatures +degraded by centuries of slavery, drunk with the first hours of freedom, +commit crimes. You argue from this, that they were meant for slaves. +Yes, it is true that if you take a child from the leading strings that +upheld it, the child falls down. But you who watch over it, you rejoice +at the fall, for then you can assert that the child must go back to its +leading strings—and be kept in them till death.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Then you declare that all supports must be suppressed? [<i>A +pause</i>] Religion is a prop. It soothes—consoles. He does evil who +disturbs it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Many religions died before ours. The passing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> of each caused the +sorrows you foresee. Should we then have kept the first, to prevent some +suffering?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Ours is yet young, though so old; look in the halls of our +temples, behold the countless thank-offerings brought there for prayers +that were granted.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Your temples could not hold the offerings, unthinkable in number, +that those whose prayers were not granted might have made, and who none +the less prayed as well as the others.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Even unanswered their prayers were recompensed. They had +hope, and it is likewise a boon to the poor to promise them welfare in +the world to come.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You promise them welfare in the world to come, to make them +forget that all the welfare in this world is yours.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Can you give happiness to all who are on earth? We are more +generous than you; at least we give them consolation.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You make them pay dear for it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> In truth the granaries of our temples are full to +overflowing. Left to themselves, the people would not think of the lean +years, in the years of abundance. We think for them, and they bring us, +gladly, what they would refuse did they not believe they gave to the +gods. We proclaim the Nile sacred; it is forbidden to sully its waters. +Is that to honor it as a god? Not so, it is to avoid the plague. And all +the animals we deified are those man has need of. You did not learn all +things on your travels—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> You would have the peasant remain a child, because you fear the +reckoning he would demand of you, if you let him grow up. You know you +could not stay him then by showing him the god-jackal, the god-ram, the +god-bull, and the rest that do not exist.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Are you certain they do not exist?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Know you where you are?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> In the temple.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> In the temple; where you were brought up. There was a time +when you dared not have crossed the first sacred enclosure. You are in +the third. Look round! There is the holy of holies. At my will the +stones that mask the entrance will roll back, and the goddess will be +unveiled. Except the High Priest and the Pharaoh, no mortal, if he be +not priest himself, may look on her and live—save at the hour of the +annual Festival of Prodigies, which is upon us now. Do you believe that +you can endure to be alone in her presence?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I do believe it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> We shall see. If you be afraid, call and prostrate +yourself. Afterwards you shall go and tell what you have seen, to those +whom you deceived.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The High Priest makes a sign. Total darkness. A peal of +thunder.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Ah! [<i>Terrified, he leaps forward. A faint light returns slowly, +the temple is empty</i>] I am alone! [<i>He is terrified, standing erect +against a pillar facing the audience</i>] Alone in the temple, within sight +of the goddess almost. I know 'tis but an image—yet am I steeped in +terror, even to the marrow of my bones. [<i>He utters an agonized cry</i>] +Ah!—I thought I beheld in the darkness—No—I know that there is +nothing—Oh! coward nature! Because I was cradled amid tales of +religion, because I grew up in the fear of the gods, because my father +and my father's father, and all those from whom I come, were crushed by +this terror even from the blackest night of time, I tremble, and my +reason totters. All this is false, I know—the god obeys the priest. +Yet, from these towering columns, horror and mystery descend upon +me—[<i>A thunder clap brings him to his knees. The stones that mask the +entrance to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> the sanctuary roll slowly back. He tries to look</i>] The holy +of holies opens—I am afraid—I am afraid—[<i>He mutters words, wipes the +sweat from his brow with his hand. He trembles and falls sobbing to the +ground. A long pause</i>] 'Tis the beast in me that is afraid—Ah! coward +flesh! [<i>Biting his hands</i>] I shall conquer thee—I would chastise my +weakness. I am shamed—I am shamed—In spite of all I will look her in +the face. I have the will! but I must fight against so many memories, +against all the dead whose spirits stir in mine. I shall conquer the +dead. My life, and my will—courage!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>With great effort and after many struggles he gains the +mastery of himself, goes to the shrine and looks upon the +goddess. The High Priest reappears touching him on the +shoulder.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Terror does not move you. Let us see if you be proof +against pity. Come—[<i>He leads him to the side of the shrine, presses a +spring and a door opens, revealing in the interior of the shrine the +machinery of the miracle, a lever and cordage</i>] Look! 'Tis by pressing +this lever that one of ours, in a little while, will bring about the +miracle. I leave you in his place. At my signal the doors of the sacred +enclosure will open, and the people draw near the sanctuary. Listen to +them. And if you are moved to pity by their prayers, you—<i>you</i> shall +give them the consoling lie for which they pray.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> There will be no miracle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Watch and hear. [<i>He leaves Satni, who remains visible to +the audience. The stones roll back over the shrine. The High Priest +makes a sign, other priests appear</i>] All is ready?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Priest.</span> All.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest</span> [<i>to another</i>] Listen.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p><div class="blockquot"><p><i>He whispers to him. The Priest bows and goes out. While +the crowd comes in later, this priest is seen to enter the +hiding-place right, where he stands watching Satni, dagger +in hand.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Now, let them come in.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He makes a gesture and all disappear. A pitiable crowd +bursts into the temple, bustling, running, filling all the +empty spaces. Four men carry a litter on which is a +beautiful young woman clothed in precious stuffs. Mieris, +Yaouma, and all the characters of the play come on.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Young Woman.</span> Nearer, lay me nearer the goddess! She will drive forth the +evil spirit that will not let me move my legs.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Cripples, people on crutches, creatures with hands or feet +wrapped in bandages crowd past her.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Blind Girl</span> [<i>to him who leads her</i>] When the stone rolls back and the +goddess appears, watch well her face, to tell me if she will not give me +back my sight.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A paralytic drags himself in on his hands.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Paralytic.</span> I would be quite near, quite near! In a little while I +shall walk.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Two sons lead in their mother, who is mad, striving to calm +her. A mother, with her child in her arms, begs the crowd to +let her get near. A man, whose head is bandaged, and whose +eyes and mouth are mere holes, hustles his neighbors. Many +blind, and people borne on chairs.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman.</span> She will speak, she will say "yes." She will reveal herself +again as protectress of Egypt.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> They say not. They say that great calamities are in store for +us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> If she answer not?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> Silence!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Music. The Pharaoh's procession enters. He is conducted +down left where he remains invisible to the spectators.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> The +High Priest mounts his throne. The people prostrate +themselves.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Ammon is great!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A pause.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">The People.</span> Ammon is great!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> The sanctuary is about to open.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Voices.</span> The stones will roll back! I am afraid! The goddess will appear! +We shall behold her! Hush! Hush!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The High Priest lifts his hands to heaven.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Priest</span> [<i>in the recess, to some men ready to work the ropes, in a low +voice</i>] Now!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The men pull the ropes, the stones roll back. The crowd bow +themselves flat on the ground. Those who cannot, hide their +faces on their arms.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Rise! Behold and pray! [<i>A smothered cry of terror rises, +women mad with terror are seized with nervous fits. They are carried +out</i>] O goddess! Thy people adore thee, and humble themselves before +thee!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Isis, we adore thee!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> This year, once more, show to us by that miraculous sign of +thy divine head, that still thou art our protectress. [<i>The people +repeat the incantation in a murmur</i>] O goddess, if thou hast pity on +those who suffer, thou wilt bend thy head. Pity! Pity! we suffer! The +evil spirits torment us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The People.</span> We suffer! Drive forth the evil spirits!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Neith! Mother of the Universe! The evil spirits torment us! +Neith! Virgin genetrix! Isis, sacred earth of Egypt, bend thy head! +Sati, queen of the heavens! Bend thy head!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> The soul of a dead man has entered the body of my child, O +Isis! And he is dying. I hold him towards thee, Isis. Behold how he is +fair, behold<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> how he suffers. Look, he is so little. Let me keep him! +Isis! Isis! Let me keep him!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Pity! Pity!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Show us that thou dost consent to hear us! Isis, bend thy +head!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Blind Girl.</span> Open my eyes! Ever since I was born a demon held them +closed. Let me see the skies of whose splendor they tell me. I am +unhappy, Isis! He whom I love, he who loves me, I have not looked upon +his countenance! I am unhappy, Isis!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Pity! Pity!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Anouke! Soul of the Universe! Pity! We are before thee like +little children who are lost.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The People.</span> Yes! Yes! like little children who are lost!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Son.</span> For my father who is blind, Isis, I implore thee!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Isis! Father! Pity!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Thmei, Queen of Justice! Mirror of truth! Bend thy head!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Young Paralytic.</span> I have offered up ten lambs to thee. Let me get up +and walk!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Man</span> [<i>with the bandaged head</i>] An unseen monster devours my face +making me howl with pain.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Paralyzed Man.</span> I drag through the mire, like a beast unclean. Let me +walk upright like a god.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Two Sons</span> [<i>of the mad woman</i>] Behold our mother, Isis, behold our +mother, who knows us no more, who knows not herself even, and who +laughs!—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> Isis! Thou art a mother. Isis, in the name of thine own +child, save mine. Let me not go with empty arms, bereft of my tender +burden. Thou art a mother, Isis!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> All! All! Pray! Supplicate! Fling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> you with your faces to +the ground—yes! yes! again! Silence! She is about to answer. [<i>A long +pause</i>] Your prayers are lukewarm. Your supplications need fervor! Pray! +Weep! Cry out! Cry out!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Isis! Drive out the evil spirits! Answer us! Answer us!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Louder! Louder!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The People.</span> Sorrows! Tears! Sobs! Cries! Have pity!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Once more, though you die!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The People.</span> Thou dost abandon Egypt! What ills will overwhelm us! Help! +Help us! Have pity!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Have pity! Have pity! [<i>bursting into sobs</i>] Oh! unhappy +people, Isis, if thou dost abandon them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Voices</span> [<i>amid the sobs of the others</i>] She hears us not! She answers +not. Evil is upon us! Evil overwhelms us!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Desperate! We are desperate!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> We are desperate!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Cry.</span> Her head is bending! No! Yes!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Silence. Then a great cry of distress and disappointment.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> O mother! O goddess!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> O Isis! mother of Horus! the child god! Wilt thou let die my +child? Behold him! Behold him!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Young Paralytic.</span> Thy heart is hard, O goddess!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Paralyzed Man.</span> Thou hast but to will it, Isis, and I walk!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Man</span> [<i>with the bandaged head</i>] Heal my sores! I sow horror around +me! Heal my sores!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Answer us! Bend thy head!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Pity!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The crowd, delirious, cries and sobs in a paroxysm of +despair.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Oh! the poor wretched souls!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He presses the lever. As the head of the statue bows, the +people respond with one wild roar of acclamation.</i></p></div> + +<h4>CURTAIN</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> +<h2>ACT V</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Scene</span>:—<i>Same as Acts I and II.</i></p> + +<p><i>The statues of the gods are set up again, in their places, +facing them a throne has been erected on which the High +Priest is seated. Rheou, Satni, Mieris, Yaouma, Sokiti, +Nourm, Bitiou, the Steward and all the women and servants of +the household, and the laborers. When the curtain rises all +are prostrate with their faces to the ground.</i></p></div> + + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest</span> [<i>after a pause</i>] Rise! [<i>All rise to their knees. A pause</i>] +The divine images are again in their places. You have shown that you +repent. You have begged for pardon. You have testified your horror of +the terrible crime you were driven to commit. You await your +chastisement. The gods now permit that we proceed to the sacrifice, that +will bring about the overflowing of the Nile, and give for yet another +year, life to the land of Egypt. She who has chosen, the elect, the +savior, is she here?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma</span> [<i>rising to her feet, radiant</i>] I am here!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Let her go to clothe her in the sacred robe. Form the +procession to bear her to the threshold of the abode of the glorious and +the immortal.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yaouma.</span> Come!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A number of the women rise and go out right with Yaouma.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> To-day, at the hour when Ammon-Ra came forth from the +underworld, I entered the sanctuary.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> Face to face with the god, I heard +his words, which now you shall hear from me. These are the commands of +the God. Rheou! [<i>Rheou stands up</i>] You have been to make submission to +the Pharaoh—Light of Ra—you have implored his mercy. You have sworn on +the body of your father, to serve him faithfully, and you have given +that body to him in pledge of your obedience. You have denounced to his +anger and justice those who conceived the impious plot to dethrone the +Lord of Egypt. You have declared that if you did permit the images of +the gods to be thrown down before you, it was because the spells of +Satni had clouded your reason. Ammon has proclaimed to me that you are +sincere! You are pardoned, on conditions which I shall presently impart. +[<i>Rheou bows and kneels down</i>] Satni! [<i>Satni stands up. He casts down +his eyes, he is steeped in sorrow and shame</i>] Satni, you have admitted +and proclaimed the power of the gods, whom you dared to deny. You have +bowed you down before them. Once, in the temple, you took the first +priestly vows; your life is therefore sacred. But you stand now +reproved. This very day you will quit Egypt. Withdraw from the Gods! +[<i>Satni, with eyes on the ground, withdraws, the people shrink aside to +let him pass, abusing him in whispers, shaking their fists, and some +even striking him. He goes to the terrace down left where he stands, +hiding his face on his arm</i>] Ammon has spoken other words. [<i>The people +turn from Satni</i>] All you who are here, you are guilty of the most +odious, the most monstrous of crimes. You are all deserving of death. +Such is the decree of the God.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> O Ammon! Pity! Pity! Ammon!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Cease your sobs! Cease your cries! Cease your useless +prayers! Hear the God who speaks through my mouth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Be kind! Thou! Thou! Have pity! Beseech<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> the God for us, we implore +thee! We would not die. Not death! not death! not death!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Yes—I—I have pity on you. But your crime is so great! +Have you considered well the enormity of your sin? None can remember to +have seen the like. The Gods! To overthrow the Gods! And such Gods! +Ammon and Thoueris! I would I might disarm their wrath. But what shall I +offer them in your name that may equal your offence?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> All! Take all we possess, but spare our lives.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> All you possess! 'Tis little enough.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> Take our crops.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> And who then will feed you? Already you pay tithes. I will +offer a fourth of your harvests for ten years. But 'tis little. Even did +I say you would give half of all that is in your homes, should I +succeed? And would you give it me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> Yes! Yes!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Still it will not be enough. Hear what the God hath +breathed to me. There must be prayers, ceaseless prayers in the temple. +Every year ten of your daughters must enter the house of the God to be +consecrated.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> Our daughters! Ammon! Our daughters!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> The God is good! The God is good! Lo! I hear him pronounce +the words of pardon. But further, you must needs assist the Pharaoh to +carry out the divine commands. Ammon wills that the Ethiopian infidels +be chastised. All who are of an age to fight will join the army, that is +on the eve of departure.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People</span> [<i>in consternation</i>] Oh! the war! the war!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> Proud Ethiopia threatens invasion to Egypt. You must defend +your tombs, your homes, and your women. Would you become slaves of the +blacks?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> No, no, we would not!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> You will go to punish the foes of your kings?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> We will go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> And what will be your reward? Know you not that victory +will be yours, because the god is with you. And if some fall in battle, +should we not all envy their fate, since they leave this world to go +towards Osiris. The arrows of your foes will fall harmless at your feet, +like wounded birds. Their swords shall bend on your invulnerable bodies. +The fire they light against you will become as perfumed water. All this +you know to be true. You know that your gods protect you. You know they +are all-powerful, because, yesterday, you all did see how the stone +image of the goddess Isis did bow, to show you she protects you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> To the war! To the war! To Ethiopia!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>leaping up to the terrace</i>] I have been coward too long! [<i>To +the crowd</i>] The miracle of yesterday—'twas I—'twas I who worked it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>General uproar.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">High Priest.</span> I deliver this man to you, and I deliver you to him. You +will not let him deceive you twice.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Execrations of the people, Satni cannot speak. The High +Priest is borne out on his throne accompanied by Rheou.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>when the uproar subsides</i>] I was in the temple—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> That is a lie!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> It was I who made the head of the image bow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> He blasphemes. Have done! Have done! Let him not blaspheme!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> It was I! And I ask your forgiveness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> Why should you do it, if you despise our gods?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I did it out of pity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> We have no need of your pity.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> That is true. You have need only of my courage. And I failed you. +I was touched by your tears. I was weak, thinking to be kind.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> You are not kind. You would have handed us over to foreign gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> Yes! yes! that is true!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I gave you the lie that you begged for. I wanted to lull your +sorrows to sleep.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> You have brought down on us the anger of the gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> The evils that crush us, 'tis you have let them loose on us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Yes, yes! Liar! Curse you! Let him be accursed!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Curse me. You are right. I am guilty. I had not the strength to +persevere; to lead you, in spite of your tears, to the summits I would +lead you to. To still a few sobs, to give hope to some who were +stricken, I worked the miracle; and, beholding that false miracle, you +made submission. I have confirmed, I have strengthened the empire of the +lie.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> 'Twas you who lied.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> I have given back your minds, for another age, to slavery and +debasement. I have given back to the priests their power that was +endangered. I have given them means to increase your burdens, to take +your daughters, to send you to a war, covetous, murderous, and unjust.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> You are a spy from Ethiopia!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> You are a traitor to your country!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Yes! a traitor! Death to the traitor!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> And to defend your tyrants, you will kill men as wretched as +yourselves, dupes like you, and like you enslaved.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> We know you are paid to betray Egypt!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Yes, we know it! We know the price of your treason!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> You would sell Egypt, and 'tis to weaken us you would overthrow +our gods.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Traitor! Traitor!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> If I am a traitor, 'tis to my own cause! But a while ago I was +proud of my deed, thinking I had sacrificed myself to you. Alas! I only +sacrificed your future to my pity. I wept for you; to weep for +misfortune—what is that but an easy escape from the duty of fighting +its cause? I pitied you. Pity is but a weakness, a submission—To +perpetuate the falsehood of the miracle, and the life of atonement to +come is to drug misery to sleep.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> Misery!—can you give us anything to cure it?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They laugh.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> They have implanted in you, the belief that misery is immortal, +invincible. By my falsehood, I too have seemed to admit this; and thus I +have helped those, in whose interest it is that misery should last for +ever.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Man.</span> He insults the Pharaoh!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Another.</span> Do not insult our priests!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Had there been no miracle, you would have despaired—you would +have sorrowed. I ought to have faced that. I ought to have faced the +death of a few, to save the future of all. We go forward only by +destroying. What matter blood and pain! Pain and blood—never a child is +born without them! I would—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>An angry outburst.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">A Woman.</span> Kill him! Kill him! He says we must put our children to death!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> All are glorious who preach new efforts—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> Death! Death to the traitor!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> All are infamous who preach resignation<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> Enough! Kill him! Death!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> It is in this world that the wretched must find their paradise, +it is here that every one's good must be sought with a zeal that knows +no limit, save respect for the good of others.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A burst of laughter.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> He is mad! He knows not what he says! He is mad!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Yaouma is borne on right on a litter carried by young +girls. She is decked out like an idol; she stands erect, +half in ecstasy.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">People.</span> Yaouma! The chosen of Ammon-Ra! Glory to her who goes to save +Egypt!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>With jubilant cries the procession goes slowly towards the +gates at the back, preceded and surrounded by musicians and +dancers.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> Yaouma! Yaouma! One word! One look of farewell! Yaouma! 'Tis I, +Satni! Look on me!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The acclamations drown his voice. Yaouma is wrapped in her +soul's dream. She passes without hearing Satni's voice. The +crowd follows her.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris</span> [<i>to Delethi who supports her</i>] Lead me to Satni—go—[<i>To +Satni</i>] Satni, your words have sunk deep in my heart—Yaouma, they tell +me, did not hear your voice. She is lost in the joy of sacrifice. The +need to make sacrifice is in us all. If the gods are not, to whom shall +we sacrifice ourselves?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni.</span> To those who suffer.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> To those who suffer.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>During this Bitiou has come slowly down behind Satni.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bitiou.</span> Look! He too, he will fall down!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He plunges a dagger in Satni's back. Delethi draws Mieris +away. Satni falls.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Satni</span> [<i>raising himself slightly</i>] It was you who struck me, +Bitiou—[<i>He looks long and sadly at him</i>]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> I pity you with all my +heart—with all my heart. [<i>He dies</i>]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Bitiou looks at the blood on the dagger, and flings it away +in horror. Then he crouches down by Satni and begins to cry +softly.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delethi</span> [<i>to Mieris</i>] Mistress, come and pray!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mieris.</span> No, I do not believe in gods in whose name men kill.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Outside are heard the trumpets and acclamations that +accompany Yaouma to the Nile.</i></p></div> + + +<h4>CURTAIN</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE RED ROBE</h2> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHARACTERS</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Vagret</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">La Bouzole</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Bunerat</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Attorney-General</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">President of Assizes</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Delorme</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Ardeuil</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Bridet</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Police Sergeant</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Recorder</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Plaçat</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Etchepare's Mother</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Bertha</span><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Catialéna</span><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Time—The present.</i></p></div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p> +<h2>ACT I</h2> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene I</span>:—<i>A small reception-room in an old house at Mauleon.</i></h3> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The curtain rises, revealing Madame Vagret in evening +dress; she is altering the position of the chairs to her own +satisfaction. Enter Bertha, also in evening dress, a +newspaper in her hand.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Here's the local paper, the <i>Journal</i>. I sent the <i>Official +Gazette</i> to father; he has just come home from the Court. He's dressing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Is the sitting over?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> No, not yet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>taking the newspaper</i>] Are they still discussing the +case?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> As usual.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> One doesn't need to search long. There's a big head-line +at the top of the page: "The Irissary Murder." They're attacking your +father now! [<i>She reads</i>] "Monsieur Vagret, our District Attorney." +[<i>She continues to read to herself</i>] And there are sub-headings too: +"The murderer still at large." As if that was our fault! "Justice +asleep!" Justice asleep indeed! How can they say such things when your +father hasn't closed his eyes for a fortnight! Can they complain that he +hasn't done his duty? Or that Monsieur Delorme, the examining +magistrate, isn't doing his? He has made himself quite ill, poor man! +Only the day before yesterday he had a tramp arrested because his +movements were ever so little suspicious! So you see! No! I tell you +these journalists are crazy!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> It seems they are going to have an article in the Basque paper +too.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> The <i>Eskual Herria</i>!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> So the chemist told me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> I don't care a sou for that. The Attorney-General doesn't +read it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> On the contrary, father was saying the other day that the +Attorney-General has translations sent him of every article dealing with +the magistracy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> The Attorney-General has translations sent him! Oh well, +never mind. Anyhow, let's change the subject! How many shall we be this +evening? You've got the list?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha</span> [<i>She takes the list from the over-mantel</i>] The President of +Assizes—the President of the Court—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Yes. Yes, that's all right; nine in all, isn't it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Nine.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Nine! To have nine people coming to dinner, and not to +know the exact hour at which they'll arrive! That's what's so trying +about these dinners we have to give at the end of a session—in honor of +the President of Assizes. One dines when the Court rises. When the Court +rises! Well, we'll await the good pleasure of these gentlemen! [<i>She +sighs</i>] Well, child!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Mother?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Are you still anxious to marry a magistrate?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha</span> [<i>with conviction</i>] I am not!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> But you were two years ago!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> I am not now!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Look at us! There's your father. Procurator of the +Republic—Public Prosecutor—State Attorney; in a court of the third +class,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> it's true, because he's not a wire-puller, because he hasn't +played the political game. And yet he's a valuable man—no one can deny +that. Since he's been District Attorney he has secured three sentences +of penal servitude for life! And in a country like this, where crimes +are so frightfully rare! That's pretty good, don't you think? Of course, +I know he'll have had three acquittals in the session that ends to-day. +Granted. But that was mere bad luck. And for protecting society as he +does—what do they pay him? Have you any idea?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Yes, I know; you've often told me, mother.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> And I'll tell you again. Counting the stoppages for the +pension, he gets altogether, and for everything, three hundred and +ninety-five francs and eighty-three centimes a month. And then we are +obliged to give a dinner for nine persons in honor of the President of +Assizes, a Councillor! Well, at all events, I suppose everything is +ready? Let's see. My <i>Revue des Deux Mondes</i>—is it there? Yes. And my +armchair—is that in the right place? [<i>She sits in it</i>] Yes. [<i>As +though receiving a guest</i>] Pray be seated, Monsieur le Président. I hope +that's right. And Monsieur Dufour, who was an ordinary magistrate when +your father was the same, when we were living at Castelnaudery, he's now +President of the second class at Douai, and he was only at Brest before +he was promoted!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Really!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>searching for a book on the over-mantel</i>] Look in the +Year Book.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> I'll take your word for it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> You may! The Judicial Year Book. I know it by heart!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> But then father may be appointed Councillor any day now.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> He's been waiting a long time for his appointment as +Councillor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> But it's as good as settled now. He was promised the first +vacancy, and Monsieur Lefévre has just died.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> I hope to God you are right. If we fail this time, we're +done for. We shall be left at Mauleon until he's pensioned off. What a +misfortune it is that they can't put their hands on that wretched +murderer! Such a beautiful crime too! We really had some reason for +hoping for a death sentence this time! The first, remember!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Don't worry, motherkins. There's still a chance.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> It's easy for you to talk. You see the newspapers are +beginning to grumble. They reproach us, they say we are slack. My dear +child, you don't realize—there 's a question of sending a detective +down from Paris! It would be such a disgrace! And everything promised so +well! You can't imagine how excited your father was when they waked him +up to tell him that an old man of eighty-seven had been murdered in his +district! He dressed himself in less than five minutes. He was very +quiet about it. But he gripped my hands. "I think," he said, "I think we +can count on my nomination this time!" [<i>She sighs</i>] And now everything +is spoilt, and all through this ruffian who won't let them arrest him! +[<i>Another sigh</i>] What's the time?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> It has just struck six.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Write out the <i>menus</i>. Don't forget. You must write only +their titles—his Honor the President of Assizes, his Honor the +President of the High Court of Mauleon, and so forth. It's the preamble +to the <i>menu</i>. Don't forget. Here is your father. Go and take a look +round the kitchen and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> appear as if you were busy. [<i>Bertha leaves the +room. Vagret enters in evening dress</i>]</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene II</span>:—<i>Vagret, Madame Vagret.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Hasn't the Court risen yet?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> When I left my substitute was just getting up to ask for the +adjournment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Nothing new?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> About the murder? Nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> But your Monsieur Delorme—the examining magistrate—is +he really looking for the murderer?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> He's doing what he can.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Well, if I were in his place, it seems to me—Oh, they +ought to have women for examining magistrates! [<i>Distractedly</i>] Is there +nothing in the <i>Official Gazette</i>?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>dispirited and anxious</i>] Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> And you never told me. Anything that affects us?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> No. Nanteuil has been appointed Advocate-General.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Nanteuil?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Oh, that's too bad! Why, he was only an assistant at +Lunéville when you were substitute there!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Yes. But he has a cousin who's a deputy. You can't compete with +men like that. [<i>A pause. Madame Vagret sits down and begins to cry</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> We haven't a chance.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> My dearest! Come, come, you are wrong there.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>still tearful</i>] My poor darling! I know very well it +isn't your fault; you do your best.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> Your only failing is that you are +too scrupulous, and I am not the one to reproach you for that. But what +can you expect? It's no use talking; everybody gets ahead of us. Soon +you'll be the oldest District Attorney in France.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Come, come! Where's the Year Book?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>still in the same tone</i>] It's there—the dates, the +length of service. See further on, dear.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>throwing the Year Book aside</i>] Don't cry like that! Remember +I'm chosen to succeed Lefévre.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> I know that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I'm on the list for promotion.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> So is everybody.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> And I have the Attorney-General's definite promise—and the +presiding judge's too.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> It's the deputy's promise you ought to have.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Yes, the deputy's. Up to now you've waited for promotion +to come to you. My dear, you've got to run after it! If you don't do as +the others do, you'll simply get left behind.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I am still an honest man.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> It is because you are an honest man that you ought to try +to get a better appointment. If the able and independent magistrates +allow the others to pass them by, what will become of the magistracy?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> There's some truth in what you say.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> If, while remaining scrupulously honest, you can better +our position by getting a deputy to push you, you are to blame if you +don't do so. After all, what do they ask you to do? Merely that you +should support the Ministry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I can do that honestly. Its opinions are my own.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Then you'd better make haste—for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> a ministry doesn't +last long! To support the Ministry is to support the Government—that +is, the State—that is, Society. It's to do your duty.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> You are ambitious.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> No, my dear—but we must think of the future. If you knew +the trouble I have to make both ends meet! We ought to get Bertha +married. And the boys will cost us more and more as time goes on. And in +our position we are bound to incur certain useless expenses which we +could very well do without; but we have to keep up appearances; we have +to "keep up our position." We want Georges to enter the Polytechnique, +and that'll cost a lot of money. And Henri, if he's going to study +law—you'd be able to help him on all the better if you held a better +position.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>after a brief silence</i>] I haven't told you everything.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> What is it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>timidly</i>] Cortan has been appointed Councillor at Amiens.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>exasperated</i>] Cortan! That idiot of a Cortan?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> This is too much!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> What can you expect? The new Keeper of the Seals is in his +department. You can't fight against that!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> There's always something—Cortan! Won't she be making a +show of herself—Madame Cortan—who spells "indictment" i-n-d-i-t-e? +She'll be showing off her yellow hat! Don't you remember her famous +yellow hat?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> It's her husband who ought to wear that color!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Rosa, that's unjust.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>painfully excited</i>] I know it—but it does me good!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter Catialéna.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> Madame, where shall I put the parcel we took from the +linen-closet this morning?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> What parcel?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> The parcel—you know, Madame—when we were arranging the +things in the linen-closet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>suddenly</i>] Oh—yes, yes. Take it to my room.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> Where shall I put it there?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Oh well, put it down here. I will put it away myself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> Very good, Madame. [<i>She leaves the room</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>snipping at the parcel and speaking to herself</i>] It's no +use stuffing it with moth-balls—it'll all be moth-eaten before ever you +wear it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> What is it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>placing the parcel on the table and opening the +wrapper</i>] Look!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Ah, yes—my red robe—the one you bought for me—in advance—two +years ago.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Yes. That time it was Gamard who was appointed instead of +you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> What could you expect? Gamard had a deputy for his +brother-in-law; there's no getting over that. The Ministry has to assure +itself of a majority.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> And to think that in spite of all my searching I haven't +been able to discover so much as a municipal councillor among our +relations!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Well—hide this thing. It torments me. [<i>He returns the gown, +which he had unfolded, to his wife</i>] In any case I dare say it wouldn't +fit me now.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Oh, they fit anybody, these things!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Let's see—[<i>He takes off his coat</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> And it means a thousand francs more a year!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> It isn't faded. [<i>At this moment Bertha enters. Vagret hides the +red gown</i>] What is it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> It's only me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> You startled me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha</span> [<i>catching sight of the gown</i>] You've been appointed! You've been +appointed!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Do be quiet! Turn the key in the door!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Papa has been appointed!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Do as you're told! No, he hasn't been appointed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> It's really as good as new. [<i>He slips it on</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Well, I should hope so! I took care to get the very best +silk.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Ah, if I could only wear this on my back when I'm demanding the +conviction of the Irissary murderer! Say what you like, the man who +devised this costume was no fool! It's this sort of thing that impresses +the jury. And the prisoner too! I've seen him unable to tear his eyes +from the gown of the State Attorney! And you feel a stronger man when +you wear it. It gives one a better presence, and one's gestures are more +dignified: "Gentlemen of the court, gentlemen of the jury!" Couldn't I +make an impressive indictment? "Gentlemen of the court, gentlemen of the +jury! In the name of society, of which I am the avenging voice—in the +name of the sacred interests of humanity—in the name of the eternal +principles of morality—fortified by the consciousness of my duty and my +right—I rise—[<i>He repeats his gesture</i>] I rise to demand the head of +the wretched man who stands before you!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> How well you speak!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Vagret, with a shrug of the shoulders and a sigh, slowly +and silently removes the gown and hands it to his wife.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Here—put it away.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> There's the bell.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>to her daughter</i>] Take it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Yes, mother. [<i>She makes a parcel of the gown and is about to +leave the room</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Bertha!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Yes, mother!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>tearfully</i>] Put some more moth-balls in it—poor child!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Bertha goes out. Catialéna enters.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene III</span>:—<i>Vagret, Madame Vagret, Catialéna.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna</span> [<i>holding out an envelope</i>] This has just come for you, sir. +[<i>She goes out again</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> What's this? The Basque paper—the <i>Eskual Herria</i>—an article +marked with blue pencil. [<i>He reads</i>] "Eskual herri guzia hamabartz egun +huntan—" How's one to make head or tail of such a barbarian language!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>reading over his shoulder</i>] It's about you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> No!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Yes. There! "Vagret procuradoreak galdegin—" Wait a +minute. [<i>Calling through the further doorway</i>] Catialéna! Catialéna!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> What is it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Catialéna will translate it for us. [<i>To Catialéna, who +has entered</i>] Here, Catialéna, just read this bit for us, will you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> <i>Why, yes, Madame.</i> [<i>She reads</i>] "Eta gaitzegilia ozda +oraino gakpoian Irrysaryko."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> And what does that mean?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> That means—they haven't arrested the Irissary murderer yet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> We know that. And then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> "Baginakien yadanik dona Mauleano tribunala yuye arin edo +tzarrenda berechiazela." That means there are no magistrates at Mauleon +except those they've got rid of from other places, and who don't know +their business—empty heads they've got.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Thanks—that's enough.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> No, no! Go on, Catialéna!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> "Yaun hoyen Biribi—"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Biribi?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> Yes, Madame.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Well, what does Biribi mean in Basque?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> I don't know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> What? You don't know? You mean you don't want to say? Is +it a bad word?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> Oh no, Madame, I should know it then.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Biribi—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> Perhaps it's a nickname they give you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Perhaps that's it. [<i>A pause</i>] Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> They're speaking of the master.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>to her husband</i>] I told you so. [<i>To Catialéna</i>] Abusing +him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I tell you that's enough! [<i>He snatches the paper from Catialéna +and puts it in his pocket</i>] Go back to the kitchen. Hurry now—quicker +than that!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> Well, sir, I swear I won't tell you the rest of it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> No one's asking you to. Be off.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> I knew the master would be angry. [<i>She turns to go</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Catialéna!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> Yes, Madame?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Really now, you don't know what Biribi means?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna.</span> No, Madame, I swear I don't.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> That's all right. There's the bell—go and see who it is. +[<i>Catialéna goes</i>] I shall give that woman a week's notice, and no later +than to-morrow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> But really—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Catialéna</span> [<i>returning</i>] If you please, sir, it's Monsieur Delorme.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Your examining magistrate?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Yes. He's come to give me his reply. [<i>To Catialéna</i>] Show him +in.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> What reply?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> He has come to return me his brief.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> The brief?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Yes. I asked him to think it over until this evening.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> He'll have to stay to dinner.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> No. You know perfectly well his health—Here he is. Run away.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>amiably, as she goes out</i>] Good-evening, Monsieur +Delorme.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Madame!</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene IV</span>:—<i>Vagret, Delorme.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Well, my dear fellow, what is it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Well, it's no—positively no.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> I've told you. [<i>A pause</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> And the <i>alibi</i> of your accused?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> I've verified it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Does it hold water?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Incontestably.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>dejectedly</i>] Then you've set your man at liberty?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme</span> [<i>regretfully</i>] I simply had to.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>the same</i>] Obviously. [<i>A pause</i>] There is not a chance?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Well, then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Well, I beg you to give the brief to someone else.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Is that final?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Yes. You see, my dear fellow, I'm too old to adapt myself to +the customs of the day. I'm a magistrate of the old school, just as you +are. I inherited from my father certain scruples which are no longer the +fashion. These daily attacks in the press get on my nerves.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> They would cease at the news of an arrest.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Precisely. I should end by doing something foolish. Well, I +have done something foolish already. I should not have arrested that man +if I had not been badgered as I was.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> He was a tramp. You gave him shelter for a few days. There's no +great harm done there.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> All the same—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> You let yourself be too easily discouraged. To-night or +to-morrow something may turn up to put you on a new scent.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Even then—Do you know what they are saying? They are saying +that Maître Plaçat, the Bordeaux advocate, is coming to defend the +prisoner.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I don't see what he has to gain by that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> He wants to come forward at the next election in our +arrondissement—and he counts on attacking certain persons in his plea, +so as to gain a little popularity.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> How can that affect you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Why, he can be present at all the interrogations of the +accused. The law allows it—and as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> he is ravenous for publicity, he +would tell the newspapers just what he pleased, and if my proceedings +didn't suit him, I'd be vilified in the papers day after day.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> You are exaggerating.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> I'm not. Nowadays an examination takes place in the +market-place or the editorial offices of the newspapers rather than in +the magistrate's office.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> That is true where notorious criminals are concerned. In reality +the new law benefits them and them only—you know as well as I do that +for the general run of accused persons—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Seriously, I beg you to take the brief back.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Come! You can't imagine that Maître Plaçat, who has a hundred +cases to plead, can be present at all your interrogations. You know what +usually happens. He'll send some little secretary—if he sends anyone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> I beg you not to insist, my dear Vagret. My decision is +irrevocable.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Then—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Allow me to take my leave. I don't want to meet my colleagues +who are dining with you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Then I'll see you to-morrow. I'm sorry—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Delorme.</span> Good-night.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out. Madame Vagret at once enters by another door.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene V</span>:—<i>Vagret, Madame Vagret, then Bertha, Bunerat, La Bouzole, +Mouzon.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Well, I heard—he gave you back the brief.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Yes—his health—the newspapers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> And now?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Be careful. No one suspects anything yet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Make your mind easy. [<i>She listens</i>] This time it is our +guests.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> [<i>entering</i>] Here they are.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> To your work, Bertha! And for me the <i>Revue des Deux +Mondes</i>.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They sit down. A pause.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> They are a long time.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> It's Madame Bunerat. Her manners always take time.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Manservant.</span> His Honor the President of the Court and Madame Bunerat.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> How do you do, dear Madame Bunerat? [<i>They exchange +greetings</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Manservant.</span> His Honor Judge La Bouzole. His worship Judge Mouzon.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Salutations; the guests seat themselves.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>to Madame Bunerat</i>] Well, Madame, so another session's +finished!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> Yes, at last!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Your husband, I imagine, is not sorry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> Nor yours, I'm sure.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> And the President of Assizes?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> He will be a little late. He wants to get away early to-morrow +morning, and he has a mass of documents to sign. You must remember the +Court has barely risen. When we saw that we should be sitting so late we +sent for our evening clothes, and we changed while the jury was +deliberating; then we put our robes on over them to pronounce sentence.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> And the sentence was?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> An acquittal.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Again! Oh, the juries are crazy!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> My dear, you express yourself just a little freely.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> Now, my dear Madame Vagret, you mustn't worry yourself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She leads her up the stage.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat</span> [<i>to Vagret</i>] Yes, my dear colleague, an acquittal. That makes +three this session.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>a man of forty, whiskered and foppish</i>] Three prisoners whom we +have had to set at liberty because we couldn't hold them for other +causes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> A regular run on the black!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole</span> [<i>a man of seventy</i>] My dear colleagues would prefer a run on +the red.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> La Bouzole, you are a cynic! I do not understand how you can +have the courage to joke on such a subject.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> I shouldn't joke if your prisoners were condemned.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I'm not thinking of our prisoners—I'm thinking of ourselves. If +you imagine we shall receive the congratulations of the Chancellery, you +are mistaken.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> He doesn't care a straw if the Mauleon Court does earn a black +mark in Paris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> You have said it, Bunerat; I don't care a straw! I have +nothing more to look for. I shall be seventy years old next week, and I +retire automatically. Nothing more to hope for; I have a right to judge +matters according to my own conscience. I'm out of school! [<i>He gives a +little skip</i>] Don't get your backs up—I've done—I see the Year Book +over there; I'm going to look out the dates of the coming vacation for +you. [<i>He takes a seat to the left</i>]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Well, there it is. [<i>To Vagret</i>] The President of Assizes is +furious.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> It won't do him any good either.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> And my substitute?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> You may well say "your substitute"!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> It's all his fault. He pleaded extenuating circumstances. He!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Where does the idiot hail from?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> He's far from being an idiot, I assure you. He was secretary to +the Conference in Paris; he is a doctor of laws and full of talent.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Talent!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I assure you he has a real talent for speaking.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> So we observed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> He's a very distinguished young fellow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat</span> [<i>with emphasis</i>] Well! When a man has such talent as that he +becomes an advocate; he doesn't enter the magistracy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>to La Bouzole, who approaches her</i>] So really, Monsieur +La Bouzole, it seems it's the fault of the new substitute.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> Tell us all about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> It was like this. [<i>He turns towards the ladies and +continues in a low tone. Bertha, who has entered the room, joins the +group, of which Vagret also forms one</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>to Bunerat</i>] All this won't hasten our poor Vagret's +nomination.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat</span> [<i>smiling</i>] The fact is he hasn't a chance at the present +moment, poor chap!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Is it true that they were really seriously thinking of him when +there is a certain other magistrate in the same court?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat</span> [<i>with false modesty</i>] I don't think I—Of whom are you +speaking?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Of yourself, my dear President.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> They have indeed mentioned my name at the Ministry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> When you preside at Assizes the proceedings will be far more +interesting than they are at present.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Now how can you tell that, my dear Mouzon?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Because I have seen you preside over the Correctional Court. +[<i>He laughs</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Why do you laugh?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I just remembered that witty remark of yours the other day.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat</span> [<i>delighted</i>] I don't recall it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> It really was very witty! [<i>He laughs</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> What was it? Did I say anything witty? I don't remember.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Anything? A dozen things—a score. You were in form that day! +What a figure he cut—the prisoner. You know, the fellow who was so +badly dressed. Cock his name was.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Ah, yes! When I said: "Cock, turn yourself on and let your +confession trickle out!"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>laughing</i>] That was it! That was it! And the witness for the +defence—that idiot. Didn't you make him look a fool? He couldn't finish +his evidence, they laughed so when you said: "If you wish to conduct the +case, only say so. Perhaps you'd like to take my place?"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Ah, yes! Ladies, my good friend here reminds me of a rather +amusing anecdote. The other day—it was in the Correctional Court—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Manservant</span> [<i>announcing</i>] Monsieur Gabriel Ardeuil.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene VI</span>:—<i>The same, with Ardeuil.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil</span> [<i>to Madame Vagret</i>] I hope you'll forgive me for coming so +late. I was detained until now.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> I will forgive you all the more readily since I'm told +you have had such a success to-day as will make all the advocates of the +district jealous of you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Ardeuil is left to himself.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole</span> [<i>touching him on the shoulder</i>] Young man—come, sit down by +me—as a favor. Do you realize that it won't take many trials like +to-day's to get you struck off the rolls?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> I couldn't be struck off the rolls because—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Hang it all—a man does himself no good by appearing +singular.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> Singular! But you yourself—Well, the deliberations are secret, +but for all that I know you stand for independence and goodness of heart +in this Court.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Yes, I've permitted myself that luxury—lately.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> Lately?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Yes, yes, my young friend, for some little time. Because for +some little time I've been cured of the disease which turns so many +honest fellows into bad magistrates. That disease is the fever of +promotion. Look at those men there. If they weren't infected by this +microbe, they would be just, kindly gentlemen, instead of cruel and +servile magistrates.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> You exaggerate, sir. The French magistracy is not—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> It is not venal—that's the truth. Among our four thousand +magistrates you might perhaps<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> not find one—you hear me, not one—even +among the poorest and most obscure—who would accept a money bribe in +order to modify his judgment. That is the glory of our country's +magistracy and its special virtue. But a great number of our magistrates +are ready to be complaisant—even to give way—when it is a question of +making themselves agreeable to an influential elector, or to the deputy, +or to the minister who distributes appointments and favors. Universal +suffrage is the god and the tyrant of the magistrate. So you are +right—and I am not wrong.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> Nothing can deprive us of our independence.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> That is so. But, as Monsieur de Tocqueville once remarked, +we can offer it up as a sacrifice.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> You are a misanthrope. There are magistrates whom no promise of +any kind—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Yes, there are. Those who are not needy or who have no +ambitions. Yes, there are obscure persons who devote their whole lives +to their professions and who never ask for anything for themselves. But +you can take my word for it that they are the exceptions, and that our +Court of Mauleon, which you yourself have seen, represents about the +average of our judicial morality. I exaggerate, you think? Well! Let us +suppose that in all France there are only fifty Courts like this. +Suppose there are only twenty—suppose there is only one. It is still +one too many! Why, my young friend, what sort of an idea have you got of +the magistracy?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> It frightens me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> You are speaking seriously?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> Certainly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Then why did you become a substitute?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> Through no choice of my own! My people pushed me into the +profession.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Yes. People look on the magistracy as a career. That is to +say, from the moment you enter it you have only one object—to get on. +[<i>A pause</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> Yet it would be a noble thing—to dispense justice tempered +with mercy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Yes—it should be. [<i>A pause</i>] Do you want the advice of a +man who has for forty years been a judge of the third class?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil.</span> I should value it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Send in your resignation. You have mistaken your vocation. +You wear the wrong robe. The man who attempts to put into practice the +ideas you have expressed must wear the priest's cassock.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ardeuil</span> [<i>as though to himself</i>] Yes—but for that one must have a +simple heart—a heart open to faith.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat</span> [<i>who is with the others</i>] If only we had the luck to have a +deputy of the department for Keeper of the Seals! Just for a week!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole</span> [<i>to Ardeuil</i>] There, my boy, that's the sort of thing one +has to think about.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Manservant</span> [<i>entering</i>] From his Honor the President of Assizes. +[<i>He gives Vagret a letter</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> He isn't coming?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>after reading the note</i>] He isn't coming.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> I hardly expected him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> A nervous headache he says. He left by the 6:49 train.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> That's significant!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> It would be impossible to mark his disapproval more +clearly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Three acquittals too!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> If it had been a question of celebrated pleaders! But +newly fledged advocates!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Nobodies!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>to her daughter</i>] My poor child! What will his report be +like?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bertha.</span> What report?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Don't you know? At the close of each session the +President submits a report to the Minister—Ah, my dear Madame Bunerat! +[<i>The three women seat themselves at the back of the stage</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Three acquittals—and the Irissary murder. A deplorable record! +A pretty pickle we're in.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> You know, my dear Vagret, I'm a plain speaker. No +shilly-shallying about me. When I hunt the boar I charge right down on +him. I speak plainly—anyone can know what's in my mind. I'm the son of +a peasant, I am, and I make no bones about it. Well, it seems to me that +your Bar—I know, of course, that you lead it with distinguished +integrity and honesty—but it seems to me—how shall I put it?—that +it's getting weak. Mouzon, you will remember, said the same thing when +he was consulting the statistics.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> It really is a very bad year.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> You know it was a question of making ourselves an exception to +the general rule—of getting our Court raised to a higher class. Well, +Mauleon won't be raised from the third class to the second if the number +of causes diminishes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> We should have to prove that we had been extremely busy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> And many of the cases you settled by arrangement might well +have been the subject of proceedings.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Just reflect that this year we have awarded a hundred and +eighteen years less imprisonment than we did last year!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> And yet the Court has not been to blame. We safeguard the +interests of society with the greatest vigilance.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> But before we can punish you must give us prisoners.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I have recently issued the strictest orders respecting the +repression of smuggling offences, which are so common in these parts.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Well, that's something. You understand the point of view we +take. It's a question of the safety of the public, my dear fellow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> We are falling behind other Courts of the same class. See, I've +worked out the figures. [<i>He takes a paper from his pocket-book and +accidentally drops other papers, which La Bouzole picks up</i>] I see—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> You are dropping your papers, Mouzon. Is this yours—this +envelope? [<i>He reads</i>] "Monsieur Benoît, Officer of the Navy, Railway +Hotel, Bordeaux." A nice scent—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>flurried, taking the letter from La Bouzole</i>] Yes—a letter +belonging to a friend of mine.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> And this? The Irissary murder?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Ah, yes—it's—I was going to explain—it's—oh, the Irissary +murder, yes—it's the translation Bunerat gave me of the article which +appeared in the <i>Eskual Herria</i> to-day. It is extremely unpleasant. They +say Mauleon is a sort of penal Court—something like a Biribi of the +magistracy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> But, after all, I can't invent a murderer for you just because +the fellow is so pig-headed that he won't allow himself to be taken! +Delorme has sent the description they gave us to the offices of all the +magistrates.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Delorme! Shall I tell you what I think? Well, our colleague +Delorme is making a mistake in sticking to the idea that the criminal is +a tramp.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> But there is a witness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> The witness is lying, or he's mistaken.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> A witness who saw gipsies leaving the victim's house that +morning.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I repeat, the witness is lying, or he is mistaken.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Why so?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I'm certain of it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Because I'm certain the murderer wasn't a gipsy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> But explain—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> It's of no use, my dear friend. I know my duty to my colleague +Delorme too well to insist. I've said too much already.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Not at all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> By no means.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> It was with the greatest delicacy that I warned our colleague +Delorme—he was good enough to consult me and show me day by day the +information which he had elicited—I warned him that he was on a false +scent. He would listen to nothing; he persisted in searching for his +tramp. Well, let him search! There are fifty thousand tramps in France. +After all, I am probably wrong. Yet I should be surprised, for in the +big towns in which I have served as magistrate, and in which I found +myself confronted, not merely now and again, but every day, so to speak, +with difficulties of this sort, I was able to acquire a certain practice +in criminal cases and a certain degree of perspicacity.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Obviously. As for Delorme, it is the first time he has had to +deal with such a big crime.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> In the case of that pretty woman from Toulouse, at Bordeaux, a +case which made a good deal of stir at the time, it was I who forced the +accused to make the confession that led her to the guillotine.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat</span> [<i>admiringly</i>] Was it really?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> My dear friend, I ask you most seriously—and if I am insistent, +it is because I have reasons for being so—between ourselves, I beg you +to tell us on what you base your opinion.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well, I don't want to hide my light under a bushel—I'll tell +you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> We are listening.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Recall the facts. In a house isolated as are most of our Basque +houses they find, one morning, an old man of eighty-seven murdered in +his bed. Servants who slept in the adjacent building had heard nothing. +The dogs did not bark. There was robbery, it is true, but the criminal +did not confine himself to stealing hard cash; he stole family papers as +well. Remember that point. And I will call your attention to another +detail. It had rained on the previous evening. In the garden footprints +were discovered which were immediately attributed to the murderer, who +was so badly shod that the big toe of his right foot protruded from his +boot. Monsieur Delorme proceeds along the trail; he obtains a piece of +evidence that encourages him, and he declares that the murderer is a +vagrant. I say this is a mistake. The murderer is not a vagrant. Now the +house in which the crime was committed is an isolated house, and we know +that within a radius of six to ten miles there was no tramp begging +before the crime. So this tramp, if there was one, would have eaten and +drunk on the scene of the crime, either before or after striking the +blow. Now no traces have been discovered which permit us to suppose that +he did anything of the kind. So—here is a man who arrives in a state of +exhaustion. He begs; he is refused. He then hides himself, and, when it +is night, he robs and assassinates. There is wine and bread and other +food at hand; but he goes his way without touching them. Is this +probable? No. Don't tell me that he was disturbed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> and so ran off; it is +not true; their own witness declares that he saw him in the morning, a +few yards from the house, whereas the crime was committed before +midnight. If Monsieur Delorme, in addition to his distinguished +qualities, had a little experience of cases of this kind, he would +realize that empty bottles, dirty glasses, and scraps of food left on +the table constitute, so to speak, the sign manual which the criminal +vagrant leaves behind him on the scene of his crime.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> True; I was familiar with that detail.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole</span> [<i>under his breath to Ardeuil</i>] That fellow would send a man +to the scaffold for the sake of seeming to know something.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Go on—go on.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Monsieur Delorme ought to have known this also: in the life of +the vagrant there is one necessity which comes next to hunger and +thirst—it is the need of footwear. This is so true that they have +sometimes been known to make this need a pretext for demanding an +appeal, because the journey to the Court of Appeal is generally made on +foot, so that the administration is obliged to furnish shoes, and, as +these are scarcely worn during the period of detention, they are in good +condition when the man leaves prison. Now the supposed vagrant has a +foot very nearly the same size as that of his victim. He has—you +yourself have told us—boots which are in a very bad condition. Well, +gentlemen, this badly shod vagrant does not take the good strong boots +which are in the house! I will add but one word more. If the crime had +been committed by a passing stranger—by a professional mendicant—will +you tell me why this remarkable murderer follows the road which passes +in front of the victim's house—a road on which he would find no +resources—a road on which houses are met with only at intervals of two +or three miles—when there is, close at hand,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> another road which runs +through various villages and passes numbers of farmhouses, in which it +is a tradition never to refuse hospitality to one of his kind? One word +more. Why does this vagrant steal family papers which will betray him as +the criminal the very first time he comes into contact with the police? +No, gentlemen, the criminal is not a vagrant. If you want to find him, +you must not look for a man wandering along the highway; you must look +for him among those relatives or debtors or friends, who had an interest +in his death.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> This is very true.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> I call that admirably logical and extremely lucid.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Believe me, the matter is quite simple. If I were intrusted with +the examination, I guarantee that within three days the criminal would +be under lock and key.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Well, my dear colleague, I have a piece of news for you. +Monsieur Delorme, who is very unwell, has returned me his brief this +afternoon, and it will be intrusted to you. Henceforth the preliminary +examination of the Irissary murder will be in your hands.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I have only to say that I accept. My duty is to obey. I withdraw +nothing of what I have said; within three days the murderer will be +arrested.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Bravo!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I thank you for that promise in the name of all concerned. I +declare that you relieve us of a great anxiety. [<i>To his wife</i>] Listen, +my dear. Monsieur Mouzon is undertaking the preliminary examination, and +he promises us a result before three days are up.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> We shall be grateful, Monsieur Mouzon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> Oh, thank you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Bertha! Tell them to serve dinner—and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> to send up that old +Irrouleguy wine! I will drink to your success, my dear fellow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Manservant.</span> Dinner is served.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The gentlemen offer their arms to the ladies preparatory to +going in to dinner.</i></p></div> + + +<h4>CURTAIN.</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p> +<h2>ACT II</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>In the office of Mouzon, the examining magistrate. A door +at the back and in the wall to the right. On the left are +two desks. Portfolios, armchairs, and one ordinary chair.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene I</span>:—<i>The recorder, then the doorkeeper, then Mouzon. When the +curtain rises the recorder, seated in the magistrate's armchair, is +drinking his coffee. The doorkeeper enters.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Ah! Here's our friend the doorkeeper of the courthouse! Well, +what's the news?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper.</span> Here's your boss.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Already!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper.</span> He got back from Bordeaux last night. Fagged out he looked.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder</span> [<i>loftily</i>] A Mauleon magistrate is always fatigued when he +returns from Bordeaux!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder</span> [<i>after a pause</i>] I do not know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper.</span> It's the Irissary murder that has brought him here so early.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Probably. [<i>While speaking he arranges his cup, saucer, sugar +basin, etc., in a drawer. He then goes to his own place, the desk at the +back. Mouzon enters. The doorkeeper pretends to have completed some +errand and leaves the room. The recorder rises, with a low bow</i>] +Good-morning, your worship.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Good-morning. You haven't made any engagements, have you, except +in the case of the Irissary murder?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> I have cited the officer of the gendarmerie, the accused, and +the wife of the accused.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I am tired, my good fellow. I have a nervous headache! Any +letters for me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> No, your worship.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> His Honor the State Attorney hasn't asked for me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> No, your worship. But all the same I have something for you. +[<i>He hands him an envelope</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>opening the envelope</i>] Stamps for my collection! I say, Benoît, +that's good! Now let's see. Let's see. [<i>He unlocks the drawer of his +desk and takes out a stamp album</i>] Uruguay. I have it! Well, it will do +to exchange. And this one too. Oh! Oh! I say, Benoît! A George Albert, +first edition! But where did you get this, my dear fellow?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> A solicitor's clerk found it in a brief.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Splendid! I must stick that in at once! Pass me the paste, will +you? [<i>He delicately trims the edges of the stamp with a pair of +scissors and pastes it in the album with the greatest care, while still +talking</i>] It is rare, extremely rare! According to the <i>Philatelist</i> it +will exchange for three blue Amadei or a '67 Khedive, obliterated. +There! [<i>Turning over the leaves of his album</i>] Really, you know, it +begins to look something like. It's beginning to fill up, eh? You know I +believe I shall soon be able to get that Hayti example. Look! See here! +[<i>In great delight</i>] There's a whole page-full! And all splendid +examples. [<i>He closes the album and sighs</i>] O Lord!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> You don't feel well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> It's not that. I was rather worried at Bordeaux.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> About your stamps?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> No, no. [<i>A sigh to himself</i>] Damn the women! The very thing I +didn't want. [<i>He takes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> his album again</i>] When I've got that Hayti +specimen I shall need only three more to fill this page too. Yes. [<i>He +closes the album</i>] Well, what's the post? Ah! Here is the information +from Paris in respect of the woman Etchepare and her husband's judicial +record. [<i>The doorkeeper enters with a visiting-card</i>] Who is coming to +disturb me now? [<i>More agreeably, having read the name</i>] Ah! Ah! [<i>To +the recorder</i>] I shall see him alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, your worship. [<i>He goes out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>to the doorkeeper</i>] Show him in. [<i>He hides his album, picks up +a brief, and affects to be reading it with the utmost attention</i>]</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene II</span>:—<i>Enter Mondoubleau.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau</span> [<i>speaking with a strong provincial accent</i>] I was passing +the Law Courts, and I thought I'd look in and say how do. I am not +disturbing you, I hope?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>smiling and closing his brief</i>] My dear deputy, an examining +magistrate, as you know, is always busy. But it gives one a rest—it +does one good—to see a welcome caller once in a while. Sit down, I beg +you. Yes, please!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> I can stop only a minute.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> But that's unkind of you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Well, what's the latest about the Irissary murder?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> So far there's nothing new. I've questioned the accused—an +ugly-looking fellow and a poor defence. He simply denied everything and +flew into a temper. I had to send him back to the cells without getting +anything out of him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Are you perfectly sure you've got the right man?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Certain—no; but I should be greatly surprised if I were +mistaken.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> I saw Monsieur Delorme yesterday. He's a little better.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> So I hear. He thinks the murderer was a tramp. Now there, my +dear sir, is one of the peculiarities to which we examining magistrates +are subject. We always find it the very devil to abandon the first idea +that pops into our minds. Personally I do my best to avoid what is +really a professional failing. I am just going to examine Etchepare, and +I am waiting for the results of a police inquiry. If all this gives me +no result, I shall set the man at liberty and look elsewhere for the +culprit—but I repeat, I firmly believe I am on the right scent.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Monsieur Delorme is a magistrate of long experience and a +very shrewd one, and I will not deny that the reasons he has given me +are—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I know my colleague is extremely intelligent. And, once more, I +don't say that he's wrong. We shall see. At present I am only morally +certain. I shall be materially certain when I know the antecedents of +the accused and have established an obvious motive for his action. At +the moment of your arrival I was about to open my mail. Here is a letter +from the Court of Pau; it gives our man's judicial record. [<i>He takes a +paper-knife in order to open the envelope</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> A curious paper-knife.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> That? It's the blade of the knife that brought the pretty +Toulouse woman to the guillotine at Bordeaux. Pretty weapon, eh? I had +it made into a paper-knife. [<i>He opens the envelope</i>] There—there you +are! Four times sentenced for assaulting and wounding. You see—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Really, really! Four times!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> This is getting interesting. Besides this—I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> have neglected +nothing—I have learned that his wife, Yanetta Etchepare—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Is that the young woman I saw in the corridor just now?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I have called her as witness. I shall be hearing her directly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> She looks a very respectable woman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Possibly. But, as I was about to tell you, I have learned that +she used to live in Paris—before her marriage—I have written asking +for information. Here we are. [<i>He opens the envelope and smiles</i>] Aha! +Well, this young woman who looks so respectable was sentenced to one +month's imprisonment for receiving stolen goods. Now we will hear the +police lieutenant who is coming, very obligingly, to give me an account +of the inquiry with which I intrusted him, and which he will put in +writing this evening. I shall soon see—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Do you suppose he will have anything new for you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Does this interest you? I will see him in your presence. [<i>He +goes to the door and makes a sign. He returns to his chair</i>] Understand, +I assert nothing. It is quite possible that my colleague's judgment has +been more correct than mine. [<i>The officer enters</i>]</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene III</span>:—<i>The same and the officer.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Good-morning, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Good-morning, lieutenant. You can speak before this gentleman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer</span> [<i>saluting</i>] Our deputy—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Yes! He's the man!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>after a glance at Mondoubleau</i>] Don't let's go too fast. On +what grounds do you make that assertion?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> You will see. In the first place there have been four +convictions already.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Then fifteen years ago he bought, from Daddy Goyetche, the +victim, a vineyard, the payment taking the form of a life annuity.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> He professed to have made a very bad bargain, and he used to +abuse old Goyetche as a swindler.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Excellent!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Five years ago he sold this vineyard.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> So that for five years he has been paying an annuity to the +victim, although the vineyard was no longer his property.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Yes, your worship.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Go on.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> After his arrest people's tongues were loosened. His neighbors +have been talking.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> That's always the way.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> I have heard a witness, the girl Gracieuse Mendione, to whom +Etchepare used the words, "It is really too stupid to be forced to pay +money to that old swine."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Wait a moment. You say the girl Gracieuse?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Mendione.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>writing</i>] Mendione—"It is really too stupid to be forced to +pay money to that old swine." Good! Good! Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> I have another witness, Piarrech Artola.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>writing</i>] Piarrech Artola.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Etchepare told him, about two months ago, in speaking of old +Goyetche, "It's more than one can stand—the Almighty's forgotten him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>writing</i>] "The Almighty has forgotten him." Excellent. Is this +all you can tell me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Almost all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> At what date should Etchepare have made the next annual payment +to old Goyetche?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> A week after Ascension Day.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> That is a week after the crime?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Yes, your worship.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>to Mondoubleau</i>] Singular coincidence! [<i>To the officer</i>] Was +he comfortably off, this Etchepare?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> He was pressed for money. Three months ago he borrowed eight +hundred francs from a Mauleon cattle-dealer.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> And what do the neighbors say?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> They say Etchepare was a sly grasping fellow, and they aren't +surprised to hear that he's the murderer. All the same, they all speak +very highly of the woman Yanetta Etchepare. They say she is a model +mother and housekeeper.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> How many children?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Two—Georges and—I can't remember the name of the other now.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> And the woman's moral character?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Irreproachable.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Good.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> I was forgetting. One of my men, one of those who effected the +arrest, informs me that when Etchepare saw him coming he said to his +wife, "They've got me."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> "They've got me." That is rather important.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> And then he told his wife, in Basque, "Don't for the world let +out that I left the house last night!"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> He said this before the gendarme?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> No, your worship—the gendarme was outside—close to an open +window. Etchepare didn't see him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You will have him cited as witness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Yes, your worship. Then there's that witness for the defence +too—Bridet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Ah, yes—I have read the deposition he made in your presence. +It's of no importance. Still, if he's there I'll hear him. Thank you. +Well, draw up a report for me, in full detail, and make them give you +the summonses for the witnesses.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Officer.</span> Yes, your worship. [<i>He salutes and goes out</i>]</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene IV</span>:—<i>Mouzon and Mondoubleau.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Monsieur Delorme is a fool.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Well, I don't say so, my dear deputy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> It's wonderful, your faculty of divination.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Wonderful—no, no. I assure you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Now how did you come to suspect this Etchepare?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well, you know, it is partly a matter of temperament. The +searching for a criminal is an art. I may say that a good examining +magistrate is guided less by the facts themselves than by a kind of +inspiration.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Wonderful. I repeat it's wonderful. And this witness for +the defence?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> He may be a false witness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> What makes you think that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Because he accuses the gipsies! Moreover, he had business +dealings with Etchepare. The Basque, you know, still look on us rather +as enemies, as conquerors, and they think it no crime to deceive us by +means of a false oath.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Then you were never inclined to accept the theory of your +predecessor?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Tramps—the poor wretches! I know what an affection you have for +the poor, and I feel with you that one should not confine oneself to +suspecting the unfortunate—people without shelter, without bread even.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Bravo! I am delighted to find that you are not only an able +magistrate, but also that you think with me on political matters.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You are very good.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> I hope that from now on the Basque newspapers will cease +its attacks upon you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I am afraid not.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Come, come!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> What can you expect, my dear sir? The paper is hostile to you, +and as I do not scruple openly to support your candidature they make the +magistrate pay for the opinions of the citizen.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> I feel ashamed—and I thank you with all my heart, my dear +fellow. Go on as you are doing—but be prudent—eh? The Keeper of the +Seals was saying to me only a couple of days ago, "I look to you to see +that there is no trouble in your constituency. No trouble—above all no +scandal of any kind!" I ought to tell you that Eugène is the subject of +many attacks at the present moment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You are on very intimate terms with his Honor the Keeper of the +Seals.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau</span> [<i>makes a gesture, then, simply</i>] We were in the Commune +together.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I see.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Tell me, by the way, what sort of a man is your State +Attorney?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Monsieur Vagret?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Yes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Oh, well—he's a very painstaking magistrate, very exact—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> No, I mean as to his political opinions.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You mustn't blame him for being in the political camp of those +who are diametrically opposed to us. At all events, don't run away with +the idea that he is a mischievous person.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Narrow-minded. [<i>He has for some little time been gazing at +Mouzon's desk</i>] I see you've got the Labastide brief on your table. +There's nothing in it at all. I know Labastide well; he's one of my +ablest electoral agents; and I assure you he's absolutely incapable of +committing the actions of which he is accused. I told Monsieur Vagret as +much, but I see he is prosecuting after all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I can only assure you, my dear deputy, that I will give the +Labastide affair my most particular attention.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> I have too much respect for you, my dear fellow, to ask +more of you. Well, well, I mustn't waste your time. So for the present—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Au revoir. [<i>The deputy goes out. Mouzon is alone</i>] I don't +think our deputy is getting such a bad idea of me. [<i>Smiling</i>] The fact +is it was really clever of me to suspect Etchepare. Now the thing is to +make him confess the whole business, and as quickly as possible—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The doorkeeper enters, a telegram in his hand.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> A telegram for me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper.</span> Yes, your honor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Give it me. Right. [<i>The doorkeeper goes out. Mouzon reads</i>] +"Diane is detained under arrest. The report of yesterday's affair sent +to the Attorney-General.—Lucien." That's nice for me! [<i>He is silent, +pacing to and fro</i>] Oh, the accursed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> women! [<i>Silence</i>] Come, I must +get to work. [<i>He goes to the door at the back and calls his recorder</i>] +Benoît!</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene V</span>:—<i>Mouzon, the recorder, and then Bridet.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>seated, gives a brief to the recorder</i>] Make out an order of +non-lieu in the Labastide case and the order for his immediate release. +You can do that during the interrogatories. Now, let us begin! It is two +o'clock already and we have done nothing. Make haste—Let's see—What +are you waiting for? Give me the list of witnesses—the list of +witnesses. Don't you understand? What's the matter with you to-day? +That's right. Now bring in this famous witness for the defence and let +us get rid of him. Is Etchepare there?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, your honor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> His wife too?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, your honor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well, then! What's the matter with you that you look at me like +that? Bring him in.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Which first? Etchepare?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> No!—the witness for the defence. The wit-ness for the +de-fence—do you understand?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder</span> [<i>outside, angrily</i>] Bridet! Come, Bridet, are you deaf? Come +in! [<i>Roughly</i>] Stir yourself!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Bridet enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Your worship, I am going to tell you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Hold your tongue. You will speak when you are questioned. Name, +surname, age, profession, and place of domicile.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Bridet, Jean-Pierre, thirty-eight, maker of <i>alpargates</i> at +Faigorry.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>in a single breath</i>] You swear to speak the truth, the whole +truth, and nothing but the truth. Say,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> "I swear." You are neither a +blood relative nor a relation by marriage of the accused, you are not in +his service and he is not in yours. [<i>To the recorder</i>] Has he said, "I +swear"?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, your worship.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>to Bridet</i>] Speak! [<i>Silence</i>] Go on—speak!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> I am waiting for you to ask me questions.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Just now one couldn't keep you quiet; now when I ask you to +speak you have nothing to say. What interest have you in defending +Etchepare?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> What interest?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Yes. Don't you understand your own language?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Yes, Monsieur. Why, no interest.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> No interest? Is that the truth? Eh? None? Come, I want very much +to believe you. [<i>Very sternly</i>] However, I remind you that Article 361 +of the Penal Code punishes false evidence with imprisonment. Now that +you know the risk you run in not telling the truth I will listen to you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet</span> [<i>confused</i>] I was going to say that old Goyetche was murdered by +gipsies who came from over the frontier, down the mountain.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You are sure of that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> I believe it's so.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You are not here to say what you believe. Tell me what you saw +or heard. That is all that's asked of you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> But one's always meeting them, these gipsies. The other day they +robbed a tobacconist's shop. There were three of them. Two of them went +inside. I must tell you they had looked the place over during the day—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Did you come here to laugh at the law? Eh?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> I?—But, Monsieur—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I ask if you came here to mock at the law?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> No, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> That's as well, for such a thing won't answer—you understand? +Do you hear?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Is that all you have to say?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> No, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well, then, go on! Confound it! Don't waste my time in this way! +Do you think I've nothing to do but listen to your gossip? Come now, +tell me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Well, the day after Ascension Day—that is, on the Monday—no, +on the Friday—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Was it Monday or Friday?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Friday—it was like a Monday, you see, because it was the day +after the holiday. Well, the day they found old Goyetche murdered I saw +a troop of gipsies leaving his house.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Then you were quite close to the house?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> No, I was passing on the road.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Did they close the door behind them?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> I don't know, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Then why do you say you saw them come out of the house?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> I saw them come out of the meadow in front of the house.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> And then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> That's all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>throwing himself back in his chair</i>] And you've come here to +bother me for this, eh? Answer. For this?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> But, your worship—I beg your pardon—I thought—I beg your +pardon—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Listen. How many gipsies were there? Think well. Don't make a +mistake.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Five.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Are you certain of that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Yes. Well, in the presence of the gendarmes you said there were +five or six. So you are more certain of a fact at the end of a month +than you were on the day on which you observed it. On the other hand, +you no longer know whether the fact occurred on a Monday or a Friday, +nor whether the gipsies were leaving the house or merely crossing the +fields. [<i>Sternly</i>] Tell me, are you acquainted with the accused? +Etchepare—do you know him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You have business relations with him? You used to sell him +sheep?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> That's enough for me. Get out!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> And think yourself lucky that I let you go like this.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> In future, before asking to be heard as a witness for the +defence in a trial at law, I recommend you to think twice.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Rest your mind easy, Monsieur. I swear they'll never get me +again!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Sign your interrogatory and be off. If there were not so many +easy-going blunderers of your sort, there would be less occasion to +complain of the law's delays and hesitations for which the law itself is +not responsible.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bridet.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>to the recorder</i>] Send for Etchepare.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder</span> [<i>returning immediately</i>] Your worship.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> The advocate—Maître Plaçat.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Is he there?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, your honor. He would like to see you before the +interrogatory.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well, show him in, then! What are you waiting for? Be off—and +come back when I send for the accused.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The recorder goes out as Plaçat enters.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene VI</span>:—<i>Mouzon, Maître Plaçat.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Good-day, my dear fellow—how are you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Plaçat.</span> Fine. And you? I caught sight of you last night at the Grand +Theatre; you were with an extremely charming woman.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Ah, yes—I—er—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Plaçat.</span> I beg your pardon. Tell me now—I wanted to have a word with you +about the Etchepare case.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> If you are free at the present moment, we are going to hold the +examination at once.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Plaçat.</span> That's the trouble—I haven't a minute.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Would you like us to postpone it until to-morrow?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Plaçat.</span> No, no—I have just been speaking to the accused. An +uninteresting story. He just keeps on denying—that's all. He agreed to +be interrogated without me. [<i>Laughing</i>] I won't hide from you that I +advised him to persist in his method. Well, then, au revoir. If he wants +an advocate later on, let me know—I'll send you one of my secretaries.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Right. Good-bye for the present, then.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He returns to his desk. The recorder enters, then +Etchepare, between two gendarmes.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene VII</span>:—<i>Mouzon, Etchepare, the recorder.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Step forward.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>to the recorder</i>] Recorder, write. [<i>Very quickly, stuttering</i>] +In the year nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, etc. Before me, Mouzon, +examining magistrate, in the presence of—and so on—the Sieur Etchepare +Jean-Pierre was brought to our office, his first appearance being +recorded in the report of—and so on. We may mention that the accused, +having consented to interrogation in the absence of his advocate—[<i>To +Etchepare</i>] You do consent, don't you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I am innocent. I don't need any advocate.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>resumes his stuttering</i>] We dispensed therewith. In consequence +of which we have immediately proceeded as below to the interrogation of +the said Sieur Etchepare Jean-Pierre. [<i>To Etchepare</i>] Etchepare, on the +occasion of your first appearance you refused to reply, which wasn't +perhaps very sensible of you, but you were within your rights. You lost +your temper and I was even obliged to remind you of the respect due to +the law. Are you going to speak to-day?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>disturbed</i>] Yes, your worship.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Ah! Aha! my fine fellow, you are not so proud to-day!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> No. I've been thinking. I want to get out of this as quickly +as possible.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well, well, for my part, I ask nothing more than to be able to +set you at liberty. So far we understand each other excellently. Let us +hope it'll last. Sit down. And first of all I advise you to give up +trying to father the crime onto a band of gipsies. The witness Bridet, +who has business relations<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> with you, has endeavored, no doubt at your +instigation, to induce us to accept this fable. I warn you he has not +succeeded.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I don't know what Bridet may have told you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Oh! You deny it? So much the better! Come, you are cleverer than +I thought! Was it you who murdered Goyetche?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> No, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You had an interest in his death?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> No, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Oh, really! I thought you had to pay him a life annuity.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>after a moment's hesitation</i>] Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Then you had an interest in his death? [<i>Silence</i>] Eh! You don't +answer? Well, let us continue. You said to a witness, the young +woman—the young woman Gracieuse Mendione—"It is really too stupid to +be forced to pay money to that old swine."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>without conviction</i>] That's not true.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> It's not true! So the witness is a liar, eh?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I don't know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You don't know. [<i>A pause</i>] You thought that Goyetche had lived +too long?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> No, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> No, Monsieur. Then why did you say to another witness, Piarrech +Artola, why did you say, in speaking of your creditor, "It's too much, +the Almighty has forgotten him"?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I didn't say that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You didn't say that. So this witness is a liar too! Answer me. +Is he a liar? [<i>Silence</i>] You don't answer. It's just as well. Come now, +Etchepare, why do you persist in these denials—eh? Isn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> it all plain +enough? You are avaricious, interested, greedy for gain—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> It's so hard to make a living.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You are a man of violent temper—from time to time you get +drunk, and then you become dangerous. You have been four times convicted +for assault and wounding—you are over-ready with your knife. Is that +the truth or isn't it? You were tired of paying—for nothing—a biggish +annual sum to this old man. The time for payment was approaching; you +were pressed for money; you felt that Goyetche had lived too long, and +you killed him. It's so obvious—eh? Isn't it true?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>gradually recovering himself</i>] I did not murder him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> We won't juggle with words. Did you pay anyone else to kill him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I had nothing to do with his death. You yourself say I was +pressed for money. So how could I have paid anyone to kill him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Then you did it yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> That's a lie.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Listen, Etchepare—you will confess sooner or later. Already you +are weakening in your defence.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> If I was to shout, you'd say I was play-acting.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I tell you sooner or later you will change your tune. Already +you admit facts which constitute a serious charge against you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> That's true; I said it without thinking of the consequences.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Ah, but you ought to think of the consequences; for they may be +peculiarly serious for you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I'm not afraid of death.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> The death of others<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Nor my own.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> So much the better. But you are a Basque; you are a Catholic. +After death there is hell.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I'm not afraid of hell; I've done nothing wrong.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> There is the dishonor that will fall on your children. You love +your children, do you not? Eh? They will ask after you—they love +you—because they don't know—yet—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>suddenly weeping</i>] My poor little children! My poor little +children!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Come, then! All good feeling isn't extinct in you. Believe me, +Etchepare, the jury will be touched by your confession, by your +repentance—you will escape the supreme penalty. You are still +young—you have long years before you in which to expiate your crime. +You may earn your pardon and perhaps you may once again see those +children, who will have forgiven you. Believe me—believe me—in your +own interests even, confess! [<i>Mouzon has approached Etchepare during +the foregoing; he places his hands on the latter's shoulders; he +continues, with great gentleness</i>] Come, isn't it true? If you can't +speak, you've only to nod your head. Eh? It's true? Come, since I know +it's true. Eh? I can't hear what you say. It was you, wasn't it? It was +you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>still weeping</i>] It was not me, sir! I swear it was not me! I +swear it!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>in a hard voice, going back to his desk</i>] Oh, you needn't +swear. You have only to tell me the truth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I am telling the truth—I am—I can't say I did it when I +didn't!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Come, come! We shall get nothing out of you to-day. [<i>To the +recorder</i>] Read him his interrogatory<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> and let him be taken back to his +cell. One minute—Etchepare!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Monsieur?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> There is one way to prove your innocence, since you profess to +be innocent. Prove, in one way or another, that you were elsewhere than +at Irissary on the night of the crime, and I will set you at liberty. +Where were you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Where was I?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I ask you where you were on the night of Ascension Day. Were you +at home?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Is that really the truth?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>rising, rather theatrically, pointing at Etchepare</i>] Now, +Etchepare, that condemns you. I know that you went out that night. When +you were arrested you said to your wife, "Don't for the world admit that +I went out last night." Come, I must tell you everything. Someone saw +you—a servant. She told the gendarmes that as she was saying good-night +to a young man from Iholdy, with whom she had been dancing, at ten +o'clock at night, she saw you a few hundred yards from your house. What +have you to say to that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> It is true—I did go out.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>triumphantly</i>] Ah! Now, my good man, we've had some trouble in +getting you to say something. But I can read it in your face when you +are lying—I can read it in your face in letters as big as that. The +proof is that there was no witness who saw you go out—neither your +servant nor anyone else; and yet I would have sworn to it with my head +under the knife. Come, we have made a little progress now. [<i>To the +recorder</i>] Have you put down carefully his first admission? Good. [<i>To +Etchepare</i>] Now think<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> for a moment. We will continue our little +conversation. [<i>He goes towards the fireplace, rubbing his hands, pours +himself a glass of spirits, swallows it, gives a sigh of gratification, +and returns to his chair</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">First Gendarme</span> [<i>to his comrade</i>] A cunning one, he is!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Second Gendarme.</span> You're right!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Let us continue. Come, now that you've got so far, confess the +whole thing! Here are these good gendarmes who want to go to their grub. +[<i>The gendarmes, the recorder, and Mouzon laugh</i>] You confess? No? Then +tell me, why did you insist on saying that you remained at home that +night?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Because I'd told the gendarmes so and I didn't want to make +myself out a liar.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> And why did you tell the gendarmes that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Because I thought they'd arrest me on account of the +smuggling.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Good. Then you didn't go to Irissary that night?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Where did you go?</p> + +<p>ETCHEPARE. Up the mountain, to look for a horse that had got away the +night before, one of a lot we were taking to Spain.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Good. Excellent. That isn't badly thought out—that can be +maintained. You went to look for a horse lost on the mountain, a horse +which escaped from a lot you were smuggling over the frontier on the +previous night. Excellent. If that is true, there is nothing for it but +to set you at liberty before we are much older. Now to prove that you've +simply to tell me to whom you sold the horse; we shall send for the +purchaser, and if he confirms your statement, I will sign your +discharge. To whom did you sell the horse?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I didn't sell it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You gave it away? You did something with it!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> No—I didn't find it again.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You didn't find it again! The devil! That's not so good. Come! +Let's think of something else. You didn't go up the mountain all alone?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Yes, all alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Bad luck! Another time, you see, you ought to take a companion. +Were you out long?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> All night. I got in at five in the morning.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> A long time.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> We aren't well off, and a horse is worth a lot of money.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Yes. But you didn't spend the whole night on the mountain +without meeting someone—shepherds or customs officers?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> It was raining in torrents.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Then you met no one?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> No one.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I thought as much. [<i>In a tone of disappointed reproach, with +apparent pity</i>] Tell me, Etchepare, do you take the jurymen for idiots? +[<i>Silence</i>] So that's all you've been able to think of? I said you were +intelligent just now. I take that back. But think what you've told me—a +rigmarole like that. Why, a child of eight would have done better. It's +ridiculous I tell you—ridiculous. The jurymen will simply shrug their +shoulders when they hear it. A whole night out of doors, in the pouring +rain, to look for a horse you don't find—and without meeting a living +soul—no shepherds, no customs officers—and you go home at five in the +morning—although at this time of the year it's daylight by then—yes, +and before then—but no, no one saw you and you saw no one. So everybody +was stricken with blindness, eh? A miracle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> happened, and everyone was +blind that night. You don't ask me to believe that? No? Why not? It's +quite as probable as what you do tell me. So everybody wasn't blind? +[<i>The recorder bursts into a laugh; the gendarmes imitate him</i>] You see +what it's worth, your scheme of defence! You make the gaolers and my +recorder laugh. Don't you agree with me that your new method of defence +is ridiculous?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>abashed, under his breath</i>] I don't know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well, if you don't know, we do! Come now! I have no advice to +give you. You repeat that at the trial and see what effect you produce. +But why not confess? Why not confess? I really don't understand your +obstinacy. I repeat, I really do not understand it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Well, if I didn't do it, am I to say all the same that I did?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> So you persist in your story of the phantom horse? You persist +in it, do you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> How do I know? How should I know what I ought to say? I +should do better not to say anything at all—everything I say is turned +against me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Because the stories you invent are altogether too +improbable—because you think me more of a fool than I am in thinking +that I am going to credit such absurd inventions. I preferred your first +method; at least you had two witnesses to speak for you—two witnesses +who were not worth very much, it's true, but witnesses all the same. +You've made a change; well, you are within your rights. Let us stick to +the lost horse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Well, then? [<i>A long pause</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Come! Out with it!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>without emphasis, hesitation, gazing at the recorder as +though to read in his eyes whether he was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> replying as he should</i>] Well, +I'm going to tell you, Monsieur. You are right—it isn't true—I didn't +go up into the mountain. What I said first of all was the truth—I +didn't go out at all. Just now I was all muddled. At first I denied +everything, even what was true—I was so afraid of you. Then, when you +told me—I don't remember what it was—my head's all going like—I don't +know—I don't remember—but all the same I know I am innocent. Well, +just now, I almost wished I could admit I was guilty if only you'd leave +me in peace. What was I saying? I don't remember. Ah, yes—when you told +me—whatever it was, I've forgotten—it seemed to me I'd better say I'd +gone out—and I told a lie. But [<i>sincerely</i>] what I swear to you is +that I am not the guilty man. I swear it, I swear it!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I repeat, I ask nothing better than to be able to believe it. So +now it's understood, is it, that you were at home?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> We shall hear your wife directly. You have no other witnesses to +call?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> No, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Good. Take the accused away—but remain in the Court. I shall +probably need him directly for a confrontation. His interrogatory isn't +finished.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The gendarmes lead Etchepare away.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene VIII</span>:—<i>Mouzon and the recorder.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>to the recorder</i>] What a rogue, eh? One might have taken him in +the act, knife in hand, and he'd say it wasn't true! A crafty fellow +too—he defends himself well.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> I really thought, at one time, that your worship had got him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> When I was speaking of his children?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, that brought tears to one's eyes. It made one feel one +wanted to confess even though one hadn't done anything!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Didn't it? Ah, if I hadn't got this headache! [<i>A pause</i>] I did +a stupid thing just now.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Oh, your worship!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I did. I was wrong to show him how improbable that new story of +his was. It is so grotesque that it would have betrayed him—while, if +he goes on asserting that he never left the house, if the servant +insists he didn't, and if the wife says the same thing, that's something +that may create a doubt in the mind of the jury. He saw that perfectly, +the rascal! He felt that of the two methods the first was the better. +That's one against me, my good Benoît. [<i>To himself</i>] That must be set +right. Let me think. Etchepare is the murderer, there's no doubt about +that. I am as certain of that as if I'd been present. So he wasn't at +home on the night of the crime and his wife knows it. After the way he +hesitated just now—if I can get the wife to confess that he was absent +from home till the morning, we get back to the ridiculous story of the +lost horse, and I catch him twice in a flagrant lie, and I've got him. +Come, we must give the good woman a bit of a roasting and get the truth +out of her. It'll be devilish queer if I don't succeed. [<i>To the +recorder</i>] What did I do with the police record of the woman Etchepare +that was sent from Paris?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> It's in the brief.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Yes—here it is—the extract from her judicial record. Report +number two, a month of imprisonment, for receiving—couldn't be better. +Send her in.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The recorder goes to the door and calls.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yanetta Etchepare!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter Yanetta.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene IX</span>:—<i>Mouzon, recorder, Yanetta.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Step forward. Now, Madame, I shall not administer the oath to +you, since you are the wife of the accused. But none the less I beg you +most urgently to tell the truth. I warn you that an untruth on your part +might compel me to accuse you of complicity with your husband in the +crime of which he is accused and force me to have you arrested at once.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I'm not afraid. I can't be my husband's accomplice because my +husband isn't guilty.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> That is not my opinion. I will say further: you know a great +deal more about this matter than you care to tell.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I? That's infamous.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Come, come, no shouting! I don't say you took a direct part in +the murder, I say it is highly probable that you knew of the murder, +perhaps advised it, and that you have profited by it. That would be +enough to place you in the dock beside your husband at the assizes. My +treatment of you will depend on the sincerity of your answers to my +questions. As you do or do not tell me the truth I shall either set you +at liberty or have you arrested. Now you can't say that I haven't warned +you! And now, if you please, inform me whether you persist in your first +statement, in which you affirm that Etchepare stopped at home on the +night of Ascension Day.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I do.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well, it is untrue.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>excited</i>] The night on which Daddy Goyetche was murdered my +husband never left the house.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I tell you that is not the truth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>as before</i>] The night Daddy Goyetche was murdered my husband +never left the house.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You seem to have got stuck. You go on repeating the same thing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, I go on repeating the same thing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well, now let us examine into the value of your evidence. Since +your marriage—for the last ten years—your conduct has left nothing to +be desired. You are thrifty, faithful, industrious, honest—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Wait a moment. You have two children, whom you adore. You are an +excellent mother. One hears of your almost heroic behavior at the time +your eldest child was ill—Georges, I think.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, it was Georges. But what has that to do with the charge +against my husband?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Have patience. You will see presently.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Very well.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> It is all the more to your credit that you are what you are, for +your husband does not give us an example of the same virtues. He +occasionally gets drunk.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> No, he doesn't.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Come—everyone knows that. He is violent.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> He's not violent.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> So violent that he has been convicted four times for assault and +battery.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> That's possible; at holiday times, in the evening, men get +quarrelling. But that was a long time ago. Now he behaves better, and +I'm very happy with him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> That surprises me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Anyhow, does that prove he murdered old Goyetche?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Your husband is very grasping.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Poor people are forced to be very grasping or else to die of +starvation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You defend him well.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Did you suppose I was going to accuse him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Have you ever been convicted?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>anxious</i>] Me?</p> + +<p>Mouzon. Yes, you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>weakly</i>] No, I've never been convicted.</p> + +<p>Mouzon. That is curious because there was a girl of your name in Paris +who was sentenced to a month's imprisonment for receiving stolen +property.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>weakly</i>] For receiving stolen property—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You are not quite so bold now—you are disturbed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>as before</i>] No—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You are pale—you are trembling—you are feeling faint. Give her +a chair, Benoît. [<i>The recorder obeys</i>] Pull yourself together!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> My God, you know that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Here is the report which has been sent me. "The woman Yanetta +X—was brought to Paris at the age of sixteen as companion or lady's +maid by Monsieur and Madame So-and-so, having been employed by them in +that capacity at Saint-Jean-de-Luz." Is that correct?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Here is some more. "Illicit relations were before long formed +between the girl Yanetta and the son of the family, who was twenty-three +years of age. Two years later the lovers fled, taking with them eight +thousand francs which the young man had stolen from his father. On the +information of the latter the girl Yanetta was arrested and condemned to +one month's imprisonment for receiving stolen property. After serving +her sentence she disappeared. It is believed that she returned to her +own district." Are you the person mentioned here?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes. My God, I thought that was all so long ago—so completely +forgotten. It is all true, Monsieur, but for ten years now I've given +every minute of my life to making up for it, trying to redeem myself. +Just now I answered you insolently; I beg your pardon. You have not only +my life in your hands now, but my husband's, and the honor of my +children.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Does your husband know of this?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> No, Monsieur. Oh, you aren't going to tell him! I beg you on my +knees! It would be wicked, I tell you, wicked! Listen, Monsieur—listen. +I came back to the country; I hid myself; I would rather have died; I +didn't want to stay in Paris—you understand why—and then in a little +while I lost mother. Etchepare was in love with me, and he bothered me +to marry him. I refused—I had the courage to go on refusing for three +years. Then—I was so lonely, so miserable, and he was so unhappy, that +in the end I gave way. I ought to have told him everything. I wanted to, +but I couldn't. It would have hurt him too much. For he's a good man, +Monsieur, I swear he is. [<i>Mouzon makes a gesture</i>] Yes, I know, +sometimes when he's been drinking, he's violent. I was going to tell you +about that. I don't want to tell you any more untruths. But it's very +seldom he's violent now. [<i>Weeping</i>] Oh, don't let him know, Monsieur, +don't let him know. He'd go away—he'd leave me—he'd take my children +from me. [<i>She gives a despairing cry</i>] Ah, he'd take my children from +me! I don't know what to say to you—but it isn't possible—you can't +tell him—now you know all the harm it would do. You won't? Of course I +was guilty—but I didn't understand—I didn't know. I wasn't seventeen, +sir, when I went to Paris. My master and mistress had a son; he forced +me almost—and I loved him—and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> then he wanted to take me away because +his parents wanted to send him away by himself. I did what he asked me. +That money—I didn't know he had stolen it—I swear I didn't know—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> That's all right; control yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> We'll put that on one side for the moment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Now your husband—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>with great sincerity</i>] You will have need of all your courage, +my poor woman. Your husband is guilty.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> It's impossible! It's impossible!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>with great sincerity</i>] He has not confessed it, but he is on +the point of doing so. I myself know what happened that night after he +left your house—witnesses have told me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> No! No! My God, my God! Witnesses? What witnesses? It isn't +true!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well, then, don't be so obstinate! In your own interest, don't +be so stubborn! Shall I tell you what will be the end of it? You will +ruin your husband! If you insist on contradicting the evidence, that he +passed the night away from the house, you'll ruin him, I tell you. On +the other hand, if you will only tell me the truth, then if he is not +the murderer, he will tell us what he did do and who his companions +were.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> He hadn't any.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Then he went out alone?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> At ten o'clock?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> At ten.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> He returned alone at five in the morning?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, all alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> But perhaps you are thinking of some other night. It was really +the night of Ascension Day when he went out alone?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Benoît, have you got that written down?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, your worship.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Madame, I know how painful this must be to you, but I beg you to +listen to me with the greatest attention. Your husband was pressed for +money, was he not?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I tell you no.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Here is the proof. Three months ago he borrowed eight hundred +francs from a cattle-dealer of Mauleon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> He never told me about it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Moreover, he owed a considerable sum to Goyetche.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I've never heard of that either.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Here is an acknowledgment written by your husband. It is in his +handwriting?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, but I didn't know—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You didn't know of the existence of this debt? That tends to +confirm what I know already—your husband went to Irissary.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> No, sir; he tells me everything he does.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> But you see very well that he doesn't, since you didn't know of +the existence of this debt. He went to Irissary. Don't you believe me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, Monsieur, but he didn't kill a man for money; it's a lie, +a lie, a lie!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> It's a lie! Now how am I to know that? Your husband begins by +denying everything, blindly, and then he takes up two methods of defence +in succession.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> You yourself begin by a piece of false evidence. All +this, I tell you again, will do for the man.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I don't know about that, but what I do tell you again is that +he didn't kill a man for money.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Then what did he kill him for? Perhaps after all he isn't as +guilty as I supposed just now. Perhaps he acted without premeditation. +This is what might have happened. Etchepare, a little the worse for +drink, goes to Goyetche in order to ask him once more to wait for the +payment of this debt. There is a dispute between the two men; old +Goyetche was still a strong man; there may have been provocation on his +part, and there may have been a struggle, with the tragic result you +know of. In that case your husband's position is entirely different—he +is no longer a criminal premeditating a crime; and the sentence +pronounced against him may be quite a light one. So you see, my good +woman, how greatly it is in your interest to obtain a complete +confession from him. If he persists in his denials, I am afraid the jury +will be extremely severe upon him. There is no doubt that he killed +Goyetche; but under what conditions did he kill him? Everything depends +on that. By persistently trying to pass for a totally innocent man he +risks being thought more guilty than he is. Do you understand?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Will you speak to him as I suggest? Shall I send for him?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> [<i>to the recorder</i>] Bring in the accused. Tell the gendarmes I +shall not need them.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Etchepare enters.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene X</span>:—<i>The same, Etchepare.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Pierre! To see you here—my Pierre—a prisoner—like a thief! +My poor husband—my poor husband! Oh, prove you haven't done anything! +Tell his worship—tell him the truth. It'll be best. I beg you tell him +the truth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> It's all no good. I know, I can feel, I'm done for. All that +I can do or say would be no use. Every word I do say turns against me. +The gentleman wants me to be guilty. I must be guilty, according to him. +So you see! What would you have me do, my poor darling? I've got no +strength to go on struggling against him. Let them do what they like +with me; I shan't say anything more.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, yes, you must speak. You must defend yourself. I beg of +you, Pierre. I beg of you, defend yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> What's the use?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I beg you to in the name of your children. They don't know +anything yet—but they cry because they see me crying—because, you see, +I can't hide it, I can't control myself always in front of them. I can't +be cheerful, can I? And then they love me, so they notice it. And they +ask me questions, questions. If you only knew! They ask me about you. +André was asking me again this morning, "Where's father? Are you going +to look for him? Tell me, are you going to fetch him?" I told him "yes" +and I ran away. You see you must defend yourself so as to get back to +them as soon as possible. If you've anything to reproach yourself with, +even the least thing, tell it. You are rough sometimes—so—I don't +know. But if you went to Irissary, you must say so. Perhaps you had a +quarrel with the poor old man. If that was it, say so, say so. Perhaps +you got fighting together and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> you—I'm saying perhaps you did—I don't +know—you understand—but his worship promised me just now that if it +was like that they wouldn't punish you—or not very much. My God, what +am I to say to you? What's to be done?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> So you believe I'm guilty—you too! Tell me now! Do you +believe me guilty too?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I don't know! I don't know!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>to Mouzon</i>] Ah, so you've managed that too; you've thought +of that too, to torture me through my wife—and it was you put it into +her head to speak to me about my children. I don't know what you can +have told her, but you've almost convinced her that I'm a scoundrel, and +you hoped she'd succeed in sending me to the guillotine in the name of +my children, because you know I worship them and they are everything to +me. You are right; I dare say there isn't another father living who +loves his little ones more than I love mine. [<i>To Yanetta</i>] You know +that, Yanetta! You know that! And you know too that with all my faults +I'm a true Christian, that I believe in God, in an almighty God. Well, +then, listen! My two boys—my little Georges, my little André—I pray +God to kill them both if I'm a criminal!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>with the greatest exultation</i>] He is innocent! I tell you he's +innocent! I tell you he's innocent! [<i>A pause</i>] Ah, now you can bring +your proofs, ten witnesses, a hundred if you like, and you might tell me +you saw him do it—I should tell you: It's not true! It's not true! You +might prove to me that he had confessed to it himself, and I would tell +you it wasn't true! Oh, you must feel it, your worship. You have a +heart—you know what it is when one loves one's children—so you must be +certain, you too, that he's innocent. You are going to give him back to +me, aren't you? It's settled now and you will give him back to me?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> If he is innocent, why did he lie just now?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> It was you who lied—you! You told me you had witnesses who +saw me leave my house that night—and you hadn't anyone!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> If I had no one at that moment, I have someone now. Yes, there +is a witness who has declared that you were not at home on the night of +the crime, and that witness is your wife!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>to Yanetta</i>] You!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>to the recorder</i>] Give me her interrogatory.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>While Mouzon looks through his papers Yanetta gazes for +some time at her husband, then at Mouzon. She is reflecting +deeply. Finally she seems to have made up her mind.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> There. Your wife has just told us that you left the house at ten +o'clock and did not return until five in the morning.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>very plainly</i>] I did not say that. It is not true.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You went on to say that he returned alone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I did not say that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I will read your declaration. [<i>He reads</i>] Question: Then he +went out alone? Reply: Yes. Question: At ten o'clock? Reply: At ten +o'clock.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I did not say that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Come, come! And I was careful to be precise. I said to you, "But +perhaps you are thinking of another night? It was really on the night of +Ascension Day that he went out alone?" And you replied, "Yes."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> It's not so!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> But I have it written here!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> You can write whatever you like.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Then I'm a liar. And the recorder too, he is a liar?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> The night old Goyetche was murdered my husband did not leave +the house.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You will sign this paper, and at once. It is your interrogatory.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> All that is untrue! I tell you it's untrue! [<i>Shouting</i>] The +night old Goyetche was murdered my husband never left the house—he +never left the house.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>pale with anger</i>] You will pay for this! [<i>To the recorder</i>] +Make out immediately an order for the detention of this woman and call +the gendarmes. [<i>To Yanetta</i>] Woman Etchepare, I place you under arrest +on a charge of being accessory to murder. [<i>To the gendarmes</i>] Take the +man to the cells and return for the woman.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The gendarmes remove Etchepare.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene XI</span>:—<i>Mouzon, Yanetta, the recorder.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Ah, you are angry, aren't you—furious—because you haven't got +your way! Although you've done everything, everything you possibly +could, short of killing us by inches! You pretend to be kind. You spoke +kindly to us. You wanted to make me send my husband to the scaffold! +[<i>Mouzon has taken up his brief and affects to be studying it with +indifference</i>] It's your trade to supply heads to the guillotine. You +must have criminals, guilty men, you must have them at any cost. When a +man falls into your clutches he's a dead man. They come in here innocent +and they've got to go out again guilty. It's your trade; it's a matter +of vanity with you to succeed! You ask questions which don't seem to +mean anything in particular, and yet they may send a man to the next +world; and when you've forced the poor wretch to condemn himself you're +delighted, like a savage would be!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>to the gendarmes</i>] Take her away—be quick!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, a savage! You call that justice! [<i>To the gendarmes</i>] You +don't take me like that, I tell you! [<i>She clings to the furniture</i>] +You're a butcher! You are as cruel as the people in history who broke +one's bones to make one confess! [<i>The gendarmes have dragged her free; +she lets herself fall to the ground and shouts the rest of her speech +while the men drag her to the door at the back</i>] Brute! Savage brute! +No, you don't think so—you think yourself a fine fellow, I haven't a +doubt, and you're a butcher—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Take her away, I tell you! What, the two of you can't rid me of +that madwoman?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The gendarmes make a renewed effort.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Butcher! Coward! Judas! Pitiless beast! Yes, pitiless, and you +are all the more dishonest and brutal when you've got poor folk like us +to do with. [<i>She is at the door, holding to the frame</i>] Ah, the brutes, +they are breaking my fingers! Yes, the poorer one is the wickeder you +are! [<i>They carry her away. Her cries are still heard as the curtain +falls</i>] The poorer one is the more wicked you are—the poorer one is the +more wicked you are—</p> + +<h4>CURTAIN.</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span></p> +<h2>ACT III</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The office of the District Attorney. A door to the left, set in a +diagonal wall, gives on to a corridor. It opens inwardly, so that the +lettering on the outside can be read: "Parquet de Monsieur le Procureur +de la République." A desk, chairs, and a chest of drawers.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene I</span>:—<i>Benoît, La Bouzole. As the curtain rises the recorder is +removing various papers from the desk and placing them in a cardboard +portfolio. Enter La Bouzole.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Good-day, Benoît.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder</span> [<i>hesitating to take the hand which La Bouzole extends to him</i>] +Your worship. It's too great an honor—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Come, come, Monsieur Benoît, shake hands with me. From +to-day I'm no longer a magistrate; my dignity no longer demands that I +shall be impolite to my inferiors. How far have they got with the +Etchepare trial?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> So far the hearing has been devoted entirely to the indictment +and the counsel's address.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> They will finish to-day?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Oh, surely. Even if Monsieur Vagret were to reply, because his +Honor the President of Assizes goes hunting to-morrow morning.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> You think it will be an acquittal, Monsieur Benoît?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> I do, your worship. [<i>He is about to go out</i>]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Who is the old lady waiting in the corridor?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> That is Etchepare's mother, your worship.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Poor woman! She must be terribly anxious.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> No. She is certain of the verdict. She hasn't the slightest +anxiety. She was there all yesterday afternoon and she came back to-day, +just as calm. Only to-day she wanted at any price to see the District +Attorney or one of his assistants. Monsieur Ardeuil is away and Monsieur +Vagret—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Is in Court.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> She seemed very much put out at finding no one.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Well, send her in here; perhaps I can give her a little +advice. Maître Plaçat will be some time yet, won't he?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> I believe so.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Well, tell her to come and speak to me, poor woman. That +won't upset anybody and it may save her some trouble.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Very well, your worship. [<i>He goes to the door on the right, +makes a sign to old Madame Etchepare, and goes out by the door at the +back</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole</span> [<i>alone</i>] It's astonishing how benevolent I feel this +morning!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Old Madame Etchepare enters, clad in the costume peculiar +to old women of Basque race.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene II</span>:—<i>La Bouzole, Old Madame Etchepare.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> They tell me, Madame, that you wished to see one of the +gentlemen of the Bar.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> Yes, sir.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> You wish to be present at the trial?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> No, sir. I know so well that they cannot condemn +my son that what they say in there doesn't interest me in the least. I +am waiting for him. I have come because they have turned us out of our +house.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> They have turned you out?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> The bailiffs came.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Then your son owed money?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> Since they arrested him all our men have left us. +We couldn't get in the crops nor pay what was owing. But of course I +know they'll make all that good when my son is acquitted.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole</span> [<i>aside</i>] Poor woman!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> I'm so thankful to see the end of all our +troubles. He'll come back and get our house and field again for us. +He'll make them give up our cattle. That's why I wanted to see one of +these gentlemen.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Will you explain?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> A fortnight after the gendarmes came to arrest my +boy, Monsieur Claudet turned the waste water from his factory into the +brook that passes our house where we water the beasts. That was one of +the things that ruined us too. If Etchepare finds things like that when +he gets back, God knows what he'll do! I want the law to stop them doing +us all this harm.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> The law! Ah, my good woman, it would be far better for you +to have nothing to do with the law.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> But why? There is justice, and it's for everybody +alike.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Of course.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> Has Monsieur Claudet the right—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Certainly not.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> Then I want to ask the judge to stop him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> It is not so simple as you suppose, Madame. First of all you +must go to the bailiff.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> Good.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> He will make a declaration.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> What about?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> He will declare that your water supply is contaminated.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> There is no need to trouble a bailiff, sir. A +child could see that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> It is the law.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> Well, and then?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Then you must go to a lawyer and get a judgment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> Very well, if there 's no other way of doing it—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> That is not all. If Monsieur Claudet contests the facts, the +President will appoint an expert who will visit the site and make a +report. You will have to put in a request that the President will grant +a speedy hearing on grounds of urgency. Your case being finally put on +the list of causes, it would be heard in its turn—after the vacations.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> After the vacations!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> And that is not all. Monsieur Claudet's lawyer might +default, in which case judgment would be declared in your favor. But +Monsieur Claudet might defend the case, or enter some kind of plea and +obtain a judgment on that plea, or appeal against the judgment before +the matter would be finally settled. All this would cost a great deal of +money.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> Who would pay it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> You, naturally, and Monsieur Claudet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> It's all one to him; he's rich; but for us, who +haven't a penny left!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Then you would have to apply for judicial assistance.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> That would take still more time?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> That would take much longer.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> But, sir, I've always been told that justice was +free in France.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Justice is gratuitous, but the means of obtaining access to +justice are not. That is all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> And all that would take—how long?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> If Monsieur Claudet were to appeal, it might last two years.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> It isn't possible! Isn't the right on my side?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> My poor woman, it's not enough to have the right on your +side—you must have the law on your side too.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> I understand. Justice is a thing we poor people +can know only when it strikes us down. We can know it only by the harm +it does us. Well—we must go away—it doesn't matter where—and I shan't +regret it; people insult us; they call out to us as they pass. Etchepare +wouldn't put up with that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> In that respect the law protects you. Register a complaint +and those who insult you will be prosecuted.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> I don't think so. I have already registered a +complaint, as you say, but they've done nothing to the man who injured +us. So he goes on.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Is he an inhabitant of your commune?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> Yes. A neighbor, a friend of Monsieur Mondoubleau, +the deputy. Labastide.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Good. I will do what I can, I promise you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Old Madame Etchepare.</span> Thank you, sir. [<i>A pause</i>] Then I will go and +wait till they give me back my boy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> That's right.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She goes out slowly.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene III</span>:—<i>La Bouzole, recorder.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder</span> [<i>entering by the door at the back</i>] The hearing is suspended, +your worship.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Has Maître Plaçat concluded?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> With great applause. Two of the jurymen were seen wiping their +eyes. No one doubts there will be an acquittal.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> So much the better.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Your worship knows the great news?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Which?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> That the Attorney-General has arrived.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> No—I know nothing of it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, he has just arrived. It seems he brings the nomination of +one of these gentlemen to the post of Councillor in the Court of Appeal.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Ah, ah! And whose is the prize, in your opinion, Benoît? +Vagret's?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> That was my opinion. I hesitated a long time between him and +his Honor the President, and I decided it would be Monsieur Vagret. But +now I think I am wrong.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Do you think Monsieur Bunerat is appointed?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> No, your worship. I feel very proud—I believe it is my +employer who has the honor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> Monsieur Mouzon!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, your worship.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> What makes you think that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> His Honor the Attorney-General requested me to beg Monsieur +Mouzon to come and speak to him before the rising of the Court.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> My congratulations, my dear Monsieur Benoît.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Madame Bunerat enters.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene IV</span>:—<i>The same and later Madame Vagret, Bunerat, the President of +Assizes, and Mouzon, then the Attorney-General.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat</span> [<i>in tears</i>] Oh, my dear Monsieur La Bouzole!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> What has happened, Madame Bunerat?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> It's that advocate! What talent! What a heart! What +feeling! What genius! I feel quite shaken—quite upset—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> It's an acquittal?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> They hope so—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>entering</i>] Well, my dear Monsieur La Bouzole, you have +heard this famous advocate! What a ranter!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> It seems he has touched the jury. That means an acquittal.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> I'm very much afraid it does.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter Bunerat in a black gown.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Do you know what they tell me? The Attorney-General is here!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> Really!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Are you certain?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> It is true enough. He brings Monsieur Mouzon his appointment +to the Court of Appeal at Pau.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Mouzon!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret and Madame Bunerat.</span> And my husband! We had a definite +promise!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The President of Assizes enters, wearing a red gown.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Good-day, gentlemen. You have not seen the +Attorney-General, have you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> No, your honor—but if you will wait—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> No. Tell me, La Bouzole—you are an old stager—were you +in Court?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> From the balloting for the jurymen to the plea for the +defence.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Did you notice if I let anything pass that would make an +appeal to the Court of Cassation possible?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> I am sure you didn't.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> It's my constant fear—I am thinking of nothing else all +the time counsel are speaking. I always have the Manual of the President +of Assizes wide open in front of me; I'm always afraid, nevertheless, of +forgetting some formality. You see the effect of being in the +Chancellery—I never have a quiet conscience until the time-limit has +expired. [<i>A pause</i>] They tell me there were journalists here from +Toulouse and Bordeaux.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> And one from Paris.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> One from Paris! Are you sure?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> He was standing near the prisoner's bench.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> He was left to stand! A journalist from Paris and he was +left to stand! [<i>Catching sight of the recorder</i>] You knew that, +Monsieur the recorder, and you didn't warn me? Is that how you perform +your duties? Go at once and express my regret and find him a good seat; +do you hear?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, your honor. [<i>He turns to go</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>running after him</i>] Here! [<i>Aside to the recorder</i>] Find +out if he's annoyed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Yes, your honor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> And then—[<i>He encounters Madame Bunerat at the door. +Pardon, Madame. He goes out, running, lifting up his gown</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">La Bouzole.</span> When I was at Montpellier I knew an old tenor who was as +anxious as that at his third début—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter Mouzon. Frigid salutations.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat</span> [<i>after a pause</i>] Is it true, Monsieur Mouzon—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> That the Attorney-General—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Has arrived?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>haughtily</i>] Quite true.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> They say he brings a councillor's appointment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> They say so.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> And you don't know?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> You don't know?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Nothing at all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Does nothing lead you to suppose—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder</span> [<i>entering</i>] Here is his Honor the Attorney-General.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat.</span> Oh, Lord!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She arranges her hair. Enter the Attorney-General, a man +with handsome, grave, austere features.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">All</span> [<i>bowing and cringing, in a murmur</i>] His Honor the +Attorney-General—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> I think you can resume the hearing, gentlemen—I am +only passing through Mauleon. I hope to return before long and make your +better acquaintance.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Your honor—[<i>They make ready to leave</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Monsieur Mouzon, will you remain?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Mouzon bows.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret</span> [<i>as she goes out</i>] My respects—the honor—Monsieur—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General</span> [<i>bowing</i>] Mr. President—Madame—Madame—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat</span> [<i>to his wife</i>] You see, that's it!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They go out.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>to the recorder, who is about to leave</i>] Well, my dear fellow, +I believe my appointment is settled.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> I am delighted, Monsieur the Councillor! [<i>Exit</i>]</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene V</span>:—<i>Mouzon, Attorney-General. Mouzon rubs his hands together, +bubbling with joy.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>obsequiously</i>] Your honor—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Sit down. [<i>Mouzon does so</i>] A report has come to my +office from Bordeaux—which concerns you, Monsieur! [<i>Feeling in his +portfolio</i>] Here it is. [<i>Reading</i>] Mouzon and the woman Pecquet. You +know what it is?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>not taking the matter seriously, forces a smile. After a long +silence</i>] Yes, your honor—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> I am waiting for your explanation.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>as before</i>] You have been young, your honor—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Not to that extent, Monsieur!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I admit I overstepped the mark a trifle.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General</span> [<i>reading</i>] "Being in a state of intoxication, together +with the woman Pecquet and two other women of bad character who +accompanied him, the aforesaid Mouzon used insulting and outrageous +language to the police, whom he threatened with dismissal." Is that what +you call overstepping the mark a trifle?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Perhaps the expression is a little weak.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> And you allow the name of a magistrate to be coupled +in a police report with that of the woman Pecquet?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> She told me her name was Diane de Montmorency.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> [<i>continuing</i>] "Questioned by us, the commissary of +police, on the following morning, as to the rank of officer in the navy +which he had assumed"—[<i>The Attorney-General gazes at Mouzon. Another +pause</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon</span> [<i>still smiling</i>] Yes, it's on account of my whiskers, you know.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Really?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> When I—oh, well—when I go to Bordeaux I always assume the rank +of naval officer, in order to safeguard the dignity of the law.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> You seem to have been a little tardy in considering +it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I beg you to note, your honor, that I endeavored to safeguard it +from the very first, since I took care to go out of the arrondissement +and even the judicial division—in order to—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> I will continue. "Monsieur Mouzon then informed us of +his actual position as examining magistrate, and invoked that quality in +requesting that we would stop proceedings."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> The ass. He has put that in his report? Oh, really—that's due +to his lack of education. No, it's a political affair—the commissary is +one of our opponents—I asked him—After all—I wanted to avoid scandal. +Anyone would have done the same in my place.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Is that the only explanation you have to give me?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span></p><p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Explanation? The truth is, Monsieur, that if you insist on +maintaining, in this conversation, the relations between a superior and +a subordinate, I can give you no further explanation. But if you would +be so good as to allow me for a moment to forget your position, if you +would agree to talk to me as man to man, I should tell you that this was +a fault of youth, regrettable, no doubt, but explained by the profound +boredom which exudes from the very paving-stones of Mauleon. Come, come! +I had dined too well. Every night of the year a host of decent fellows +find themselves in the same case. It's a pecadillo which doesn't affect +one's personal honor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Monsieur, when one has the honor to be a +magistrate—when one has accepted the mission of judging one's fellows, +one is bound more than all others to observe temperance and to consider +one's dignity in all things. What may not affect the honor of the +private citizen does affect the honor of the judge. You may take that +for granted.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> As you refuse to discuss the matter otherwise than in an +official manner, nothing remains for me but to beg you to inform me what +you have decided to do.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Cannot you guess?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I am an examining magistrate. You will make me an ordinary +magistrate. It means my income will be diminished by five hundred francs +a year. I accept.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> It is unfortunately impossible for me to content +myself with such a simple measure. To speak plainly, I must inform you +that Monsieur Coire, the director of the newspaper which attacks us so +persistently, is acquainted with the whole of the facts of the +accusation brought against you and will not give his word not to publish +them unless by the end of the month you have left the Mauleon Court. I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> +therefore find myself in the unhappy necessity of demanding your +resignation.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I shall not resign.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> You will not resign?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I am distressed to oppose any desire of yours, but I am quite +decided. I shall not resign.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> But really—you cannot know—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I know everything. <span class="smcap"> Attorney-General.</span> Very well, sir, we shall +proceed against you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Proceed. [<i>He rises</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Are you not alarmed at the scandal which would result +from your appearance in court and your probable conviction?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Conviction is less probable than you think. I shall be able to +defend myself and to select my advocate. As for the scandal, it wouldn't +fall on me. I am a bachelor, with no family; I know no one or next to no +one in Mauleon, where I am really in exile. My friends are all in +Bordeaux; they belong to the <i>monde ou l'on s'amuse</i>, and I should not +in the least lose caste in their eyes on account of such a prosecution. +You think I ought to leave the magistracy? Fortunately I have sufficient +to live on without the thirty-five hundred francs the Government of the +Republic allows me annually.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> That is enough, Monsieur. Good-day.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> My respects. [<i>He goes out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper.</span> Monsieur the deputy is here, your honor. Monsieur the deputy +says that your honor is waiting for him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> That is so. Ask him to come in.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter Mondoubleau. The Attorney-General advances towards +him and shakes hands with him.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span></p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene VI</span>:—<i>Mondoubleau, Attorney-General.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Good-day, my dear Attorney-General.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Good-day, my dear deputy.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> I'm delighted to see you. I've come from Paris. I had lunch +yesterday with my friend the Keeper of the Seals. The Government is +badly worried just at the moment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> About what?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> They're afraid of an interpellation. Just a chance—I'll +tell you about it. Tell me—it seems you have a young assistant here who +has been playing pranks.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Monsieur Ardeuil?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Ardeuil, yes, that's the man. Eugène follows matters very +closely.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Eugène?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Eugène—my friend Eugène—the Keeper of the Seals. He said +to me, "I expect your Attorney-General to understand how to do his +duty."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> I ask nothing better, but let me know what my duty is.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> That's just what one wants to avoid. But look here, my +friend, you are a very mysterious person!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> I?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> You are asking for a change of appointment.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Who told you that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Who do you suppose? He is the only one who knows.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Eug—[<i>Quickly</i>] The Keeper of the Seals?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> You want to be appointed to Orléans? Am I correctly +informed?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Quite true. We have relations there.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> I fancy you are concerned in the movement now in +preparation.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Is there a movement in preparation?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> There is. As for Monsieur Ardeuil, the Minister confined +himself to saying that he had confidence in your firmness and zeal.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> The Keeper of the Seals may rely on me. I shall have +to show considerable severity in several directions here, and I shall +lack neither determination nor zeal, I can assure you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Yes, but above all, tact! Eugène repeated a dozen times, +"Above all, no prosecutions, no scandals. At the present moment less +than ever. We are being watched. So everything must be done quietly."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> You needn't be alarmed. There's the matter of Mouzon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Mouzon! Mouzon the examining magistrate!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Of Mauleon?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Precisely.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> You aren't thinking of—One of my best friends—very well +disposed—a capital fellow—an excellent magistrate, full of energy and +discernment. I mentioned his name to Eugène in connection with the +vacant post of Councillor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> [<i>offering him the report</i>] You've picked the wrong +man. I am going to show you a document about him. Besides, the post is +promised to Monsieur Vagret.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> What is wrong?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Here. I shall have to report<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> him to the Superior +Council of the Magistracy or proceed against him in the Court of Appeal.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> What has he done?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Read it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau</span> [<i>after casting a glance over the document which the other +has handed to him</i>] Of course. But really—there's nothing in that. If +you keep quiet about it, no one will know anything. No scandal. The +magistracy is suffering from too many attacks already just now, without +our providing our enemies with weapons.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Unfortunately Coire knows of it, and he threatens to +tell the whole story in his paper unless Monsieur Mouzon is sent away +from Mauleon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> The devil! [<i>He begins to laugh</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> What are you laughing at?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Nothing—an extravagant idea, a jest. [<i>He laughs</i>] Tell +me—but you won't be annoyed?—it's only a joke—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> I was thinking—I tell you, it's a grotesque idea. But +after all—after all, if you propose Mouzon for the Councillor's chair +at Pau, you will be pleasing everyone!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> My dear deputy—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> A joke—of course, merely a joke—but what's so amusing +about it is that if you did so it would please Coire, it would please +me, it would please Mouzon, and it would please Eugène, who doesn't want +any scandal.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> But it would be a—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> No, no. In politics there can be no scandal except where +there is publicity.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> But really—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> I agree with you—I know all that could be said—I repeat, +I am only chaffing. And do<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span> you realize—it's very curious—when one +reflects—this fantastic solution is the only one that does not offer +serious disadvantages—obvious disadvantages. That is so. If you leave +Mouzon here, Coire tells everything. If you proceed against him, you +give a certain section of the press an opportunity it won't lose—an +opportunity of sapping one of the pillars of society. Those gentry are +not particular as to the means they employ. They will confound the whole +magistracy with Mouzon. It won't be Mouzon who will be the rake, but the +Court, the Court of Appeal. There will be mud on all—on every robe.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> But you can't seriously ask me—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Do you know what we ought to do? Let us go and talk it over +with Rollet the senator—he is only a step from here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> I assure you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> Come—come. You will put in a word as to your going to +Orléans at the same time. What have you to risk? I tell you my solution +is the best. You will come to it, I assure you! I'll take you along. +[<i>He takes his arm</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Well, well, I had certainly something to say to +Rollet.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The doorkeeper enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper.</span> Your honor—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Where are they? The verdict—?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper.</span> Not yet. Monsieur Vagret has been making a reply.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Is the jury in the withdrawing room?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper.</span> No, your honor. They were going out when Monsieur Vagret +asked for an adjournment.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mondoubleau.</span> What an idea! Really! Well, my friend, let us go. I tell +you, you'll come round!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General</span> [<i>weakly</i>] Never! Never!</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene VII</span>:—<i>Recorder, then the doorkeeper, then Madame Vagret, the +President of Assizes, Bunerat, Madame Bunerat, and Vagret.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder</span> [<i>much moved</i>] Admirable!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Doorkeeper</span> [<i>half opening the door at the back</i>] Monsieur Benoît! What's +the news?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Splendid! Our Prosecutor was admirable—and that Etchepare is +the lowest swine.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter Madame Vagret, greatly moved. The recorder goes up to +her. The doorkeeper disappears.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Ah! My God!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Madame Vagret, I am only a simple clerk, but allow me to say +it was admirable! Wonderful!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Wonderful!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> As for the counsel from Bordeaux, Monsieur Vagret had him +absolutely at his mercy!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Hadn't he?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> He's certain enough, now, to be condemned to death!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Certain!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> Madame, the jurymen were looking at that fellow Etchepare, +that thug, in a way that made my blood run cold. As Monsieur Vagret went +on with his speech you felt they would have liked to settle his hash +themselves—the wretch!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> I saw that—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder.</span> I beg your pardon, Madame—I am forgetting myself—but there +are moments when one is thankful, yes, so gratified, that social +differences don't count.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> You are right, my dear man.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter the President of Assizes and Bunerat.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Madame, I congratulate you! We've got it, the capital +sentence!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> We have it safely this time, haven't we, Monsieur?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> That is certain. But where is our hero? Magnificent—he +was magnificent—wasn't he, Bunerat?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Oh, sir, but the manner in which you presided prepared the way +so well—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Well, well, I don't say I count for nothing in the +result, but we must do justice to Vagret. [<i>To Madame Vagret</i>] You ought +to be greatly gratified—very proud and happy, my dear Madame—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Oh, I am, your honor—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> But what a strange idea to demand an adjournment! Is he +unwell?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Oh, dear!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> No. Here he is.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter Vagret. He is anxious.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Ah, my dear! [<i>She takes his hand in hers. She can say no +more, being choked by tears of joy</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> It was wonderful!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> I can't restrain myself from congratulating you too.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Really, you confuse me. The whole merit is yours, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Not at all. Do you know what carried them all away? [<i>He +lights a cigarette</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> No!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> It was when you exclaimed, "Gentlemen of the jury, you +own houses, farms, and property; you have beloved wives, and daughters +whom you tenderly cherish. Beware—" You were splendid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> there! +[<i>Resuming</i>] "Beware, if you leave such crimes unpunished; beware, if +you allow yourselves to be led astray by the eloquent sentimentality of +the defence; beware, I tell you, if you fail in your duty as the +instrument of justice; beware, lest those above you snatch up the sword +which has fallen from your feeble hands, when the blood that you have +not avenged will be spilt upon you and yours!" That was fine! Very fine! +And it produced a great effect.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> But you, my dear President, you moved them even more noticeably +when you recalled the fact, very appropriately, that the accused loved +the sight of blood.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Ah, yes, that told a little!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> What? What was that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> The President put this question: "On the morning of the crime +did you not slaughter two sheep?" "Yes," replied the accused. And then, +looking him straight in the eyes—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Yes, I asked him: "You were getting into practice, +weren't you?" [<i>To Vagret</i>] But after all, if I have to a certain extent +affected the result, the greater part of the honor of the day is yours.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> You are too kind.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Not at all! And your peroration! [<i>With an artist's +curiosity</i>] You were really, were you not, under the stress of a great +emotion, a really great emotion?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>gravely</i>] Yes, I was under the stress of a great emotion, a +really great emotion.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> You turned quite pale when you faced the jury—when you +added, in a clear voice, "Gentlemen, I demand the head of this man!"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>his eyes fixed</i>] Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Then you made a sign to the advocate.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Yes. I thought he would have something else to say.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> But why delay the verdict? You had won the victory.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Precisely.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> What do you mean?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> During my indictment a fact came to light that worried me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> A fact?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Not a fact—but—in short—[<i>A pause</i>] I beg your pardon—I am +very tired—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> I can very well understand your emotion, my dear Vagret. +One always feels—on the occasion of one's first death +sentence—but—you will see one gets used to it. [<i>Going out, to +Bunerat</i>] Indeed, he does look very tired.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> I fancy he is feeling his position too keenly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> As I was leaving the Court I met the Attorney-General. I begged +him urgently to give me a moment's conversation. I wanted to speak with +him alone—and with you, Monsieur le Président.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> As you wish.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> I am afraid you are unwell, my dear. I shall wait there. +I will come back directly these gentlemen have gone.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Very well.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Bunerat</span> [<i>going out, to her husband</i>] There's a man ready to do +something stupid.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> That doesn't concern us.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They go out.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene VIII</span>:—<i>Vagret, the President of Assizes, then the +Attorney-General.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Did you notice any mistake on my part in the direction of +the case?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> No, if any mistake was made, it was I who made it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Attorney-General enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> What is this that is so serious, my dear sir?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> It's this—I am more worried than I can say. I want to appeal to +the conscience of you two gentlemen—to reassure myself—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Tell us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> A whole series of facts—the attitude of the accused—certain +details which had escaped me—have given rise, in my mind, to a doubt as +to the guilt of this man.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Was there any mention of these facts, these details, +in the brief?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Certainly.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Had the advocate studied this brief?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Naturally.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Well, then? What are you worrying yourself about?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> But—suppose the man is not guilty?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> The jury will decide. We can do no more, all of us, +than bow to its verdict.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Let me tell you, sir, how my convictions have been shaken.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> I do not wish to know. All that is a matter between +yourself and your conscience. You have the right to explain your +scruples to the jury. You know the proverb: "The pen is a slave, but +speech is free."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I shall follow your advice.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> I do not give you any advice.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I shall explain my doubts to the jury.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> It will mean acquittal.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> What would you have?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Do as you wish; but I should like to tell you one +thing. When a man plans a startling trick of this kind and has the +courage to accomplish it entirely of his own accord, he must have the +courage to accept the sole responsibility of the blunders he may commit. +You are too clever; you want to discover some means by which you need +not be the only one to suffer from the consequences of your +vacillations.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Clever? I? How?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Come, come! We are not children, and I can perfectly +well see the trap into which you have lured me. You are sheltering +yourself behind me. If the Chancellery should complain of your attitude, +you will say that you consulted your superior, and I shall be the +victim. And then I shall have a quarrel with the Chancellery on my +hands. You don't care, you don't think of my position or my interests, +of which you know nothing. Some silly idea gets into your head, and +against my will you want to make me responsible for it. I say again, it +is extremely clever, and I congratulate you, but I don't thank you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> You have misunderstood me, sir. I have no wish to burden you +with the responsibilities I am about to assume. I should hardly choose +the moment when I am on the point of being appointed Councillor to +perpetrate such a blunder. I told you of my perplexity, and I asked your +advice. That was all.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Are you certain one way or the other?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> If I were certain, should I ask advice? [<i>A pause</i>] If we only +had a cause for cassation, a good—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>enraged</i>] What's that you say? Cause for cassation? +Based on an error or on an oversight on my part, no doubt! Really, you +have plenty of imagination! You are attacked by certain doubts,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> certain +scruples—I don't know what—and in order to quiet your morbidly +distracted conscience you ask me kindly to make myself the culprit! +Convenient, in truth, to foist on others who have done their duty the +blunders one may have committed oneself!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General</span> [<i>quietly</i>] It is indeed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> And at the Chancellery, when they mention me, they'll +say, "Whatever sort of a councillor is this, who hasn't even the +capacity to preside over an Assize Court at Mauleon!" A man whom we've +taken such trouble to get condemned! And to make me, me, the victim of +such trickery! No, no! Think of another way, my dear Monsieur; you won't +employ that, I can assure you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Then I shall seek other means; but I shall not leave matters in +their present state.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General.</span> Do what you like, but realize that I have given you no +advice in one direction or another.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I realize that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> When you have decided to resume the hearing you will +notify us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I will notify you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Attorney-General</span> [<i>to the President</i>] Let us go.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>They leave the office.</i></p></div> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene IX</span>:—<i>Vagret, Madame Vagret.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> What is it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Nothing? You are so depressed—and yet you've just had +such a success as will tell on your career.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> It is that success which alarms me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Alarms you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Yes, I'm afraid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Afraid of what?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Of having gone too far.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Too far! Doesn't the murderer deserve death ten times +over?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>after a pause</i>] Are you quite certain, yourself, that he is a +murderer?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>in a low voice</i>] Well—for myself—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> You?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I—I don't know. I know nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> My God!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> A dreadful thing happened to me in the course of my indictment. +While I, the State Attorney, the official prosecutor, was exercising my +function, another self was examining the case calmly, in cold blood; an +inner voice kept reproaching me for my violence and insinuating into my +mind a doubt, which has gone on increasing. A painful struggle has been +going on in my mind, a cruel struggle—and if, as I was finishing, I +labored under that emotion of which the President was speaking, if when +I demanded the death penalty my voice was scarcely audible, it was +because I was at the end of my struggle; because my conscience was on +the point of winning the battle, and I made haste to finish, because I +was afraid it would speak out against my will. When I saw the advocate +remain seated and that he was not going to resume his speech in order to +tell the jury the things I would have had him tell them—then I was +really afraid of myself, afraid of my actions, of my words, of their +terrible consequences, and I wanted to gain time.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> But, my dear, you have done your duty; if the advocate +has not done his, that does not concern you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Always the same reply. If I were an honest man I should tell the +jury, when the hearing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> is resumed, of the doubts that have seized me. I +should explain how those doubts arose in me; I should call their +attention to a point which I deliberately concealed from them, because I +believed the counsel for the defence would point it out to him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> You know, my dear, how thoroughly I respect your +scruples, but allow me to tell you all the same that it won't be you who +will declare Etchepare guilty or not guilty; it will be the jury. If +anyone ought to feel disturbed, it is Maître Plaçat, not you—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> But I ought to represent justice!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Here is a prisoner who comes before you with previous +convictions, with a whole crushing series of circumstances establishing +his guilt. He is defended by whom? By one of the ornaments of the Bar, a +man famed for his conscience as much as for his ability and his +oratorical skill. You expound the facts to the jury. If the jury agrees +with you, I cannot see that your responsibility as a magistrate is +involved.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I don't think about my responsibility as a magistrate—but my +responsibility as a man is certainly involved! No! No! I have not the +right. I tell you there is a series of circumstances in this case of +which no one has spoken and the nature of which makes me believe in the +innocence of the accused.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> But—these circumstances—how was it you knew nothing of +them until now?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>his head drooping</i>] Do you think I did know nothing of them? My +God! Shall I have the courage to tell you everything? I am not a bad +man, am I? I wouldn't wish anyone to suffer for a fault of +mine—but—oh, I am ashamed to admit it, to say it aloud, even, when I +have admitted it to myself! Well, when I was studying the brief, I had +got it so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> firmly fixed in my mind, to begin with, that Etchepare was a +criminal, that when an argument in his favor presented itself to my +mind, I rejected it utterly, shrugging my shoulders. As for the facts of +which I am speaking, and which gave rise to my doubts—at first I simply +tried to prove that those facts were false, taking, from the depositions +of the witnesses, only that which would militate against their truth and +rejecting all the rest, with a terrible simplicity of bad faith. And in +the end, in order to dissipate my last scruples, I told myself, just as +you told me, "That is the business of the defence; it isn't mine!" +Listen, and you'll see to what point the exercise of the magistrate's +office distorts our natures, makes us unjust and cruel. At first I had a +feeling of delight when I saw that the President, in his +cross-examination, was throwing no light whatever on this series of +little facts. It was my profession speaking in me, my profession, do you +see? Oh, what poor creatures we are, what poor creatures!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Perhaps the jury won't find him guilty?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> It will find him guilty.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Or it may find there are extenuating circumstances.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> No. I adjured them too earnestly to refuse to do so. I was +zealous enough, wasn't I? Violent enough?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> That's true. Why did you make your indictment so +passionately?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Ah, why, why? Long before the hearing of the case it was so +clearly understood by everybody that the prisoner was the criminal! And +then it all went to my head, it intoxicated me—the way they talked. I +was the spokesman of humanity, I was to reassure the countryside, I was +to restore tranquillity to the family, and I don't know what else! So +then—I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> felt I must show myself equal to the part intrusted to me. My +first indictment was relatively moderate—but when I saw the celebrated +counsel making the jurymen weep, I thought I was lost; I felt the +verdict would escape me. Contrary to my habit, I replied. When I rose to +my feet for the second time I was like a man fighting, who has just had +a vision of defeat, and who therefore fights with the strength of +despair. From that moment Etchepare, so to speak, no longer existed. I +was no longer concerned to defend society or sustain my accusation; I +was contending against the advocate; it was a trial of orators, a +competition of actors; I had to be the victor at all costs. I had to +convince the jury, resume my hold on it, wring from it the double "yes" +of the verdict. I tell you, Etchepare no longer counted; it was I who +counted, my vanity, my reputation, my honor, my future. It's shameful, I +tell you, shameful. At any cost I wanted to prevent the acquittal which +I felt was certain. And I was so afraid of not succeeding that I +employed every argument, good and bad, even that of representing to the +terrified jurymen their own houses in flames, their own flesh and blood +murdered. I spoke of the vengeance of God falling on judges without +severity. And all this in good faith—or rather unconsciously, in a +burst of passion, in an access of anger against the advocate, whom I +hated at that moment with all my might. My success was greater than I +hoped; the jury is ready to obey me; and I, my dear, I have allowed +myself to be congratulated, I have grasped the hands held out to me. +That is what it is to be a magistrate!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> Never mind. Perhaps there aren't ten in all France who +would have acted otherwise.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> You are right. Only—if one reflects—it's precisely that that's +so dreadful.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Recorder</span> [<i>entering</i>] Monsieur le Procureur, the President is asking +when the sitting can be resumed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> At once.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vagret.</span> What are you going to do?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> My duty as an honest man. [<i>He makes ready to go</i>]</p> + + +<h4>CURTAIN.</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span></p> +<h2>ACT IV</h2> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scenes</span>—<i>Same as the Second Act.</i></h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Scene I</span>:-<i>Bunerat, the President of Assizes, and Vagret.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Well, your honor, there's another session finished.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>in red robe</i>] I've been in a blue funk lest these brutes +would make me lose my train. I'm going shooting to-morrow on the Cambo +Ponds, you see, my dear fellow, and after to-night's train it's no go. +[<i>Looks at his watch</i>] Oh, I've an hour and a half yet.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> And what do you think of it, your honor?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Of what? Of the acquittal? What does it matter to me? I +don't care—on the contrary, I prefer it. I am certain the advocate +won't ferret out some unintentional defect—some formality gone wrong. +Where's my hat-box?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He is about to stand on a chair to reach the hat-box, which +is on the top of a cupboard. Bunerat precedes him.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Permit me, Monsieur. You are at home here. [<i>From the chair</i>] I +believe I shall have the pleasure of seeing you here again next session. +[<i>He sighs, holding out the hat-box</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> A pleasure I shall share, my dear fellow. [<i>He takes out +a small felt hat from the box</i>]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Would you like a brush? There's Mouzon's brush. [<i>A sigh</i>] Ah, +good God, when shall I leave Mauleon? I should so like to live at Pau!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Pooh! A much overrated city! Come, come!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> I suppose my new duties won't take me there yet?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Don't you worry yourself. In the winter, yes, it's very +well—but the summer—ah, the summer.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> I am not the one appointed?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Ah! You know already?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Yes—I—yes—that is to say, I didn't know it was official.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>brushing his hat and catching sight of a dent</i>] Dented +already. In these days the hats they sell you for felt, my dear chap, +they're paste-board, simply—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> True. Yes, I didn't know it was official. Monsieur Mouzon is +very lucky.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter Vagret in mufti.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> There, there is our dear Monsieur Vagret. Changed your +dress already. Yes, you're at home, you. For my part I must pack up all +this. Where the devil is the box I put my gown in? [<i>Bunerat makes a +step to fetch it and then remains motionless</i>] It's curious—that—what +have they done with it? In that cupboard—you haven't seen it, my dear +Monsieur Bunerat?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Ah, here it is—and my jacket in it. [<i>He opens the box +and takes out his jacket, which he lays aside on the table</i>] Well, well, +you've got them acquitted, my dear sir! Are you satisfied?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I am very glad.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> And if they are the murderers?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I must console myself with Berryer's remark: "It is better to +leave ten guilty men at liberty than to punish one innocent man."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> You have a sensitive nature.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Ought one to have a heart of stone, then, to be a magistrate?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>tying up the box in which he has put his judge's +bonnet</i>] One must keep oneself above the little miseries of humanity.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Above the miseries of others.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Hang it all—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> That is what we call egoism.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Do you say that for my benefit?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> For all three of us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bunerat.</span> Au revoir, gentlemen. Au revoir. [<i>He shakes hands with each +and goes out</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>taking off his gown</i>] My dear Monsieur, I beg you to be +more moderate in your remarks.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Ah, I assure you that I am moderate! If I were to speak what is +in my mind, you would hear very unpleasant things.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>in shirt sleeves</i>] Are you forgetting to whom you are +speaking? I am a Councillor of the Court, Monsieur le Procureur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Once again, I am not speaking to you merely; the disagreeable +things I might say would condemn me equally. I am thinking of those poor +people.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>brushing his gown</i>] What poor people? The late +prisoners? But after all, they are acquitted. What more do you want? To +provide them with an income?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> They are acquitted, true; but they are condemned, all the same. +They are sentenced to misery for life.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> What are you talking about?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> And through your fault, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>stopping in his task of folding his gown</i>] My fault!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> And what is so particularly serious is that you didn't know it, +you didn't see, you haven't seen the harm you did.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> What harm? I have done no harm! I?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> When you informed Etchepare that his wife had long ago been +condemned for receiving stolen goods, and that she had been seduced +before his marriage with her. When you did that you did a wicked thing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> You are a Don Quixote. Do you suppose Etchepare didn't +know all that?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> If you had noticed his emotion when his wife, on your asking her +if the facts were correct, replied that they were, you would be certain, +as I am, that he knew nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>packing his gown in its box</i>] Well, even so! You +attribute to people of that sort susceptibilities which they don't +possess.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Your honor, "people of that sort" have hearts, just as you and I +have.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Admitted. Didn't my duty force me to do as I did?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I know nothing about that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>still in shirt sleeves</i>] It's the law that is guilty, +then, eh? Yes? Well, Monsieur, if I did my duty—and I did—you are +lacking in your duty in attacking the law, whose faithful servant you +should be, the law which I, for one, am proud to represent.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> There's no reason for your pride.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Monsieur!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> It's a monstrous thing, I tell you, that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> one can reproach an +accused person, whether innocent or guilty, with a fault committed ten +years ago, and which has been expiated. Yes, Monsieur, it is a horrible +thing that, after punishing, the law does not pardon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>who has put on his jacket and hat</i>] If you think the law +is bad, get it altered. Enter Parliament.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Alas, if I were a deputy, it is probable that I should be like +the rest; instead of thinking of such matters I should think of nothing +but calculating the probable duration of the Government.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President</span> [<i>his box under his arm</i>] In that case—is the +doorkeeper—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret</span> [<i>touching a bell</i>] He will come. Then it's Monsieur Mouzon who +is appointed in my place?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> It is Monsieur Mouzon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Because he's the creature of a deputy, a Mondoubleau—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> I cannot allow you to speak ill of Monsieur +Mondoubleau—before my face.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> You think you may perhaps have need of him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The President.</span> Precisely. [<i>The doorkeeper appears</i>] Will you carry that +to my hotel for me? The hotel by the station. You will easily recognize +it; my sentry is at the door. [<i>He hands the doorkeeper his boxes</i>] Au +revoir, my dear Vagret—no offence taken.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes. Vagret puts on his hat and also makes ready to go. +Enter recorder and Etchepare.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> You are going, your honor?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> You won't have any objection, then, if I bring Etchepare +in here? He's in the corridor, waiting for the formalities of his +release—and he complains he's an object of curiosity to everyone.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Of course!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> I'll tell them to bring his wife here too when she leaves +the record office.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Very well.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> I am just going to warn the warders—but the woman +Etchepare can't be released immediately.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> She's detained in connection with another case. She's +charged with abusing a magistrate in the exercise of his duty.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Is that magistrate Monsieur Mouzon?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> I will try to arrange that.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> Good-day, your honor.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Vagret.</span> Good-day.</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene II.</span></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder</span> [<i>at the door</i>] Etchepare—come in. You had better wait +here for your final discharge. It won't take much longer.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Thank you, Monsieur.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> Well, there you are, then, acquitted, my poor fellow! +There's one matter done with.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> It's finished as far as justice is concerned, Monsieur; it +isn't finished for me. I'm acquitted, it's true, but my life is made +miserable.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> You didn't know—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> That's it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> It's a long time ago—you'll forgive her.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Things like that, Monsieur—a Basque never forgives them. +It's as though a thunderbolt had struck me to the heart. And all the +misfortune that's befallen us—it's she who is the cause—God has +avenged himself. Everything's over.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder</span> [<i>after a pause</i>] I am sorry for you with all my heart.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Thank you, Monsieur. [<i>A pause</i>] Since you are so kind, +Monsieur, will you allow my mother, who's there in the corridor, waiting +for me, to come and speak to me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> I'll send her in to you. Good-bye.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Good-bye.</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene III</span>:—<i>The recorder goes out. Enter Etchepare's mother.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>pressing his mother's head against his breast</i>] Poor old +mother—how the misery of these three months has changed you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> My poor boy, how you must have suffered!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> That woman!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> Yes, they've just been telling me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> For ten years I've lived with that thief—that wretched +woman! How she lied! Ah! When I heard that judge say to her, "You were +convicted of theft and complicity with your lover," and when, before all +those people, she owned to it—I tell you, mummy, I thought the skies +were falling on my head—and when she admitted she'd been that man's +mistress—I don't know just what happened—nor which I would have killed +soonest—the judge who said such things so calmly or her who admitted +them with her back turned to me. And then I was on the point of +confessing myself guilty—I, an innocent man—in order not to learn any +more—to get away—but I thought of you and the children! [<i>A long +pause</i>] Come! We've got to make up our minds what we're going to do. You +left them at home?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> No. I had to send them to our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> cousin at Bayonne. We've no +longer got a home—we've nothing—we are ruined. Besides, I've got a +horror of this place now. The women edge away and make signs to one +another when I meet them, and in the church they leave me all alone in +the middle of an empty space. Already—I had to take the children away +from school.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> My God!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> No one would speak to them. One day Georges picked a quarrel +with the biggest, and they fought, and as Georges got the better of it, +the other, to revenge himself, called him the son of a gallows-bird.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> And Georges?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> He came home crying and wouldn't go out of doors. It was +then that I sent them away to Bayonne.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> That's what we'll do. Go away. We'll go and fetch them. +To-morrow or to-night I shall be with you again. There are emigration +companies there—boats to America—they'll send all four of us—they'll +give us credit for the voyage on account of the children.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> And when they ask for their mother—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>after a pause</i>] You'll tell them she's dead.</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Scene IV</span>:—<i>Yanetta is shown in.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>to someone outside</i>] Very good, Monsieur. [<i>The door is +closed</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother</span> [<i>without looking at Yanetta</i>] Then I'll go.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare</span> [<i>the same</i>] Yes. I shall see you again to-night or down there +to-morrow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> Very well.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Directly you get there you'll go and find out about the day +and hour.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> Very well.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Till to-morrow then.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Mother.</span> To-morrow. [<i>She goes out without glancing at Yanetta</i>]</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>takes a few steps towards her husband, falls on her knees, and +clasps her hands. In a low voice</i>] Forgive me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Never!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Don't say never!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Was the judge lying?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> No—he wasn't lying.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> You wretched thing!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, I am a wretched thing! Forgive me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Kill you rather! I could kill you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes, yes! But forgive me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> You're just a loose woman—a loose woman from Paris, with no +honor, no shame, no honesty even!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Yes! Insult me—strike me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> For ten years you have been lying to me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Oh, how I wished I could have told you everything! Oh, how many +times I began that dreadful confession! I never had courage enough. I +was always afraid of your anger, Pierre, and of the pain I should cause +you—I saw you were so happy!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> You came from up there, fresh from your vice, fresh from +prison, and you chose me to be your gull.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> My God, to think he believes that!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> You brought me the leavings of a swindler—the leavings of a +swindler—and you stole,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span> in my house, the place of an honest woman! +Your lies have brought the curse of God on my family and it's you who +are the cause of everything. The misfortune that's just befallen us, +it's you who are the cause of it, I tell you! You're a pest, accursed, +damned! Don't say another word to me! Don't speak to me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Have you no pity, Pierre? Do you suppose I'm not suffering?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> If you are suffering you've deserved it! You haven't suffered +enough yet. But what had I ever done to you that you should choose me +for your victim? What did I ever do that I should have to bear what I'm +suffering? You've made me a coward—you've lowered me almost to your own +level—I ought to have been able to put you out of my mind and my heart +already! And I can't! And I'm suffering torture, terrible torture—for +I'm suffering through the love I once had for you. You—you were +everything to me for ten years—my whole life. You've been everything, +everything! And now the one hope left me is that I may forget you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Oh, forgive me!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Never! Never!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Don't say that word—only God has the right to say—never! I +will come back to you. I'll be only like the head servant—no, the +lowest if you like! I won't take my place in the home again until you +tell me to.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> We have no house; we have no home. Nothing is left now! And I +tell you again it's your fault—and it's because you used to be there, +in the mother's place, my mother's place, you, a lie and a +sacrilege—it's because of that that misfortune has overtaken us!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I swear to you I'd make you forget it all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span> in time—I'd be so +humble, so devoted, so repentant. And wherever you go I shall follow +you. Pierre—think, your children still need me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> My children! You shall never see them again! You shall never +speak to them. I won't have you kiss them. I won't have you even touch +them!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>changing her tone</i>] Ah, no, not that, not that! The children! +No, you are wrong there! You can deprive me of everything—you can put +every imaginable shame upon me—you can force me to beg my bread—I'll +do it willingly. You needn't look at me—you needn't speak to me except +to abuse me—you can do anything, anything you like. But my children, my +children—they are mine, the fruit of my body—they are still part of +me—they are blood of my blood and bone of my bone forever. You might +cut off one of my arms, and my arm would be a dead thing, and no part of +myself any more, but you can't stop my children being my children.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> You have made yourself unworthy to keep them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Unworthy! What has unworthiness to do with it? Have I ever +failed in my duty to them? Have I been a bad mother? Answer me! I +haven't, have I? Well then, if I haven't been a bad mother, my rights +over them are as great as ever they were! Unworthy! I might be a +thousand times more guilty—more unworthy, as you call it—but neither +you, nor the law, nor the priests, nor God himself would have the right +to take them from me. I have been to blame as a wife, it's possible, but +as a mother I've nothing to reproach myself with. Well then—well +then—no one can steal them from me! And you, who could think of such a +thing, you're a wretch! Yes, it's to avenge yourself that you want to +part me from them! You're just a coward! Just a man! There's no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> +fatherhood left in your heart—you don't think of them. Yes—you are +lying—I tell you, you are lying! When you say I'm not worthy to bring +them up you're lying! It's only a saying—only words. You know it isn't +true—you know I've nourished them, cared for them, loved them, consoled +them, and I have taught them to say their prayers every night, and I +would go on doing so. You know that no other woman will ever fill my +place—but that makes no difference to you. You forget them—you want to +punish me, so you want to take them from me. I'm justified in saying to +you that it's an act of cowardly wickedness and a vile piece of +vengeance! Ah! The children! You want to gamble with them now. No—to +take them away from me—think, Pierre, think; it isn't possible, what +you are saying!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> You are right; I am revenging myself! What you think an +impossibility is done already. My mother has taken the children and gone +away with them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I shall find them again.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> America is a big country.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I shall find them again!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Then I shall tell them why I have taken them away from you!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Never! Never that! I'll obey you, but swear—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The recorder enters.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder.</span> Etchepare, come and sign your discharge. You will be +released at once.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Wait a moment, Monsieur, wait a moment. [<i>To Etchepare</i>] I +agree to separation if I must. I will disappear—you will never hear of +me again. But in return for this wicked sacrifice swear solemnly that +you will never tell them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I swear.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> You swear never to tell them anything that may lessen their +affection for me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I swear.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Promise me too—I beg you, Pierre—in the name of our happiness +and my misery—promise to keep me fresh in their memory—let them pray +for me, won't you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> I swear it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Then go—my life is done with.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Etchepare.</span> Good-bye.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>He goes out with the recorder. At the door the latter meets +Mouzon.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder</span> [<i>to Etchepare</i>] They are coming to show you the way out.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Recorder</span> [<i>to Mouzon</i>] The woman Etchepare is there.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Ah, she's there. Monsieur Vagret has been speaking of her. Well, +I withdraw my complaint; I ask nothing better than that she shall be set +at liberty. Now that I am a Councillor I don't want to be coming back +from Pau every week for the examination. Proceed with the necessary +formalities.</p> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Scene V</span>:—<i>Mouzon, Yanetta, the recorder.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Well—in consideration of the time you have been in custody, I +am willing that you should be set at liberty—provisional liberty. I +may, perhaps, even withdraw my complaint if you express regret for +having insulted me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta</span> [<i>calmly</i>] I do not regret having insulted you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Do you want to go back to prison?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> My poor man, if you only knew how little it matters to me +whether I go to prison or not!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Why?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Because I have nothing left, neither house, nor home, nor +husband, nor children. [<i>She looks at him</i>] And—I think—I think—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You think?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I think it is you who are the cause of all the trouble.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> You are both acquitted, aren't you? What more do you ask?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> We have been acquitted, it is true. But all the same, I am no +longer an honest woman—neither to my husband, nor to my children, nor +to the world.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> If anyone reproaches you with the penalty inflicted upon you +formerly, if anyone makes any illusion to the time you have spent in +custody under remand, you have the right to prosecute the offender in +the courts. He will be punished.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Well! It is because someone reproached me with that old +conviction that my husband has taken my children from me. That someone +is a magistrate. Can I have him punished?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Why not? Because he is a magistrate?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> No. Because he is the law.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> The law! [<i>Violently</i>] Then the law is wicked, wicked!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> Come, no shouting, no insults, please. [<i>To the recorder</i>] Have +you finished? Then go to the office and have an order made out for her +discharge.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> I'm no scholar; I've not studied the law in books, like you, +and perhaps for that very reason I know better than you what is just and +what is not. And I want to ask you a plain question: How is the law +going to give me back my children and make up to me for the harm it's +done me?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> The law owes you nothing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> The law owes me nothing! Then what are you going to do—you, +the judge?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> A magistrate is not responsible.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Ah, you are not responsible! So you can arrest people just as +you like, just when you fancy, on a suspicion or even without a +suspicion; you can bring shame and dishonor on their families; you can +torture the unhappy, ferret into their past lives, expose their +misfortunes, dig up forgotten offences, offences which have been atoned +for and which go back to ten years ago; you can make use of your skill, +your tricks and lies, and your cruelty to send a man to the foot of the +scaffold, and worse still, you can drive people into taking a mother's +children away from her—and after that you say, like Pontius Pilate, +that you aren't responsible! Not responsible! Perhaps you aren't +responsible in the eyes of this law of yours, since you tell me you +aren't, but in the eyes of pure and simple justice, the justice of +decent people, the justice of God, before that I swear you are +responsible, and that is why I am going to call you to account!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She sees on Mouzon's desk the dagger which he uses as a +paper-knife. He turns his back on her. She seizes the knife +and puts it down again.</i></p></div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I order you to get out of here.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> Listen to me. For the last time I ask you—what do you think +you can do to make up to me—to give me back all I've lost through your +fault; what are you going to do to lessen my misery, and how do you +propose to give me back my children?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Mouzon.</span> I have nothing to say to you. I owe you nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Yanetta.</span> You owe me nothing! You owe me more than life—more than +everything. My children I shall never see again. What you've taken from +me is the happiness of every moment of the day—their kisses<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span> at +night—the pride I felt in watching them grow up. Never, never again +shall I hear them call me "mother." It's as though they were dead—it's +as though you had killed them. [<i>She seizes the knife</i>] Yes! That's your +work; it's you bad judges have done it; you have nearly made a criminal +of an innocent man, and you force an honest woman, a mother—to become a +criminal!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She stabs him. He falls.</i></p></div> + + +<h4>CURTAIN.</h4> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Woman on Her Own, False Gods & The Red +Robe, by Eugène Brieux + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLAYS BY BRIEUX *** + +***** This file should be named 27201-h.htm or 27201-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/2/0/27201/ + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Josephine Paolucci and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> |