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The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Romance of a Poor Young Man, by
Pierrepont Edwards and Lester Wallace
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Title: The Romance of a Poor Young Man
A Drama Adapted from the French of Octave Feuillet
Author: Pierrepont Edwards
Lester Wallace
Release Date: February 21, 2011 [EBook #35342]
Language: English
Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
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<h3>THE STANDARD DRAMA.<br />
<small>The Acting Edition.<br />
<span class="smcap">No.</span> CCXXV.</small></h3>
<hr style="width: 15%;" />
<h3>THE ROMANCE OF</h3>
<h1>A POOR YOUNG MAN.</h1>
<h4>A Drama, adapted from the French of<br />
OCTAVE FEUILLET,<br />
BY MESSRS. PIERREPONT EDWARDS AND LESTER WALLACK.</h4>
<h5>TO WHICH ARE ADDED<br />
A Description of the Costume—Cast of the Characters—Entrances and Exits—<br />
Relative Positions of the Performers on the Stage, and<br />
the whole of the Stage Business</h5>
<div class="bbt">
<h4>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by <span class="smcap">Lester Wallack</span>, in the<br />
Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York.</h4>
</div>
<h4>NEW YORK:<br />
SAMUEL FRENCH, PUBLISHER,<br />
122 <span class="smcap">Nassau Street</span>, (<span class="smcap">Up Stairs.</span>)
</h4>
<hr style="width: 65%;" />
<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 2]</span></p>
<h2>CHARACTERS REPRESENTED.</h2>
<div class="center">
<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
<tr><td align='left'><i>Manuel, Marquis de Champcey</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mr. Lester Wallack.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Doctor Desmarets,—formerly of the French Army</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mr. Brougham.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>M. de Bevannes—a man of the world</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mr. Walcot.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Gaspar Laroque—an aged man, formerly Captain of a Privateer</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mr. Dyott.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Alain—a confidential domestic</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mr. Young.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>M. Nouret—a Notary</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mr. Levere.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Yvonnet—a Breton Shepherd</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mr. Baker.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Henri</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mr. Oliver.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Louis</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mr. Coburn.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Madame Laroque—Daughter-in-Law to Gaspar</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mrs. Vernon.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Marguerite—her daughter</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mrs. Hoey.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Mlle Helouin—a Governess</i>,</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Madame Aubrey—a relative of the Laroque family</i>,</td><td align='left'>Miss Mary Gannon.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Louise Vauberger—formerly nurse to Manuel</i>, <i>now keeper of a lodging house</i>,</td><td align='left'>Mrs. Walcot.</td></tr>
<tr><td align='left'><i>Christine—a Breton peasant girl</i>,</td><td align='left'>Miss Fanny Reeves.</td></tr>
</table></div>
<p class="center"><i>Guests, Servants, Peasantry, &c., &c.</i></p>
<div class="blockquot">
<p>The events of the Drama take place (during the 1st Act) in Paris,
afterward in the Province of Britanny.</p>
<p>Costumes of the present day.</p>
<p>The Overture, incidental Music, and Choruses composed and arranged
by Mr. Robert Stoepel.</p>
</div>
<hr style="width: 65%;" />
<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 3]</span></p>
<h1>A POOR YOUNG MAN.</h1>
<hr style="width: 15%;" />
<h2>TABLEAU I.</h2>
<p class="center"><i>A Room, simply furnished—Table, Chairs, Arm Chair, Secretaire,
Side Table—Door</i> <span class="smcap">C.</span></p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Madame Vauberger</span> <i>peeps in</i> <span class="smcap">L.</span></p>
<p><i>Madame Vauberger.</i> No; he has not yet returned. [<i>Enters.</i>] Things
cannot go on in this manner much longer—I shall have to speak out,
and plainly too. And why not? Surely he won't take it ill from
me—ah, no. I, who loved his poor mother so, could never—What's
this? A purse! empty! And this key, left carelessly lying about;
that's a bad sign. [<i>Opens Secretaire.</i>] No, not one solitary sous—his
last coin came yesterday to pay me the rent. In the drawer, perhaps—</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Dr. Desmarets</span> <i>looks in</i>.</p>
<p><i>Dr. Desmarets.</i> Hallo! [<i>She starts.</i>] What are you at there?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Me, sir? I was just—I was just—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Poking your nose into that drawer—that what you call
just?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> I was dusting and putting the things in order, sir.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> I'll tell you what, Madame V., you're an extraordinary
woman. Yesterday, when I called, you were dusting—half-an-hour
ago when I called, you were dusting—and now, when I call again,
you're dusting. Where the devil you find so much dust to dust, <i>I</i>
can't think.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Ah, sir, look into this drawer.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> What for?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Is it not the place where, if one had money, one would
naturally keep it?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> I suppose so. What of that?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> See, sir, it is empty.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> What's that to me?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> And his purse, also.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> What's that to you?</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Goes up and puts hat on table.</i></p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] I dare not tell him that Manuel is without a<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 4]</span>
meal—starving—I should never be forgiven. His <i>pride</i> would be
wounded, and nothing could excuse that.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Well, what are you cogitating about? Looking for something
to dust?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> I'm thinking of the Marquis, sir.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Well, what of him?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Is it not dreadful? Brought up as he has been—surrounded
by every luxury—and now reduced to want even. Oh! it is
too hard—too hard!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Well, it's his own fault, isn't it? There was enough left from
the wreck of his father's property, to give him a sort of a living, and
he must needs go and settle it all upon his little sister Helen.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> And for what? To give her the education befitting her
rank.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Fudge!</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Doctor Desmarets, your're very unfeeling.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Oh, of course, of course. I give him good advice, he rejects
it. I withdraw my sympathy, and then I'm unfeeling. If he
can't manage better with the little that's left him, egad! he may
think himself lucky that he can get his daily meals.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Sir, he can't even—[<i>Aside.</i>] Oh, if I dared—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Can't even what? Send for his coupe, I suppose, or drink
Chateau margaux—terrible hardships, truly. When there's nothing
else in a man's pocket, he had better put his pride there, and button
it up tight.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Some day, sir, we shall find that he has taken poison, or
cut his throat.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Ah! and then there'll be nothing to dust.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Monsieur, I repeat it—you're unfeeling. But I, who loved
and served his dear mother, whom he so much resembles—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Not a bit—hasn't a look of her. The father, the father all
over.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Of course. So you always say, and everybody knows
why. You loved the poor Marchioness, offered her your hand, and
she preferred the Marquis.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Madame!</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> I don't care. I <i>will</i> speak my mind. And because she
refused you, you have no regard for her son.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Madame!</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> But if he has his father's face, he has his mother's heart.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Much you know about it.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> And who <i>should</i> know if I don't? Havn't I attended him
since he was an infant?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Well, and havn't <i>I</i> attended him since he was an infant?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Wasn't I with him during every sickness?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Wasn't I with him too?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Didn't I nurse him?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Didn't I cure him?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Wouldn't I follow him through the world?<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 5]</span></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Didn't I bring him <i>into</i> it?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Yes, and if things go on at this rate, he won't have much
to thank you for.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> How do <i>you</i> know? How do <i>you</i> know, you foolish old
woman you.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>appears</i>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Heyday! the only two friends I have in the world at high
words? What can have caused this?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> My lord, the Doctor says you—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Me! my dear Doctor, you never were quarrelling about so
unimportant a person, surely?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> No matter for that. But I have some business with the Marquis,
if this very positive old lady will allow me the luxury of an interview
with him—a <i>private</i> interview. Pray, ma'am, <i>may</i> I trespass
on your indulgence?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Truly, Doctor, your campaign in the Crimea has improved
neither your manners, or your beauty.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">L. H.</span></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Confound her impudence! The attack on my manners I could
forgive, but my beauty—that's a tender point.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Ah, Doctor, you must pardon her brusque manner. If she's
poor in courtesy, she's rich in a rarer gift—fidelity.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Oh! hang her! let her go. And now to your affairs. Your
father's death occurred while I was with the army, in the Crimea.
Rumors reached me there, but I have never heard the full particulars.
I would not willingly revive a painful theme, but as an old friend—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Nay, I shall be more satisfied when you know the facts.
When you left France you know what our position was, and what our
style of living.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> All the luxuries that money could procure—a mansion in Paris,
an ancestral chateau, and a stable that could boast the best blood
in France.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Two months after the death of my dear mother, I went to
Italy, by my father's desire, and for several years I traveled through
Europe, at my pleasure. During this time his letters to me were affectionate,
but brief, and never expressed any desire for my return.
Two months ago, on arriving at Marseilles, I found several letters
from him awaiting me, each of them begging me to return home with
all possible haste.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> I remember, it was some time previous to that, that I heard
his name mentioned in connection with some unfortunate speculations
in the stocks.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I arrived at night. The ground was white with snow. As I
passed up the avenue—made still darker by the old trees which
overshadowed it—I could hear the frost shaken from the branches,
seeming, as it fell around me, like a warning of bitter tears to come.
Hardly had I crossed the threshold when my father's arms were
around me. I could feel his heart beating against my own, with a
force almost painful. He led me to a sofa, and placed himself directly
<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 6]</span>
in front of me, when, as if longing to reveal something which yet
he dared not name, he fixed his eyes on mine with an expression of
supplication, of agony, of shame, wondrous in a man so haughty and
so proud. It was enough! The wrong he had committed, yet
could not confess, I divined full well—God knows how fully, how
freely I forgave it! Suddenly, that look, which never quitted me,
became fixed, rigid. The pressure of his hand on mine became a
grip of iron. He arose—the eyes wandered, the hand relaxed, and
he fell dead at my feet!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>After a pause.</i>] Well, well, it is a sad history, for he left
utter ruin for your portion. But come, you must not look back.
"Forward" must be the watchword now. Mr. Faveau, your family
lawyer, tells me that the little that remained to you, after paying your
father's debts, you have appropriated to making a fine lady of your
sister.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> To educate her, doctor.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Well, well, same thing; so that you, yourself, have literally
nothing to speak of—hardly enough to give you bread.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Hardly.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Under these circumstances you will perhaps be disposed to
the favorable consideration of a proposal I have to make?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Name it, sir, for at present, I confess I have formed no plans
of my own. I was so little prepared to find myself quite a beggar.
Were I alone in the world, I would become a soldier. But my sister,
that would involve prolonged absence from her—perhaps an early
death. My darling—I cannot endure the thought of knowing her
compelled to suffer the privations, the labor, and the dangers of poverty.
She is happy at her school, and young enough to remain there
for some years to come. If I could but find some occupation by which,
even were I obliged to impose the severest restraints upon myself, it
would be possible to save enough for her marriage portion, I should
be more than content.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> An employment to suit a man of your rank—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Oh, my dear Doctor—rank—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Well, well, of your <i>education</i>, then, is not easily found. Now,
mark what I am going to say, and consider it well, before you come
to a hasty conclusion. There is, among my patients, a retired merchant,
one who has been able, by indefatigable industry in trade, to
amass a very handsome fortune. His daughter, an only a child, and of
course, the father's darling, has, by chance, become acquainted with
the state of your affairs. Now, I have reason to know, (being on very
confidential terms with them.) I say I have reason to know that this
girl, ambitious, handsome, rich, and accomplished, would be happy
to share your title. I have the father's consent, and only await the
word from you to—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Dr. Desmarets, my name is neither for sale, or to let.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Humph! Do you know, my lord, that you bear a remarkable
resemblance to your poor mother?<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 7]</span></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> You must be mistaken, sir. I have always been told that I
was more like my father.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Not a bit! The mother, the mother, sir, in every feature.
But, bless me, it's near eleven o'clock and I have a most particular
appointment. As you decline considering the proposal I have made,
we must think of something else. Au revoir. [<i>Aside.</i>] The mother—eyes,
nose, mouth. What the devil made that stupid old woman say
he was like his father?</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">C.</span></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> He's a kind man, though a little eccentric, and apart from
his professional duty, seems actuated by a sincere desire to serve me,
and yet—and yet I could not bring myself to ask his charity. Hunger—starvation—are
not, then, mere empty words. Oh! if I do sin in
my pride, I am punished, for I suffer much. This is the second day
without food. Why, after all, I could go into any Restaurant and
dine, for I am well enough known. I could say I had forgotten my
purse—have done so without scruple in happier times, but <i>then</i> I
had the means to pay, and now—no, no, my sister, not for life, not
even for <i>thee</i>, will I descend to lie and cheat. How weak I am; this
comes too soon upon my long sickness. If I could but sleep and so
forget my agony. And there are human creatures who suffer every
day as I do now. My sister, my little sister, I seem to see thy dear
face looking down upon me, and bidding me be comforted. [<i>Music.</i>]
Thou, at least, shall never suffer. But for those who hear their cries
of hunger repeated from the mouths of starving little ones, well,
well, God comfort them; I will not re—Oh—holy—charity—for—those—who—my
sister—my—</p>
<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>gradually falls asleep</i>. <span class="smcap">Madame Vauberger</span> <i>enters with a
Tray containing a dish or two with eatables, a plate, &c. She
watches</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>carefully while she deposits the Tray on the chimney-piece
and lays a cloth on the table</i>. <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>awakes as she
goes back to the chimney-piece for tray</i>.</p></div>
<p><i>Man.</i> Eh—who's that? Ah, me! What are you doing, Madame?</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Did you not order dinner, my lord?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Certainly not.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Why they told me—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Then they were mistaken. It's for some of the other
lodgers.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V</i>. But there's no other lodgers on this floor, and I really
cannot think what—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> At any rate, it is not for me. Take it away.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> [<i>After slowly taking off cloth.</i>] My lord has probably
dined?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Probably.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Dear me, dear me, what a pity. A good dinner spoiled,
wasted. Really, if you had not dined, my lord, it would so oblige
me if—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Will you go or not? [<i>She is dejectedly going, when</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>
<i>calls</i>.] Louise, I understand, and I thank you, but I am not well<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 8]</span>
to-day. I have no desire to eat.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>He turns away.</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Vauberger</span>
<i>quietly comes back and gently places the dinner on the table</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Ah, my Lord, if you knew how you wound my heart.
Come now, you shall pay me for the dinner—there—you shall put
the money into my hand the moment you have it. But indeed, indeed,
if you were to give me a hundred thousand francs, it would
not cause me half the pleasure that I should feel in seeing you eat
my poor little dinner. Oh, surely, surely, you can comprehend that.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I do, Louise, I do—and as I can't give you the hundred
thousand francs, why, I'll eat your dinner.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> No; <i>will</i> you?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Louise, your hand. Don't be alarmed, I'm not going to
put money into it.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>She timidly gives her hand.</i></p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Oh! thank you, thank you, my lord, a thousand times.
Now, I'll leave you to your dinner. Ah! how good of you to accept
my poor gift. You have a noble heart.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">C.</span></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> And a monstrous appetite. My kind, faithful Louise. Well,
well, let us to dinner, since dinner there is. Come, come, here's
life for another day or so, at least, and that's something.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Doctor</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Vauberger</span> <i>heard without</i>.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Nonsense, nonsense; I don't believe a word of it.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> I tell you sir, 'tis true; you might have seen it.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>Entering.</i>] But, confound it, woman—I <i>didn't</i> see it, and it
was your business to tell me.</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> It wasn't.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> It was.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> What's the matter now?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Matter enough! That stupid woman—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Doctor, will you do me the pleasure to dine with me?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> My lord, you have done wrong.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Indeed!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> For you have wounded a friend. You have been cruel.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Cruel!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> For you have made an old man blush.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Yes, you! why was I left in ignorance? How could you,
Manuel? why didn't you. Damn it, sir? how dare you starve without
letting me know?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Sir, I could not—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> My poor boy; there, there, eat your dinner; I've news for
you.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> News!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Yes; eat your dinner.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> But I want to listen.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Well, you don't listen with your mouth, I suppose. Eat your
dinner.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> But<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 9]</span>—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Devil a word you'll get out of me, if you don't eat your
dinner.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Well, well.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Eats.</i></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Good! You remember I told you I had an appointment?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Yes.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Don't talk—eat! [<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>eats</i>.] That appointment concerned
you. [<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>nods</i>.] I think I've found employment for you.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Eh?</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Pauses with a bit on his fork.</i></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> In with it. [<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>puts it in his mouth</i>.] Good! You are
aware, of course, that my practice and my residence is in the country.
I merely came to Paris on your account. [<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>lets go his fork
to shake hands with the</i> <span class="smcap">Doctor</span>, <i>who puts the fork into his hand
again</i>.] Well, among the families with whom I am most intimate,
there is one, in particular, of great wealth and importance. The
name is Laroque. The family have had for some years past, a managing
man, a steward, who never was worth much. Indeed, the only
real service he has ever rendered them, he has just performed.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Ran away?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> No, died. The moment I heard of this, I wrote to Madame
Laroque, asking his situation for a friend of mine. On leaving you,
I went to the post office, and found a letter awaiting me, with the
full consent of the family to my request. To be sure the position for
a man of your rank—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> My rank, under present circumstances, is a mockery. I
shall, in future, take simply my Christian name of Manuel.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> I have only mentioned you in my letters as Monsieur Manuel,
anticipating that such would be your wish. You will have your own
apartments in a pavilion near the Chateau. Your salary will be so
regulated that you will be enabled to lay by a portion for your sister.
Now, the only question remaining is, will this suit you?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Admirably! My dear, kind friend, how shall I sufficiently
thank you?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Eat your dinner.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> But am I fitted for the position?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Pretty well. You've learned one great requisite.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> What's that?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Economy. As to the rest, the duties are simple enough. And
now I'll give you some notion of the people you are going to meet.
There are, in the Chateau, without counting visitors, five persons.
First, Monsieur Laroque, celebrated at the beginning of the present
century as a famous privateer Captain. Hence his large fortune. He
is now a feeble old man, mind and memory a good deal the worse for
wear. Then there is Madame Laroque, his daughter-in-law, a
Creole—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> A Creole?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Yes, young gentleman, an <i>elderly</i> Creole, with some eccentricities
to be sure, but a good heart. Thirdly, there is Mademoiselle
Marguerite, her daughter, much younger—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> That's singular.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 10]</span></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Eat your dinner. She is proud, somewhat romantic, a little
thoughtless,—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> And her disposition?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Sweet. Fourthly, Madame Aubrey, a widow, a sort of second
cousin, old maidish, talky—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Disposition?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Sour. Fifthly, Mademoiselle Helouin—Governess. Young,
good looking.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Disposition?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Doubtful. And that completes the catalogue.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Delightful! Two good dispositions out of five. The proportion
is enormous!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> I'm glad you look at things so hopefully. When will you be
ready to accompany me to the Chateau?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> To-morrow—to-day.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> To-morrow will do. I shall be here for you early.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Going.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I shall be ready.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>Runs against</i> <span class="smcap">Madame V.</span> <i>who is coming in</i>.] Confound it,
woman, take care!</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> Why, Doctor, you ran against me.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> I didn't!</p>
<p><i>Mad. V.</i> You did!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> What's the matter now?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Eat your dinner!</p>
<h4>END OF TABLEAU I.</h4>
<hr style="width: 65%;" />
<h2>TABLEAU II.</h2>
<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A Saloon with bay windows opening on a Terrace, from which steps
descend to lawn and grounds at back—Piano</i>, <span class="smcap">R. U. E.</span>—<i>Books, Papers,
Vases, &c., &c.</i></p>
<p><span class="smcap">De Bevannes</span>, <span class="smcap">Dr. Desmarets</span>, <span class="smcap">Mad. Laroque</span>, <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>, <span class="smcap">Mademoiselle
Helouin</span>, <span class="smcap">Mad. Aubrey</span> <i>discovered. As Curtain rises</i>,
<span class="smcap">M. De Bevannes</span> <i>is conversing with several young ladies on the
terrace at back</i>. <span class="smcap">Desmarets</span> <i>reading paper</i>, <span class="smcap">L. C.</span> <span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span>
<i>wrapped in furs</i>, <span class="smcap">L.</span> <i>reading a book</i>. <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>near her
mother, at tapestry work</i>. <span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span>, <span class="smcap">R. C.</span> <i>knitting</i>.
<span class="smcap">Mad'lle Helouin</span> <i>arranging flowers in vase</i>, <span class="smcap">R.</span> <i>Great talking
and laughing from the party on the terrace as the curtain rises.</i></p></div>
<p><i>Bevannes.</i> Very well, very well, young ladies, if you insist upon it.
The ladies are determined on a waltz on the terrace.</p>
<p><i>Madame Laroque.</i> What! in the broiling sun?<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 11]</span></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> The roses do not fear the sun. Why should the lilies?</p>
<p><i>Ladies</i> [<i>all courtesey.</i>] Oh, how pretty.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Yes, rather neat, I think. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>] Mademoiselle,
may I hope for the honor?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Thank you. Despite your pretty speech, I confess to a
fear of waltzing in the sun. But I'll play for you with pleasure.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Goes towards Piano</i>, <span class="smcap">R.</span></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside to her.</i>] Always cruel. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">M'lle Helouin,</span>] Mademoiselle,
may I request the pleasure?</p>
<p><i>Mlle Helouin.</i> Oh! certainly.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside to her.</i>] Ever kind.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>plays—they waltz and gradually disappear</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Have you seen my new conservatory, Doctor?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> No, Madame.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Well, I must show it to you, if I can drag myself so far.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Drag? Why, good gracious! You're the picture of health
this morning—fresh as a rose.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Fresh? Frozen. It's a curious fact, Doctor, that since
I left the Antilles, twenty years ago, I have never yet known what it
was to feel comfortably warm.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> That accounts for your continued good looks. Consult your
Cookery Book, page 18. If you want to preserve things fresh, you
must keep them cold. And you, Madame, [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span>]
how do <i>you</i> find yourself?</p>
<p><i>Madame Aubrey.</i> Very weak, Doctor. I ate a tolerable breakfast
this morning.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] You may say that. Three eggs and a broiled chicken.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> And I feel a fullness—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] I should think so.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> In the head.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Ah!</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> The fact is, Doctor, I am subject to such continual chagrin,
such cruel mortifications here. Dependent upon others for certain
luxuries which I can't get for myself.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Why not?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Things are so dear. Ah, Doctor, nothing will soothe me
but death.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Well, <i>that's</i> cheap!</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Brute!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Aside.</i></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>at Piano.</i>] Here they come again.</p>
<div class="blockquot"><p><i>She plays. The waltzers appear on terrace. In the midst of this
dancing</i>, <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>comes up steps, as if from lawn below. They
separate</i> <span class="smcap">R.</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">L.</span> <i>and regard him with some astonishment. He
has a portfolio under his arm.</i></p></div>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Well, why don't you go on?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] At last, [<i>aloud.</i>] Madame Laroque, permit me to
present to you, M. Manuel, the new Steward.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 12]</span></p>
<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Mad. Laroque</span> <i>rises and salutes</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>at the same time ringing
a bell. A servant enters and goes to</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>,<i> taking from him a
small portmanteau, which he carries off</i>. <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>goes over to</i>
<span class="smcap">L.</span> <i>of</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. Laroque</span>.</p></div>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Rather a stylish looking steward!</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Why, Doctor, what does this mean? You promised a
quiet, simple, steady young man, and you bring me a fine gentleman
like this.</p>
<p class="center"><i>As</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>comes down</i> <span class="smcap">R. C., Mad'lle Helouin</span> <i>sees him</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mlle. H.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] It is the Marquis de Champcey!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Goes up to ladies.</i></p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Mad. Aubrey—Manuel—Desmarets—Bevannes—Mad. Laroque—Mademoiselle Helouin—Marguerite.</span></p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Pardon, sir, you are Monsieur—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Manuel, Madame.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> The new Steward?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Yes, Madame.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> You are quite sure?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] That's not bad.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Madame!</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> The lady wishes to know whether you are yourself.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I have always been under that impression, sir.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<span class="smcap">Bevannes</span> <i>goes up</i>.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] The conversation is becoming brilliant—I'll leave
them to enjoy it.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit at back</i>—<span class="smcap">Bevannes</span> <i>comes down to</i> <span class="smcap">Marquis</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Sir, we are indebted to you for devoting your talents to
our service; we really require them, for we have the misfortune to
be immensely rich.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Misfortune, dear?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Yes, love; wealth is a heavy burthen.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> But a very pleasant one.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> You'd find it hard to bear, dear.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> I should like to <i>try</i>, darling.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> I feel that I was born for the devotion and self-sacrifice
entailed by poverty. Ah! my dear Bevannes, should I not have
made an excellent Sister of Charity?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> You are already the next thing to it, Madame?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> How so?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Indicating</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.] The mother of goodness.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Oh, sir.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> But do you not agree with me?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> In what?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> That wealth is a heavy responsibility.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Doubtless. But then you have the comfort of knowing that
there are always some devoted friends willing to relieve you.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> [<i>Rings.</i>] But <i>my</i> fortune is not mine to dispose of—for
my duty obliges me to preserve it for my child.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 13]</span></p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.</p>
<p>Alain, show this gentleman to his apartments—but first, you must be
introduced to my father-in-law. Ask if Monsieur Laroque can see
the gentleman. [<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>—<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>up stage</i>.] And now, we will
take a stroll to the conservatory. What has become of that horrid
doctor? [<i>As she rises, her shawl falls off</i>—<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>comes forward
and assists her</i>.] Oh! thank you, sir.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Re-enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Monsieur Laroque is coming down, Madame.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit at back.</i></p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.] My dear, will you stay and introduce
Monsieur Manuel to your grandpapa?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Certainly, if you wish it.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Now, my dear Bevannes, your arm.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Who has been talking to</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.] Eh?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> You shall accompany us—</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.] This is too bad.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Gives arm to</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Oh! Monsieur de Bevannes, how happy you ought to feel—arm
in arm with "the mother of goodness."</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> I do feel happy—blessed. [<span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span> <i>takes his other
arm</i>.] Doubly blessed.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exeunt</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>, <span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mlle. H.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] So, so, my lord Marquis. Well, I will keep your
secret, <i>perhaps</i>.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit</i>—<span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>seats herself as they go off</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>After a pause.</i>] Is this your first visit to Brittany, sir?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> It is, Mademoiselle.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> It is an interesting country, I believe, to strangers.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Deeply interesting; though I travelled through it so rapidly,
that I had hardly time to appreciate its beauties. What I <i>did</i> see,
however, charmed me.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Ah! an admirer of the picturesque, I perceive, like our
governess. You two will get on very well together—you'll be excellent
companions.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Mademoiselle—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Oh, yes; she adores trees, rocks, rivers, etcetera—things
that, for my own part, I don't think very interesting.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Smiling, and throwing himself carelessly into a chair.</i>]
Pray, then, may I ask what you <i>do</i> think interesting?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Rising.</i>] Excuse me, sir.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Goes out with a slight and disdainful inclination.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> A timely reproof—for I was already forgetting my position.
[<span class="smcap">Alain</span> <i>is crossing the stage</i>.] My friend, a word with you.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Certainly, sir.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Monsieur Laroque is very old, is he not?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Oh, yes sir, <i>very</i> old.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 14]</span></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> He was a seaman formerly, I believe?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Yes sir, and a bold one too. Up in the picture gallery,
there are paintings of some of his most famous battles with the English.
Ah! he was a terrible man. Why, sir, if you'll believe me,
when the fit is on him, he will walk for hours alone in that gallery, in
a sort of dream, muttering to himself, and fancying that he is again
on board his ship in the midst of fire and slaughter, and between you
and I, sir, they <i>do</i> say—but hush! he's coming with his granddaughter.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Music.</i></p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">M. Laroque</span>, <i>leaning on</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> This way, dear grandfather. So, so. How well and strong
you are to-day.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<span class="smcap">Alain</span> <i>places chairs and exits</i>.</p>
<p><i>Laroque.</i> Always better and stronger when you are near me, my
darling, [<i>sits down.</i>] Thank ye, thank ye.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Let me present to you Mons. Manuel, our new steward.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Laroque</span>, <i>on seeing</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>is transfixed and gazes with a sort of
terror at him</i>.</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> No—no—no—it cannot be!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> What is this?</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> But I tell you he is dead—dead—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Dearest grandfather! [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.] For heaven's sake, sir,
speak to him.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Really, Mademoiselle—I—I—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Speak, sir! Say something—anything—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I am happy, sir, that I can devote my humble talents to your
service.</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> But he is dead—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Who?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> The last steward—</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Signs to</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>to speak on</i>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> All the more happy, sir, as I have heard of your many brilliant
exploits, and had relatives who, like yourself, have often fought
against the English—</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> The English! Aye—aye—aye—they did it—they were the
cause, but they paid it all—paid dearly—dearly.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Approaching.</i>] Permit me, sir, to—</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> Ah! No—no—no. He has blood upon him! See—see—see—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Grandfather, dear grandfather! Do not regard him, [<i>To</i>
<span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.] he is often thus—his great age—and—and—oh, sir, pray
retire; join my mother, I beg of you.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Certainly, Mademoiselle. [<i>Aside.</i>] A good beginning, truly.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Grandfather, dearest, what terrible thoughts are troubling
you? See, it is I, Marguerite, your child.</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> Eh! my child! Ah, yes, true, my child, my own dear child;
but where is—are we alone? Who stood <i>there</i> just now?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> That was our new steward, Monsieur Manuel.</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> Manuel—Manuel—'tis very strange! I thought<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 15]</span>—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> What, dear grandfather?</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> Thought that—that—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Oh, you thought you recognized him? He is like some one
you have seen before?</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> Yes—yes—yes—like some one I have seen before. But I am
very old, darling, and have seen so many faces in my time. Well,
well, I think I shall like him. Does he play picquet?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Indeed I do not know—</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> I hope so, I hope so—</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. Aubrey</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. H.</i> Ah, my dear cousin, how do you find yourself now?
They told me you were ill, and almost frightened me to death.</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> Thank ye, cousin, thank ye. It was only a passing weakness.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Indeed, I rejoice to hear it, for I was fearful of some sudden—Oh,
why did you not send for me? 'Tis very unkind of you
to forget those who love you so.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Grandpapa, there's one for you.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Aside to him.</i></p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. Aubrey</span>.] Well, well it's very kind of you to be so
fearful of <i>something sudden</i>, but you needn't—I've made my <i>will</i>.
[<i>Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.] There's one for <i>her</i>!</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Come now, take my arm, a walk upon the terrace will do
you so much good. There, don't be afraid to lean on me.</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> You're very kind, cousin. Thank ye, thank ye. [<i>Going.</i>]
Marguerite, my darling, ask him if he plays picquet.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> I will.</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> Umph! do you think he does?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> I have no doubt of it.</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> [<i>As he goes out with</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. Aubrey</span>.] I hope so—I hope so—I
hope so!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exeunt</i> <span class="smcap">Laroque</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. Aubrey</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> My poor grandfather; spite of his failing memory, he sees
through the disinterestedness of our good cousin Aubrey. But those
wild words, his terror at the appearance of this young man, what
could that mean? Or had it any meaning? [<i>Sees</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. Laroque</span>
<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>coming in at back</i>.] My mother—and leaning on the
arm of that person!</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Precisely my own opinion, sir, my impression exactly; this
is really charming; we agree upon every point.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I am flattered, Madame, to think such should be the case.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Without.</i>] 'Pon my honor, young ladies, I can't, I really
can't!</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>, <i>surrounded by ladies, exclaiming</i>, "You must,
Indeed!"</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Would you believe it, Madame? Those unconscionable ladies
insist on another waltz.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Oh, indeed I cannot play any more—I must finish this to-day—It
is a promise<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 16]</span>—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Pray do not let that inconvenience the ladies—I will play a
waltz with much pleasure.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Touches Piano.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Sir!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Haughtily.</i>] Thank you, sir—it is not requisite.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Forgetting again.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Goes up Terrace.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Pretty cool!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Very presuming of that steward.</p>
<p><i>Mad L.</i> Very polite of that <i>gentleman</i>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Highly disgusting to <i>this</i> gentleman.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Well, de Bevannes, you must find some other amusement
for the ladies.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> 'Gad, I'll soon do that. It's positively fatiguing to be in such
general request with them. They can't do without me for one moment—they
absolutely—</p>
<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Turns and perceives</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>who, during the preceding dialogue,
has entered into conversation with the ladies, and has, by this time,
offered his arm to two of them—They all accompany him off</i>.</p></div>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Well, if I were given to strong sentiments, I should
wish that fellow at the deuce. As it is, I'll content myself with
simply damning his impudence.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Do you know, my dear, that I don't feel quite easy in my
mind about that young man.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Nor I, either.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Why not, mamma?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> He is much too charming to make a good steward.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Really; I do not perceive it. A person may be honest and
well-behaved, although he does happen to play on the piano.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> I don't know that; I flatter myself I have seen something of
the world, and experience has specially taught me to beware of the
man who plays the piano.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Mamma, dear, will you hand me those scissors?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Yes, my child. [<i>Perceives</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel's</span> <i>portfolio</i>.] Whose
drawing-book is this?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> That? oh! that is the steward's—I saw it in his hand when
he came in.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> I positively must take a peep. Oh! De Bevannes, look!
beautiful! What a charming accomplishment it is to draw well.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Yes, for an engineer, or a builder—</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Or an actor—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Why gracious! Monsieur de Bevannes, you have said a good
thing.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Have I? Allow me to apologize.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Not at all; it's your <i>first</i> offence.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> How beautifully finished these groups are.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Positively, they're not so bad.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Bad! my dear sir; they're exquisite. Look, for instance
at that horse—is it not perfection?<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 17]</span></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> It would be, doubtless—only it happens to be a cow.</p>
<p><i>Mad.L.</i> A cow?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> I think so; horses don't go about with two horns.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Your pardon, ladies; but I believe I left my drawing-book—</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Allow me to return it, sir—and to thank you for an accident
which has afforded us much pleasure.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Madame, you are too kind—so kind, indeed, that you have
too long refrained from permitting me to commence my duties. With
your consent, I will at once set about them. Your farm at Langeot,
of which you spoke to me, is not more, I think, than a mile or two
from this. I will walk over there this afternoon, and—</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Walk! over such a miserable bad road as it is. Indeed,
sir, I could not allow it.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Hush! Pray, <i>pray</i>, not so much noise. My dear cousin
has composed himself to sleep.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Noise! it appears to me we were pretty quiet.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Ah, sir, you might think so; but the least sound jars upon
his poor nerves.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] I never saw such a devil of a woman as this is, to
cry.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> But I assure you, Madame, that I would rather walk. If I
pretend to be your steward—why steward I must be, and not fine
gentleman.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.] My dear, would it be proper to allow
M. Manuel to walk?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> I believe it is usual for the steward to do so. However, I see
no reason why he should not ride, if he chooses. There are plenty of
horses in the stable.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Ah!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> What's the matter, Madame?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Talking of riding always overcomes me.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Excuse my peculiar mode of expression—but you appear to
me to pass your life in being perpetually overcome.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Women are but fragile flowers.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> They seem to require a deal of water.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> But horses, sir—talking of horses, puts me in mind of a
pet I had.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> A pet horse, dear?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> No, love, a donkey. Oh!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Now she's watering the donkey.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> I had the dear little creature for two years. Just long
enough to—pray listen, sir.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I beg your pardon, Madame—I'm all attention—I heard.
The creature had two ears just long enough—</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>All laugh.</i></p>
<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 18]</span></p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> No, no; I said I had him for two years—just a sufficient
time to love him like a child—when he died—died, sir, of one of
those diseases peculiar to that class of quadruped.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Children?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> No, sir, Donkies! Dear me, it was, Umph! let me see,
you must know, sir, what I mean?</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Measles?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> No, no, but no matter; He died—</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Peace to his ashes. But as you were saying, Madame Laroque,
there are plenty of horses in the stable, and, really, all but
ruined for want of exercise.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Dr. Desmarets</span>.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Yes, that's what you'll <i>all</i> be, if you continue to lounge away
the days as you do.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Ah, Doctor, we've missed you dreadfully.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> What's the matter? anybody sick?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> You ought to have been here just now, Doctor; Madame Aubrey
has told the most touching tale—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Of a donkey? I know, I've heard it often.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> But with regard to a horse for M. Manuel. There's Black
Harry—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Black Harry! Nobody can ride the brute! He's perfectly
untameable! Why, de Bevannes, you tried it yourself and couldn't.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Ahem! Oh—ah—yes, but I had no spurs.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Spurs! Why, you couldn't even get upon his back!</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Eh—why—no—not exactly—[<i>Aside</i>] Confound him!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>] And is Black Harry so very unmanageable?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> 'Pon my word I don't see it. He has an insuperable objection
to being mounted, but if you can get upon his back, and <i>being</i> on his
back, can <i>keep</i> there, why, of course, it's a great point in your favor.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Smiling.</i>] Certainly an important one.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> If you except a partiality for biting, and ditto for kicking,
occasionally shying, and always prone to running away, he's a pleasant
beast.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> But such a beauty! I never saw a horse I should like so
much to ride, if he were but properly broken.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. Laroque</span>] Madame, have I your permission?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Certainly.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>rings</i>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] What's he at now?</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Tell one of the grooms to saddle Black Harry.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Sir!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> What?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> No—no—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.] Did you hear my order?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Yes, sir. [<i>Aside.</i>] There'll be work for the Doctor to-day.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 19]</span></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Good.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Pray do not fear, Madame, I have been used to restive horses.
I'll just make his acquaintance now, and if I can succeed in gaining
a small portion of his esteem, I will do myself the honor of riding
him daily until he is fit for your daughter's use.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>.] What the devil made you mention that confounded
animal? You don't like the new steward, eh?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Not particularly.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> He's good looking.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Inconveniently.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> And you want his neck broken?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> No. But I should like his nose put out of joint.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> I do not think I ought to permit this.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Noise below the terrace.</i></p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> The horse is ready, sir.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> I will lend you a pair of my spurs. Alain, get my spurs as
you go down.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Very well, sir.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Let me entreat you, sir.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I do assure you, there is nothing to fear. With your good
wishes I am certain of success.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit down steps.</i></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>On a terrace.</i>] Why, here are all the servants and grooms.
Quite an assemblage.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Noise</i>—<i>Cries of</i> "Hold him," "Quiet, sir," "Out of the way," "Stand
clear," &c.—<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Ladies</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mlle Helouin</span>.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> A nice, quiet animal. [<i>Leans over.</i>] Manuel, my dear boy.
Sir! if you break your leg, you may mend it yourself—I won't.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>On a sofa.</i>] Doctor, report progress. [<i>Aside.</i>] I'll bet a thousand
francs he doesn't even mount him.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Who has overheard him.</i>] I'll take that bet, sir.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Eh? oh! as you please Mademoiselle.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> By the Lord, he's up!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Noise as before—then shout.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> In the air?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> No, in the saddle. [<i>Noise again.</i>] Ah, he's off!</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Off the horse?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> No; off on a gallop. [<i>Noise gets more distant.</i>] Egad! they're
all scampering after him. What's he doing now? The ditch! take
care!</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> He'll be killed.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Oh! oh!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> The horse can never do it.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Shouts distant.</i></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Ah! he's—</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> In it?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> No, <i>over</i> it! Back again! [<i>Shouts distant.</i>] Here he comes.
Egad! Black Harry's had enough of it.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Shouts approach nearer.</i></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] There's some mystery about this man. He has<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 20]</span>
hardly arrived, when all eyes seem turned to him. There certainly <i>is</i>
a mystery.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> It will be cleared up, Mademoiselle.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> What do you mean?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Hush!</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>.] Your spurs, sir.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Oh! I hope they assisted him.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Didn't want 'em sir.</p>
<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Great shouting below—The ladies, who have been witnessing the ride,
crowd upon the terrace, waving their handkerchiefs, and appear
surrounding and congratulating</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>as he comes on up steps.</i></p></div>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>.] Somebody's nose is out of joint.</p>
<h4>END TABLEAU II.</h4>
<h3>Lapse of Three Months.</h3>
<hr style="width: 65%;" />
<h2>TABLEAU III.</h2>
<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Park of the Chateau Laroque.</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span> <i>discovered arranging
Portfolio and Drawing materials</i>.</p></div>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Now really I do thank Madame for deputing me to wait
more especially on Monsieur Manuel. Steward or no steward, he's a
perfect gentleman; of that there can't be a doubt. What a pity it
is that Mademoiselle Marguerite and he don't like one another. When
he says white, she says black. When she goes one way, he goes
another, yet everybody else likes him. M'lle Helonin, our Governess,
is absolutely in love with him, and the wonderful influence he
has obtained over old Mons. Laroque, in this short time, is unaccountable.
He has hardly been here three months, and they say that all
the money will be left according to his advice—but that's going
rather far, even for gossip. Well, now, his drawing materials are all
ready for him, and—here he is to employ them.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Alain, did you, by chance, pick up a half finished letter anywhere
in my room?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> No, sir.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Strange! I commenced it yesterday, and left it on my table,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 21]</span>
intending to finish it this morning. I have searched the room
thoroughly, and it is nowhere to be found.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Was it of much importance?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Merely inasmuch as it related to family and business matters.
It was for the Doctor, in case he should call when I was from
home. However, let it go. I'll write another when I return. [<i>Sits
down and prepares drawing materials.</i>] Did not Mademoiselle Marguerite
go out on horseback yesterday alone?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Yes, sir.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> How was it you did not follow her, as usual?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Oh, sir, she often goes without me. She's a capital rider,
and she says, to be alone sometimes, makes her feel more self-dependent,
and you know, sir, it won't do to contradict her, for though
a charitable, kind-hearted, young lady, she's rather wilful, and terribly
proud.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Somewhat, perhaps, but her general manner appears to me
more the result of a sad and gloomy thoughtfulness, than mere
pride.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Ah, well, I suppose, sir, that, like most young ladies of her
age, she's a little bit in love.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> In love?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Yes, sir, Monsieur de Bevannes has been paying her great
attention for some time past, and it would be a grand match, for, after
Monsieur Laroque, he is the richest gentleman in the neighborhood,
and of excellent family. Ah, sir, what a pity it is <i>you</i> are not rich.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Why so, Alain?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Because—no matter. Have you any orders for me, sir?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Merely to have a good look for that letter when you go to my
room.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> I certainly will, sir.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Married—married—and to <i>him</i>. Well, and why not? Fool
that I am! Despite of all that should preserve and fence my heart as
with a wall of steel, from every impulse which could induce forgetfulness
of my bitter lot, and the one sacred object of my life, still will
that coward heart indulge in dreams—wild dreams of one day laying
its most precious offerings at the feet which would but spurn them.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">M'lle Helouin</span>, <i>with basket</i>.</p>
<p>But I will conquer yet, and if the struggle be hard, the victory will
be the more worthy.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] He is alone. Hitherto, I have kept his secret
well; whether I will continue silent, depends upon himself. Courage,
and the poor hireling may yet be a Marchioness. [<i>Comes down to
him.</i>] Oh! Monsieur Manuel, how beautiful that is! You see, while
you have been painting the woods, I have been gathering flowers.
You know we have a ball to-night.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Indeed? I was not aware of it.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> You positively don't seem to know or care about anything
that goes on. You are worse than indifferent, you are unsociable<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 22]</span>—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Pardon me, not unsociable. But I know my station, and
think it better not to risk being reminded of it.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> [<i>After a pause.</i>] Monsieur Manuel—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Mademoiselle—</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Have I ever offended you?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> No, indeed.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> I have been vain enough to think, at times, that you had
some friendly feeling for me.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> And so I have. It is but natural. Our fortunes and positions
are the same, or nearly so. Both dependent on the caprices of
those who employ us, both alone, friendless. This should create
sympathy at least, if not friendship.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> You would not fear, then, to tell me of my faults?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Not if you desired it.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Indeed I do desire it.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> But I only know of one.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Pray name it. Nay, I shall receive it as a kindness.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Well, then I think you admit and encourage somewhat too
great a familiarity with the family in whose employment we are.
Your motives may be, indeed, I'm sure they <i>are</i>, perfectly innocent;
still they will not be so considered, for in this world, the unfortunate
are always suspected.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> True, true. Spoken with a delicacy and candor all you own—I thank you sincerely—and you will always continue as now—my
true friend?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I shall feel honored in the title.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> A true—a <i>dear</i> friend?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] What is she driving at?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> A friend that loves me?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Hallo! we're getting tender!</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> A friend that loves me, ardently—do you hear?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Distinctly.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> And do you comprehend?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Half aside.</i>] I'm afraid I do.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Do you remember the old nursery rhyme—</p>
<div class="blockquot"><p>
"Pluck from the flower its leafy store—<br />
Love me little, love me more;<br />
Hearts change owners, yet combine,<br />
If mine is yours, and yours is mine."<br />
</p></div>
<p>Come, now, let us see if you know which line should be yours. Shall
I commence?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> If you please.</p>
<p>
<i>Mlle H.</i></p>
<div class="blockquot"><p>
"Pluck from the flower it's leafy store—[<i>A pause.</i>]<br />
Love me little, love me more; [<i>A pause.</i>]<br />
Hearts change owners, yet combine,<br />
If——<br />
</p></div>
<p><i>Man.</i> I respectfully decline."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 23]</span></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> [<i>Throwing away the flower, which she has been picking
to pieces</i>] Then, sir—</p>
<p class="center"><i>Sees</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>, <i>who enters</i>.</p>
<p>Indeed, I could look at it all day, it is so beautiful—but I positively
must go. Monsieur, an revoir. [<i>Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>as she goes</i>.] You
have misunderstood me.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Have I? Then I must be a greater fool than I thought.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Pretty close quarters. What the deuce is that governess
after? And now for a little scientific pumping. [<i>Comes down.</i>]
Ah, Monsieur Manuel, at your drawing, eh? Beautiful, beautiful,
indeed.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> You flatter.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Not at all—but to change the subject—by the by, do, I interrupt
your work?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Not in the least.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Well, I was going to compliment you on the vast affection and
confidence you have inspired in poor old Laroque.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I believe he really has a kindly regard for me.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Regard! my dear sir—you are absolutely wound around his
heart. His affection for his grand-daughter is very great, but no one
has the influence over him that you have. Now, in the strictest confidence,
I'm going to be very frank with you—and mark me well, you
will not find it to your disadvantage hereafter, if you are equally frank
with <i>me</i>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Really, I don't quite—</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> No; but you will presently. Without flattery, I think you—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Referring to his picture.</i>] Too green.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Eh? Oh, exactly. I was about to say I think you, in every
way, a gentleman, therefore I don't hesitate to confide in you the fact
that yesterday, after dinner, I was just—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>To picture.</i>] A little blue.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Eh? Oh precisely. I was just on the point of proposing to
Madame Laroque for her daughter's hand, when it suddenly struck
me that I should possess a double claim, if I could, in the first place,
influence you enough in the young lady's favor to make it certain
that the bulk of Monsieur Laroque's property would be left to her.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Monsieur de Bevannes, you really very much over-rate—</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Pray forgive me, but you hardly know yourself, the importance
of your good offices in this matter. I was going on to say that
my marriage with Marguerite is all but a settled affair, and, of course,
it is my duty to promote her interests in every possible way. I think
you must concede that?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Surely, but—</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i>Permit me. Now I wish to call to your mind that Madame
Laroque, though a worthy excellent woman, is one of very simple
tastes and habits, and, should too large a portion of the property be
left to her, it would tax and embarrass her to an extent that would<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 24]</span>
be painful to my feelings. I hope you appreciate my disinterestedness
in the matter.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Oh, thoroughly! But I am still at a loss to imagine where
my interference would be either necessary or effectual.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> My dear friend—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Now <i>he's</i> getting tender!</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> One word from you as to the proper disposition of the money
would—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Monsieur de Bevannes, let me end this at once, by telling
you that, in my opinion, any interference from me in the family affairs
of M. Laroque, would be a gross and unseemly abuse of his confidence.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> And this is the return you make for mine?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I did not solicit it, sir.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Sir, permit me to take your hand.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Really—</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> You have stood the test, you are a noble fellow. You are—</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span>.</p>
<p>[<i>Aside.</i>] There's Mrs. Waterspout, by jove! [<i>Aloud.</i>] You seem puzzled
at my manner—I will take another opportunity of explaining.
Suffice it now to say you have <i>misunderstood</i> me.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> My understanding seems to be terribly at fault to-day.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] De Bevannes has left him. A good opportunity
for me. [<i>Comes down.</i>] Beautiful! Exquisite indeed!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Madame—</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Truly, each new picture you finish, is more lovely than
the last. Oh!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> What is the matter?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> The painting of that sheep's head—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Yes, Madame—</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Reminds me of my own portrait, taken in happier years,
long passed away.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> But there are as happy ones in store for you, I hope.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> That will depend greatly upon you, Monsieur Manuel.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> On <i>me</i>?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Yes. Do you know, Monsieur Manuel, that I find my
poor cousin Laroque very much changed,—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Indeed he is.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> And for the worse. In fact, he appears to me to be sinking
fast.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I'm afraid such is the case.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> How fond he is of you—you, it is well known, possess
his entire confidence.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I have been fortunate enough to make my poor services acceptable
to him.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Now, just between ourselves, in the strictest confidence;
do you happen to be aware how the property will be left?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I do not, Madame.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 25]</span></p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> I am in a state of painful apprehension, lest the dear old
gentleman should over-estimate the desires and requirements of Madame
Laroque, and should, therefore, curtail any little legacy coming
to <i>me</i>, to make <i>her</i> portion larger, which would be absolutely throwing
money away. I hope you understand my entire want of selfishness
in this matter?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I think I do.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> I was sure you would. Now, if you will use your power
and settle this affair to my advantage, all I can say is, so noble an
action would not go unrewarded.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I should hope not.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> You will find me <i>substantially</i> grateful; you understand
me?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Entirely.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> And I you?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Not quite; but in order that you may—I must tell you, Madame—that
when you offer me money to rob your benefactor, and
mine, you entirely and totally mistake the person you are addressing.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Oh! oh!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> It grieves me to be so abrupt, but—</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> It is not that, it is not that—but, to be thought capable of
such—to be accused—oh, sir! you have cruelly <i>misunderstood</i> me.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit, weeping.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Another misunderstanding! That makes three friends I
have secured this morning. One or two more of the same sort, and
my business here will be soon finished.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Mlle Helouin</span>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Here comes the first misunderstanding again.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> M. Manuel, I thought you might like to know that the
Doctor has just arrived—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Thank you—I'll go to him at once.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> So eager to avoid me. Have a care, my lord Marquis—spite
of my insignificance, you may learn to rue the day you made
me conscious of it.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>.</p>
<p>And here is one on whom, if I don't very much mistake, I may rely
for aid.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Upon my honor, Mademoiselle, you make quite a pretty
picture—a wood nymph's reverie; sweet subject, now, for the pencil
of our friend, the steward.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Our friend, the steward, as you term him, has loftier subjects
for his pictures, either aerial or substantial.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Really!</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> And in the former quality his aspirations are sublime.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Mademoiselle, you are an entertaining person, but I never
guessed a conundrum in my life.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 26]</span></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> In plain terms, then, this romantic gentleman aspires to
create an interest in the heart of Marguerite.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> O come! I can stand a great deal, but that's rather <i>too</i> good.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> But if I can prove it?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> The thing is too absurd.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> I have just parted from Madame Aubrey.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> I congratulate you.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> You jest, M. de Bevannes, but you may one day wake to
find the steward rather a dangerous person. Madame Aubrey has
picked up a letter of his, which was blown out of the window of his
room, into the park. Would you like to see it?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Mademoiselle, I don't pretend to more virtue than my neighbors,
but if I can only get at facts by reading another man's letters,
I'm afraid I shall remain in ignorance.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Marguerite is coming. Would you like to hear the communication
I have to make?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> The contents of the letter?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> No, but still a somewhat startling discovery.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> On the whole, I think I'll take my departure; for when there's
mischief to be concocted, and two women to brew it, it would be
the grossest vanity in any man to think he could improve the
cookery.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Now if I can instill but one small drop of the poison called
suspicion, her proud, impetuous spirit, will complete the work itself.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Really, a very touching scene. The affection existing between
the good doctor and our steward is remarkable. If he had
been M. Manuel's father, he could hardly have been more cordially
received.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> And I assure you that M. Manuel's father could not serve
him at this moment as the doctor can.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> My dear governess, you seem to know more of this young
man than you choose to reveal. I remember well your mysterious
words to me the day he first rode and conquered that horse.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Perhaps I have been to blame for having remained silent
so long. But right or wrong, I have, until now, looked upon it as a
duty to keep this person's secret inviolate.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> His secret!</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Nor would I reveal it now, but that his base intentions
are no longer doubtful, and silence would be criminal. However, I
must exact your promise that the knowledge of it shall remain, for
the present, between ourselves.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> You have my word. Proceed.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Four years ago, when you were in Paris—you are aware
that I was in the habit of visiting some of my old friends at my former
school?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> I remember.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 27]</span></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Well, I often saw there this very M. Manuel. He visited
the school to see his little sister. His father was the well known
Marquis de Champcey.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Ah!</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> It was the talk of the school that the family were even
then much reduced. Now, they are totally ruined. The father is
dead, and the son has, through the good offices of a friend, been
placed in a position to regain the fortune he has lost. By what means
I leave to your penetration to discover.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> And is it so! [<i>A pause.</i>] But, after all, the conduct of this
young man in no way justifies suspicion. I see him but seldom. In
truth, he actually avoids me.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Of course he does. Reserve creates inquiry, inquiry, interest.
Oh, he has been well tutored.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Enough. I thank you sincerely for the warning. But relieve
your mind of all anxiety; I shall know how to deal with this conscientious
gentleman, be assured.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Indeed I feel the happier that I have at last confided this
fact to you. Ah, my child, to what snares, what treachery, what deceit,
does the possession of wealth expose the innocent. The thought
of them makes the poor governess almost contented with her humble
lot. Come, shall we walk towards the house? As we go, I shall be
able to bring to your recollection many circumstances, trifling in
themselves, but which, when considered in connection with what I
have now told you, will serve to bring full conviction to your mind.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exeunt</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>, <i>leaving her basket of flowers on the bank</i>.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> And now, having enjoyed the honor of a tete-a-tete with each
of those most interested in inquiring into matters upon which I'm
strictly determined to be silent, I presume I shall be permitted to
continue my work undisturbed.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>He has reseated himself at his drawing.</i></p>
<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>re-enters to find her basket</i>. <i>He rises. She merely
looks haughtily at him and, in carrying off the basket, lets a rose
fall on the ground.</i></p></div>
<p><i>Man.</i> Really, her manner is more than haughty. 'Tis almost rude.
[<i>He picks up the flower.</i>] I suppose now, she'd grudge me this poor
flower, yet who, though loving wildly and hopelessly as I do, would
not think it a fair prize? No, I will return it. I will not be guilty
of one action which shall give my heart the power to whisper "Thus
should'st thou not have done."</p>
<p class="center"><i>Re-enter</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] As I supposed. Have the kindness, sir, to return
me that flower. I am not in the habit of presenting boquets to—gentlemen.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Under which conviction, Mademoiselle, I was on the point of
bringing it to you.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 28]</span></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Oh! for some way to make him feel how I despise
him. Do you know, M. Manuel, seeing so little of you, lately,
I was under the impression that death had deprived us of another
steward—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Highly flattered that you should condescend to be under any
impressions concerning so insignificant a person.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> I thought that so gifted a gentleman could hardly do anything
without a motive, and now I am informed that your absence
is attributable to the fact that you spend all your evenings with our
noble relative, Mademoiselle Delonnais.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I certainly do, and I deny myself that pleasure the less because
the lady happens to be old enough to be my grandmother. Her
ancestors reigned here formerly, and she—the last of a noble race—poor
and infirm, bears so well the dignity of her name, her age, and
her misfortunes, that I feel almost a filial affection for her. Besides,
it was your mother who first introduced me to her.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Oh! no one means to reproach you; on the contrary, I dare
say Madame Laroque is obliged to you for your attention to the good
old lady.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> You may remember, too, it was your wish—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Oh, if you want praise or admiration from me, you must be
content to wait. Though young, I have some experience of life. I
know that there are two motives to most human actions. I know that
M'lle Delonnais has a small independence. I know she has no heir,
therefore a little extra attention and—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Mademoiselle, permit me to express for you my sincere pity.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Sir!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Permit me to express for you my sincere pity.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Your pity?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Yes, madame—if unjust suspicion be the bitter fruit of experience
in one so young. Nothing can merit more compassion than
a heart withered by misbelief, almost before it has begun to exist.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Are you aware of what you say, sir? Are you aware to whom
you speak?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Entirely conscious, Mademoiselle, of both.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Bitterly.</i>] Perhaps you expect me to ask your pardon?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Assuredly I do. Wealth can afford to humble itself—poverty
cannot.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>As she is going, turns with a haughty humility.</i>] Then, sir,
I ask your pardon.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Oh! my sister, my darling Rose! It needs all my love for
thee to make endurance of these insults less than cowardice! Coldness
and antipathy have increased to absolute hate and persecution.
She is determined to drive me hence. She will succeed at last, and
then—</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Doctor Desmarets</span>.</p>
<p>Ah! my dear Doctor!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> I've eaten some lunch, had the dust brushed off, and now I'm
going to brush some more on.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 29]</span></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> How so?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Just got a letter—patient very sick—twenty miles ride there
and back. Pleasant life, a doctor's.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Where is it?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> About four miles beyond the ruins of Elfin.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> The ruins of Elfen.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Yes; but what's the matter with you? you look feverish and
queer. Anything wrong between you and the family?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Why, no. But—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> But—what? They tell me you're quite a great man here—old
Laroque can't live without you—angry because you don't spend
all your evenings at the Chateau—and the ladies, without exception,
are crazy about you.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Pardon me—there's one <i>important</i> exception—Mlle Marguerite.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> What the devil! You don't mean to tell me you can't agree
with <i>her</i>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I do assure you—she loses no opportunity to humiliate, and
even openly insult me. Indeed, it has lately become insufferable—so
that I am going to tax your friendship once more, to seek for me
some other employment.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Now don't be hasty, my dear boy. By Jove! here she
comes—no she don't—she perceives you—and there she goes. She
don't escape <i>me</i> though.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Nay, my dear doctor, I beg of you—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Stuff! nonsense! I'll just give her a piece of my mind.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I very much fear the Doctor's zeal in my cause will lead him
into trouble with this proud girl—but I am resolved. Here, I will
not, <i>can</i> not remain. Rose, my darling, thy marriage dowry must be
sought and won elsewhere. I will at once visit my poor old friend,
and say farewell. Marguerite I will see no more—no faltering now—a
good resolve once taken, action should be speedy. To-night the
horse I have almost learned to love, because she would one day ride
him, shall bear me for the last time.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="center"><i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Doctor</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>are heard outside—then enter</i>.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Can't help it, if I <i>do</i> offend you. The young man is my
friend—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Doctor—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> My friend, Mademoiselle—and I never desert a friend, even
though he has incurred the displeasure of your proud ladyship.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Do you not regard <i>me</i> as a friend?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> I should rather think so; known you since you were a baby;
disposition altered since then—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> For the better?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Don't know that. When you are angry now it's a storm—<i>then</i>
it was only a squall.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 30]</span></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> This is no jesting matter. Doctor Desmarets, I have always
considered you a man of honor.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Much obliged to you. I've been under the same impression
myself.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> What then is the meaning of this plot!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Plot!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> This young man, this steward you have so kindly supplied us
with, he has been recognized. He is known!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Well, suppose he is; what of it?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Why does he bear a false name?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> He don't.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Doctor—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Manuel is his Christian name. I suppose he may make what
use of it he pleases. Whether he puts it first or last, is nobody's
business but his own.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> His motive?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> His motive, Mademoiselle, is worthy of himself, and proceeds
from a sense of honest pride, which many would do well to imitate.
He is a gentleman, and a man of honor, reduced to sudden poverty,
and compelled to labor for a livelihood. Now, I'm not acute enough
to perceive any <i>plot</i> in all this. But I <i>do</i> perceive that you are doing
your best to drive him from this place.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Doctor, your word is enough. I believe you, and I thank
you. Oh, it is so sad to look only on the gloomy side of things. I
thank you <i>so</i> much, and never liked you half so well as I do to-day.</p>
<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>While speaking this speech, she searches for the rose she has taken
from</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>and, on finding it, places it in her bosom</i>.</p></div>
<p><i>Des.</i> No?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> No!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> What a pity—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Eh?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> That I can't stay to luxuriate in your friendship. I have only
time to say good-bye to your mother, then I must be off.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Well, now, I'll tell you what I'll do. To prove I'm in earnest,
I'm going to take my horse, and bear you company part of the way.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> My child, it will be dark before I get there.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> But there'll be a lovely moon, and I want to see the ruined
tower of Elfen by moonlight. So say no more, for I'm resolved.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Well, my experience, professional and personal, has taught me
that when a woman is determined—</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span>—<span class="smcap">De Bevannes</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> You are right, my dear Bevannes, I confess it.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Oh, there's no doubt he is, absolute perfection, the <i>rara avis</i>,
so long sought for, found at last.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Laugh as you please, I positively adore him.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> You'll ask me to the wedding, I hope?<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 31]</span></p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Go along with you. Well, my child, have you persuaded
that obstinate man to stay till morning?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> That obstinate man regrets he must go within the hour.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> [<i>without.</i>] Go away, you troublesome little thing!</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Christine</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> What's the matter?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> This little girl will insist on searching the park for some
gentleman she wishes to see, belonging to the Chateau.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> That will do—leave her here.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Now small specimen of rustic humanity, what do you want?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> What is your name, little one?</p>
<p><i>Christine.</i> Christine, Madame. My grandfather—</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Never mind your pedigree—which of us do you want?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Be quiet. Well my dear?</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> My grandfather is very old and blind, if you please, and—and—oh!
I want to see the <i>nice</i>, <i>good</i> gentleman.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Bevannes, she don't want <i>you</i>.</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> The <i>handsome</i> gentleman.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Doctor, she don't want <i>you</i>.</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> Please, Madame, may I tell you what happened yesterday?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Yes, child, go on.</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> My grandfather has a dog that leads him about—poor old
Spot—such a pet—</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> A pet! are you talking of a pet?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Yes; but don't weep, Madame—it isn't a donkey. Go on,
little girl.</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> Well, yesterday, we three—grandfather, Spot and I, were
sitting near the stream, in the village, by the mill-dam, when some
wicked boys—oh! such dreadful wicked boys, came by. They
seized poor Spot and threw him into the water. He was nearly being
crushed by the mill-wheel, when a dear, kind gentleman, who was
riding by on a beautiful black horse—</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p>
<p>Oh! there he is. Oh, sir! I'm so glad I've found you.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Oh, confound it! what brings you here, you little
pest?</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> Don't be angry, sir—you rode away so fast, yesterday, I had
no time to thank you, and I wish to do so now.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Beautiful subject for a nautical drama: "The Desperate
Diver; or, The Drowning Dog of the Dam."</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Ridiculous enough, I admit. However, I did jump into the
water after poor Spot.</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> You did, you did, indeed! Ah! sir, [<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>,] you
laugh—but perhaps if you were old and blind, you wouldn't think it
such a joke.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 32]</span></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> I assure you, my dear, it would have given me infinite pleasure
to have saved your dog.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> You save a dog? Why you can't swim.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>All laugh.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Here are ten francs, child, go away.</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> And now, sir, [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.] I'll go directly, if you'll give
me just one kiss.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Angrily.</i>] Upon my word—</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Now I insist upon it you do. Poor little thing, I'm sure
she deserves it.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Laughing.</i>] Well, then, [<i>Kisses her.</i>] now, go home, there's
a dear.</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> Oh! I will, I will, good-bye.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Well, haven't you got one for me?</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> Oh, dear, yes, Madame.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Kisses</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. L.</span></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> You're forgetting your money.</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> Oh, dear, no, sir.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Takes it and curtsies.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Now a kiss for me?</p>
<p><i>Chris.</i> Oh, dear, no, sir!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Curtsies and exits. All laugh except</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Oh!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Weeping for my disappointment, Madame?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> No—sir—no.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> A most interesting little girl.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> That's it, that's it. She reminds me of a circumstance
that occurred in my youth, before my marriage. You must know I
had a little—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Hallo!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Takes</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>hastily up stage</i>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Ahem!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Takes</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Eh! What! [<i>Calling after them as they go off.</i>] You
don't understand me! A little <i>niece</i>—Oh! this is too dreadful!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Sinks into chair.</i></p>
<h4>END OF TABLEAU III.</h4>
<hr style="width: 65%;" />
<h2>TABLEAU IV.</h2>
<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Interior of a room in the Tower of Elfen. A large breach in the
wall at back, through which the distant country is dimly seen.
Night coming on.</i></p>
<p><span class="smcap">Yvonnet</span> <i>discovered upon the balcony, listening. Singing in the distance.
When the singing is done, Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p></div>
<p><i>Man.</i> What are you at there, my good fellow?</p>
<p><i>Yvonnet.</i> [<i>Startled.</i>] I was listening to the singing, sir.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Who are the singers?<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 33]</span></p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> The reapers, sir, returning home.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> You, I suppose, are the keeper of these ruins?</p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> Yes, sir. I am the shepherd that minds the sheep, and
shows the tower to strangers.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Shows key.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Giving money.</i>] There.</p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> Thank you, sir.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Are you never afraid here all alone?</p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> Afraid! No, indeed. That is, not in the day-time, but at
night—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Ah, ah, then you have fairies, or spirits, or ghosts here, eh!</p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> [<i>Disdainfully.</i>] Sir, do you take me for a superstitious fool!
It's all very well for people who don't know any better, but I—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Then you do not believe in anything of the kind?</p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> I should think not, indeed. But if you come to talk about
the white lady, that's quite another matter.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Oh! so there's a white lady, is there?</p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> Yes, sir, there is indeed, and she walks about on the top of
that tower over there, and where there are no stairs either. But she
is never seen in the day, only in the night, when it is quite dark.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Laughing.</i>] Yes, she is seen when it is too dark to see.</p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> [<i>Looking out.</i>] Ah! Confound those sheep, at their old tricks
again. [<i>Shouts.</i>] Hi! Hi! I don't believe there's such a troublesome
set of brutes in the whole country, always climbing where they
have no business. Hi! Hi!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Throws a stone.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Why don't you jump down there?</p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> Try it yourself, if you want to break your neck, my fine
gentleman. Are you going to stay long? It is getting late.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Don't be uneasy, I shall go presently.</p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> The sooner the better. I ain't a coward, but I feel more
comfortable away from here.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> This is a fine old ruin. How is it that I have never found it
out before? I must bring my sketch-book here some day. Alas! I
forgot that for me there is no future here, to-morrow—'Tis but a sad
farewell that I must bid the scenes I had begun to love so well.
Wretched heart! Is it, then, because reason, honor, everything, forbids
my loving her that—Ah! were I not the guardian of an existence
more precious than my own, I should long ago have fled this
torture!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Goes up.</i></p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> This is most fortunate, when the moon rises the view will
be charming. [<i>Suddenly sees</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.] Sir, I beg your pardon. I
was not aware, indeed—</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Going.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Excuse me, Mademoiselle, I am not at home here—permit
<i>me</i> to retire.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Going.</i></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Crossing.</i>] Stay, sir. As we happen to be alone, will you
answer me fully and frankly, one question. They tell me my manner
towards you is abrupt, unkind, even at times, offensive.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I have never complained.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 34]</span></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> But you would leave us?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Mademoiselle.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> And they say that I am the cause. Your departure, sir,
would occasion my mother sincere sorrow, which I am anxious to
spare her, if it be in my power; but I am at a loss to know what
explanation to make you—what am I to say? that the language
which has offended you, is not always sincere—that perhaps,
after all, I myself can appreciate joys and pleasures more exalted
than those which the mere possession of wealth can give. Well, it is
possible—but am I so much to blame, that I use my powers to stifle
thoughts which are forbidden me.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Forbidden?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Yes, forbidden. It may, perhaps, appear like affectation, to
complain of a destiny which so many envy—but, like my mother, I
believe that were I less rich, I should be the more happy. You have
reproached me with my continual distrust. But in whom <i>can</i> I trust?
I, who from my infancy have been surrounded—do I not know it too
well—but by false friends, grasping relatives, and suspicious suitors!
Do you suppose that I am weak and foolish enough to attribute to my
own attractions, the care, the solicitude, with which so many of these
parasites surround me; and even if a pure and noble heart, (should such
a thing exist in this world,) were capable of seeking and loving me for
what I <i>am</i>—not for what I <i>have</i>—I should never know it—[<i>with
meaning</i>]—for I should never dare the risk! And this is why I
shun, repulse, almost hate, all that is beautiful and good—all that
speaks to me of that heaven, which is, alas! forbidden me. [<i>The reapers
are again heard singing in the distance—with emotion and in
an undertone.</i>] What is that?</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Listens—lets her head fall upon her hands, and weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Tears!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>With transport.</i>] Well, yes, I can weep. Enough—I did not
intend, sir, to burthen you with so much of my confidence; but now
you know me better. You see I have a heart, and if ever I have
wounded yours, I hope you will forgive me. [<i>Gives her hand, which
he kisses, respectfully.</i>] See; the pledge of our friendship shall be this
flower, which I rudely demanded from you this morning. [<i>Gives rose.</i>]
Now let us go, [<i>returning</i>,] and never let this subject be revived between
us.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Never!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> But before I go, I must see the view from yonder height.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I beg you will not venture—do not run such a risk.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Oh! I am not afraid.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> At least take my hand, then.</p>
<p class="center">[<i>She mounts the platform outside of the window. It begins to grow
dark.</i></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> The height is fearful, but the view is very beautiful. I could
gaze on it forever.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 35]</span></p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Yvonnet</span>. <i>He looks round without seeing them.</i></p>
<p><i>Yvon.</i> Ah! he's gone at last. I shan't be long in following him;
I don't like this place.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit, locking door after him.</i></p>
<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>Night comes on, the moon lighting the scene beyond.</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>
<i>comes down from tower, aided by</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p></div>
<p><i>Mar.</i> There comes the night, in good earnest; fortunately, the
moon will help us to regain our horses. Come, sir, let us hasten.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Low music from orchestra.</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>tries to open door</i>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> That stupid fellow has fastened it while we were upon the
tower.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Anxiously.</i>] Call to him, he cannot be far off.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Upon platform.</i>] Hallo! Come back, will you? Now he
sees me, but he only runs the faster—takes me for the white lady, I
suppose. Confound the fool!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Looking about.</i>] No other means of egress! What is to be
done?—they will die with anxiety at home.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Stay! I can descend by those trees, perhaps—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> 'Tis useless—there is an inclosed court-yard below.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> It is in vain—this door resists all my efforts. I know not
what to do.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>While</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>has gone upon platform</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Great Heaven! I see it all. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>with restrained
passion</i>.] Marquis de Champcey!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Turns quickly.</i>] My name!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Slowly.</i>] You boast a long ancestral descent. Pray tell me,
sir, are you the first <i>coward</i> of your name?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Madame!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Violently.</i>] It is you—<i>you</i> who have bribed this boy to
imprison us here!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Merciful Heavens!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Ah, I comprehend your purpose. I understand it all. To-morrow
this <i>accident</i> will be noised abroad; the ever-ready tongue
of scandal will be busy with my name, a name which, if less ancient
than your own, is full as stainless, and you trust to my despair to
make me yours! But this vile trick, which crowns all your base
maneuvering, I will thwart. I tell you, sir, that I would incur the
world's contempt, the cloister, anything—even death itself—rather
than the disgrace, the ignominy, the shame, of uniting my life to
yours!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Calmly.</i>] I entreat you to be calm. Call reason to your aid.
I understand and respect your distress, but let not your anxiety
prompt you to do me wrong. Consider! How could I have prepared
such a snare, and even were it in my power, how have I ever given
you the right to think me capable of such baseness?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Passing</i> <span class="smcap">L.</span>] All that I know of you gives me that right.
For what purpose do you enter our house, under a false name, in a
false character? We were happy before you came. You have
brought us sorrow, misery, which we dreamed not of. To attain<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 36]</span>
your object, to repair the breach in your fortune, you have usurped
our confidence, sported with our purest and most holy sentiments.
Have I not seen all this? And when you now pledge to me your
honor—that honor which was too poor and weak to save you from
these unworthy actions—have I not reason to doubt? Have I not
the right to scorn and disbelieve?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Marguerite, listen to me! I love you, it is true, and never
did love more ardent, more disinterested, more holy, live in the heart
of man. But here, with the eyes of Heaven upon us, I swear that, if
I outlive this night, all beloved as you are, were you upon your knees
at my feet, never would I accept a fortune at your hand. Never! My
heart is yours, yours to break, to crush, to trample in the dust, if it
so please you, but my honor, Madame, is my own and that I will
preserve. And now pray—pray for a miracle. It is time.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Runs to the tower.</i></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> What would you do? God of mercy! You shall not—you
shall not!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Think, Marguerite, your name!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> You shall not! Forgive me! <i>If you love me</i>, forget what I
have said, for pity's sake, for mine!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Disengaging himself.</i>] Loose your hold.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>He repulses her, and leaps upon tower. Singing heard afar off.</i></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Falling on her knees.</i>] Manuel! Manuel! Madman! hear
me. It is death!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> It is honor!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Throws himself down.</i></p>
<p class="ralign">[<span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>with a shriek, falls insensible</i>.</p>
<h4>END OF TABLEAU IV.</h4>
<hr style="width: 65%;" />
<h2>TABLEAU V.</h2>
<p class="center"><i>Handsomely furnished Room in Chateau Laroque</i>—<i>Doors</i> <span class="smcap">R.</span> and <span class="smcap">L.</span>,
<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">U.</span>—<i>Candles lit.</i></p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">De Bevannes</span>, <span class="smcap">Mad. Laroque</span>, <span class="smcap">Mad. Aubrey</span>, <span class="smcap">Alain</span>, <span class="smcap">Mlle Helouin</span>
<i>discovered</i>—<span class="smcap">Mad. Laroque</span> <i>is walking about in much agitation</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.] You say she went out on horseback?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Yes, Madame.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Did she say at what hour she would be back.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> No, Madame.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 37]</span></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Did she not tell you she would be early in the ball-room this
evening?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> She did; and that only makes me the more apprehensive.
This anxiety is torture.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Be assured, Madame, she is safe. You know she is often out
late on fine evenings.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> But never after dark. Can nobody even tell which way
she went?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> There is one person, I think, might give us some information.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Oh! who? Why did you not say so before?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> I have no doubt M. Manuel could enlighten us, if he chose.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Monsieur Manuel! what should <i>he</i> know about it?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Exactly. I do not clearly perceive why the steward must be
better informed of the young lady's movements, than her mother.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Nor I. Yet I think it would be worth while to ask him.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Alain, ask Monsieur Manuel, if he will be so good as to
come to me, at once.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Monsieur Manuel has also gone out on horseback, Madame,
and has not yet returned.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Ahem!</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Ah, ha!</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> And pray, at what time did he go out?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Just before Mademoiselle Marguerite, sir.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>A pause.</i></p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> You are all marvellously silent! What do you imagine?
what do you infer? Speak, if you would not drive me mad! Still
silent! [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mlle Helouin</span>.] Mademoiselle, your looks convey some
hidden meaning. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. Aubrey</span>.] Cousin.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Oh!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> What's the use of that, Madame? speak out. I always
knew you were a fool—don't make me think you are a complete
idiot! Bevannes, <i>what</i> does all this mean?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Alain.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Sir?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Did Mademoiselle go out alone?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> No, sir; with the Doctor.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Ah! then all is well.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Humph!</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Bevannes, what <i>do</i> you mean? will you explain or not?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Madame, your generous nature and partiality for the steward,
has somewhat blinded your judgment; those who love you have
been more watchful. This Monsieur Manuel is—</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>—<i>His dress disordered</i>—<i>His face pale, with slight
marks of blood upon his forehead.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Here, Madame, you did me the honor to send for me.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> You have just returned, sir?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> This moment—I met Alain on the stair.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 38]</span></p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> But you are hurt, Monsieur—there's blood upon your
forehead.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Nothing of importance, I assure you; the horse fell with
me, and got a few scratches—nothing more—a little cold water will
set all to right.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> This seems to be a night of misfortunes.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> [<i>Sighs.</i>] Ah!</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> <i>Do</i> be quiet.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> What has happened, Madame?</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Marguerite went out on horseback just after you, and has
not yet returned.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Oh, don't be alarmed—I met her.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Oh! when? where?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> About six o'clock, on the road to Elfen—she told me she
was going on to look at the ruins.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Good heavens! the ruins are in the midst of the forest,
and the roads dreadful! She must have lost her way! Alain!</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.</p>
<p>Order the carriage. [<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.] I will send directly—I will go
myself.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> You may rest certain, Madame, that you will find her. In
the meantime, I will get rid of the evidences of my trifling fall. Be
assured your daughter is quite safe.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Come, Bevannes, order your horse, and ride by the carriage.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Thank you, but, with your permission, I'll ride <i>in</i> the carriage.
The road <i>is</i> a bad one, and if one horse stumbles, another
may.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Well, well, any way you please, only come.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Ah, poor girl, poor girl—</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Don't be so distressed, Madame. It's not your little niece.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Monsieur de Bevannes, you are a brute!</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> So is a donkey, Madame, and yet one died rich in your affection.
Ah, if I could only have inherited a portion of his wealth.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> I wonder if he means that. He never said anything so
civil before. I've a great mind to—</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Going.</i></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Stay—that letter of the steward's which you found in the
park—</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Well?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Have you got it with you?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Of course.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Give it to me.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> To <i>you</i>! Why?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> No matter. Suffice it that my hopes, and yours—the
very life of all our plans—depend on the use I shall make of that
letter.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 39]</span></p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Oh, well, take it. [<i>Gives letter.</i>] I'm sure you'll make
much better use of it than I can. [<i>Aside.</i>] Upon my life I'll go and
ask Bevannes what he meant by that.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Why, why did nature endow me with a heart to suffer, an
intellect to comprehend? Had I been born a fool, like that woman,
this dependent state would have brought with it calm endurance, if
not happiness. But, as I <i>am</i>, it is misery. How easy is bounty to
the rich. How natural is virtue to the happy. He heard my words
as he came in—must have divined their purport. Well, well, if I
have taught him to despise me, he shall learn to fear me, too. He
dared to read me a lesson, and I hate him for it, even though I profit
by it. If I must fall, he shall share the ruin he has caused.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Helouin!</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Marguerite!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Hush! To prevent remark, I came by the small stairway,
through the conservatory. My mother has been anxious?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Much alarmed. She has gone to seek you.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> I know it. I have sent Alain to overtake and bring her back.
Before she comes, I have a word to say to you. It is of Monsieur
Manuel. I have strong reason to believe that you have most strangely
misjudged his character and his intentions.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> I know him to be the Marquis de Champcey.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> And <i>I</i> know that if his birth be noble, his heart is no less so.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> It is very recently, then, that you have made the discovery.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> True. Now mark. You have seen the ruins of Elfen?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> I have. I was once there with a party, and was the only
woman who dared ascend the tower.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> You know the danger, then. Well, I care not now if all the
world should hear it. We were alone. By accident, imprisoned in
those ruins. I rashly, blindly, <i>falsely</i> accused him, and he, to save
my honor and his own, plunged from that tower in to the gulf beneath!</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> But he escaped.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> I know it and have thanked God for the miracle. I had not
strength to implore.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Upon my word, this is an extraordinary man.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Mademoiselle—</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> And understands so well how to turn his talents to the
best account. Why, poor child, and you don't see through all this?
Yesterday it was a swimming match, producing an admirably planned
and effectual scene. To-night, it is an exhibition of daring activity.
The gentleman has been brilliantly educated.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> You evidently hate him.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> And why? On my own account? No! What is he to
<i>me</i>? But when I see that he dares to bring his plots and machinations
here, and intends you for their victim, I am free to confess, I
<i>do</i> despise and hate him!<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 40]</span></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> These are grave accusations. What proof have you to support
them?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Ah, you suspect me. For the sake of this stranger, you
doubt the truth of one you have known for years? Well, be it so—I
will give you proof, since you demand it. Do you know his handwriting?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> I do. I have had to look over many papers he has copied
for my mother.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Look at that letter. Now listen: [<i>Reads.</i>] "<i>My dear
Desmarets: I follow your instructions exactly. But will they avail to
win for me the bright reward for all I have to endure. I do not
think the dowry wilt be as large as I had hoped.</i>—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Great Heavens!</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> "<i>But I have sworn to win it, and though there are many
obstacles here to make the task a hard one, yet, to achieve it, I will
serve, like Jacob, for forty years, if need be</i>—What a pity he did not
finish it. This was found under the window of his room by Madame
Aubrey and, by her, handed to me.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Enough. My resolution is taken.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Oh, my dear child! What a state I have been in about
you. How did you get back? What happened?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> The shepherd, who locks up the tower of Elfen, happened to
fasten it before I left. Some reapers returning home, heard my cries
and brought him back to release me, that is all.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Ah, Monsieur, you have recovered from the effects of
your fall, I hope?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Entirely, Madame.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>.] But you, my child, must be fatigued,
nervous—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> On the contrary, dearest mother, I never felt better or more
cheerful than to-night, which I will prove to you whenever the ball
commences.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> The ball! why, surely, you'll never think of—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Dancing? Indeed but I shall though—and you, M. de Bevannes,
will be my first partner, will you not?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> With the greatest delight—but pray, let me advise—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Advise nothing—you shall be my chief cavalier for the
evening.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> But my dress—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Your residence is hardly two miles from this; you can go
home, dress, and be here again—all within an hour.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Speaks to</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] This anxiety portends something. Bevannes, my
boy, the chase is nearly over, for the quarry is in sight.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 41]</span></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Nonsense, my dear mother! I will have my own way for
once.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> For <i>once</i>!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> My carriage shall take M. de Bevannes, and bring him back.
Where are all the servants? Here, some one—oh! the steward! go
and order my carriage.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> [<i>Surprised at her tone of voice.</i>] My dear.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Quietly rising and ringing a bell, which summons</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>,
<i>who enters</i>.] I believe Mlle Marguerite has some orders for you.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Mademoiselle—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> I have none—you may leave the room.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Come, come, this sort of thing won't do.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Monsieur de Bevannes.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> As you please—but permit me to regret that I have not the
right to interfere here.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Your regret is unnecessary, sir—for if I did not see fit to
obey the lady's orders, I hold myself at yours.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Enough, sir; I shall act accordingly.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Gentlemen, I beg, I entreat—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Monsieur de Bevannes.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Mademoiselle?</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Have the goodness to follow me—I must speak with you in
the presence of my mother only. Not a word, if you would ever
speak with me again—follow me now, at once.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit with</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.] I believe, sir, we comprehend each other?</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>bows</i>—<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>—<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>turns and encounters the
look of</i> <span class="smcap">Mlle Helouin</span>, <i>who curtsies and exits</i>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I see plainly now to whom I owe all this. Well, well, what
matters it to whom? The one thin ray of light upon my desolate and
gloomy path has vanished. Pshaw! This is no time for dreams or
vain regrets.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Rings.</i></p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.</p>
<p>Has Dr. Desmarets returned?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> No, Monsieur.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> The moment he arrives I must see him.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> I know—I know all about it. I overheard. Oh, sir, this is
most unfortunate.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> It is, but unavoidable. I did not seek it—</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> And that devil of a Bevannes is a fine swordsman, and the
best pistol-shot in Brittany.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> So much the better. The contest will be the more equal.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Indeed!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I have had much practice with both weapons.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Oh then, pray do me one favor, sir. Don't kill him, but hit
him in the leg. He's so deuced proud of his leg and foot.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 42]</span></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> There, that will do. Let me know the instant the Doctor
arrives.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> I will sir, I will, but don't forget. Pray don't forget the
leg—the leg, sir, if you love me.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> For myself, it matters not, but my sister, my little darling,
helpless sister—should I fall—Oh! Heaven, let my errors be so atoned,
and look down in pity on the orphan child, bereaved of earthly succor,
to be the more dependent upon thine.</p>
<p class="center">[<i>As he raises his head, he perceives</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span> <i>approaching, and his
bearing becomes calm and resolute</i>.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Monsieur Manuel, can I have a few words with you?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I am at your service, sir.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> What I am about to say, considering our position, may seem
irregular, but I obey orders which cannot be disputed. Besides, I
believe no man can doubt my courage—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Not I, be assured, sir.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> To be brief, I am commissioned by the ladies to express their
regret for what has just occurred. M'lle Marguerite, in a moment of
forgetfulness, gave you certain orders, which it was plainly not your
province to fulfil. Your susceptibility was justly wounded. We
admit it, and—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Not one word more, sir, I entreat.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Your hand. [<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>gives his hand</i>.] The ladies also desire
me to express their hope that this momentary misunderstanding will
not deprive them of your good offices, the value of which they fully
appreciate, and I am extremely happy in having acquired within the
last few minutes, the right to join my entreaty to theirs. My most
ardent wish is about to be gratified.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Indeed?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> And I shall feel personally obliged if you will not refuse us
your aid upon the eve of an event which family affairs and the failing
health of old Monsieur Laroque compels us to hasten.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span> <i>with a box containing deeds, &c.</i></p>
<p>Oh, thank you. Place it on the table. [<span class="smcap">Alain</span> <i>does so and exits.</i>]
These are the private papers and memoranda of Mons. Laroque, and
the ladies beg, as a proof of their entire confidence, that you will
examine them and take notes of such matters as will prove important
to the marriage contract.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I shall obey their orders to the best of my ability.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Thank you, my dear fellow. I feel assured you will, and
now, I trust, we shall in future, understand one another better. I
do not think that, hitherto, either of us has formed a correct estimate
of the other. I protest to you that I'm disposed to like <i>you</i> immensely.
For myself, I'm a very nice man, but I must be cultivated. Cultivate<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 43]</span>
me, my dear sir, and I give you my word you'll find me one of the
most agreeable fellows you ever knew; you will, indeed. Cultivate
me, I beg.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Well, well. He is her equal in fortune, and therefore, of
course, above suspicion. Poor girl! She is unaware that, in this world
the greatest beggars are not, always the poorest. She would see how
I can support the torture she inflicts. She shall be gratified, for she
shall see me even at the foot of the altar. But she will not triumph
there, for her pride, lofty as it is, shall pale before my own. Now to
my work. [<i>Sits and turns over papers.</i>] Nothing here that I have
not seen before. "Title Deeds to"—Umph! "Legacies to my children."
"Marriage portion for Marguerite" and—Ah! What's this?
My name! "The Antilles"—yes, I remember, our family had large
estates there, but that, was long ago. Let me see, let me see. [<i>He
reads, and as he does so his face expresses, first, surprise, and then
conviction and triumph.</i>] Great Heaven! And can this be so? Miserable
old man. This, then, is the secret of your wanderings, your
visions, and of my unsought influence. And now, <i>now</i> I have them in
my power. They shall find that there is still some blood left in the
heart that they would crush. This proud, unfeeling girl, has yet to
learn the meaning of that bitter word, <i>humility</i>, and she <i>shall</i> learn it.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>speaks without</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> He will soon return, dear mother. Meantime I will prepare
for the ball.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>She enters, crosses slowly, and exit, after a look at</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> No—no—I can <i>not</i>! Never, never, by my act, shall the
blush of shame crimson that noble face. Laroque cannot live long.
Let his crime and his confession die before him! [<i>Music.</i>] To my
deep love I consecrate the sacrifice.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Burns paper.</i> <i>While he contemplates it burning</i>, <span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span>
<i>looks in unseen by him</i>.</p>
<h4>SCENE II.—<i>A hall in the Chateau.</i></h4>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>, <i>meeting</i>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Alain, who arrived just now?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> The Doctor, sir. He's gone to Monsieur Laroque's room.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Is Mademoiselle Marguerite's carriage ready for me?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Quite ready, Monsieur.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Very well. Tell the ladies I shall be back in an hour, at most.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> You'll have to drive fast, sir, to do it in the time.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> I shall make my toilette less perfect than usual, and take an
elaborate revenge another time.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Desmarets</span>.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Bevannes that you? where are you off to?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Home, for a short time.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 44]</span></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Better stay where you are—the ladies may want your assistance.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> I know—at the ball—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Ball? stuff! If I don't mistake, you'll have something else
to think of. Alain, let that prescription be sent to the village immediately.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Yes, Doctor.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Why, what's the matter?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Old Laroque is very ill to-night. By the by, what's this he
told me about a marriage in the family?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Quite true. The fair Marguerite has become alive to my
merits—she knows me at last.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> And accepts you?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Of course.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Little fool.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Sir!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> I don't mean <i>you</i>.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Ah!</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> I tell you what, my friend, you hardly know what you've
undertaken. I wish you joy—I wouldn't have the management of
girl for a trifle. Ecod! if she takes a fancy to the <i>moon</i>, she'll expect
you to give it her.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Oh, I'm not afraid. However, I'll go and dress, as it is her
wish, and take the chance of the ball coming off.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> And you've determined to marry her?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Most certainly.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Spite of all her caprices?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Decidedly—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> And if she wants the moon—</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> She must fetch it herself.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Queer match—what does it mean? As to her loving that
fellow, I don't believe a word of it. Now to the old man—it won't
do to leave him alone—he's got one of his wandering fits on him, and
he'll be all over the house if I don't look to him. What a nice quiet
life a doctor's is.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<h4>SCENE III.—<i>Same as First</i>—<i>Music.</i></h4>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>discovered asleep</i>—<span class="smcap">Mad. Aubrey</span> <i>opens door and looks in</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Worn out with the day's excitement, he's asleep at last.
[<i>Comes in.</i>] What could that paper have been, I saw him burn? Ah!
there's the envelope he threw away, when he put it in the flame.
[<i>Picks it up.</i>] So, so—what's that? a footstep.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Monsieur Laroque</span> <i>opens door and looks in</i>—<i>He is very pale and
appears much exhausted</i>—<i>He looks back and beckons, as if to followers</i>—<i>Music
ceases.</i></p></div>
<p><i>Lar.</i> This way—this way—quickly—but silently. Silently, men<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 45]</span>
or we shall spoil all. Remember, they are <i>English</i>, and spare not!
no quarter! no quarter, mind—but softly—softly—and fire not until
I give the word! Then—then—every drop of Saxon blood shall float
a world of crime from off my soul! One moment—<i>now! now!</i></p>
<p class="center"><i>He raises his arm, as if to strike, when he sees</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>upon whose
face the lamp throws a powerful light</i>—<i>A pause.</i></p>
<p>Heaven have mercy! 'tis he. At such an hour as this I can <i>not</i> be
mistaken! It is he—[<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>awakes</i>.]—My Lord Marquis!</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>appears</i>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> What is this?</p>
<p><i>Lar.</i> Pity—pity—and forgive me.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>all at once comprehending, advances to</i> <span class="smcap">M. Laroque</span>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Miserable man, I pity, and I forgive.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> What does this mean?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Oh, nothing, Mademoiselle, but I thought it better to humor
his delirium.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<span class="smcap">Laroque</span> <i>staggers</i>. <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>places him in chair</i>.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>, <span class="smcap">Desmarets</span>, <span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mlle Helouin</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Grandfather, dearest, speak to me—it is Marguerite, your
child, to whom you were always so good, who loves you so. You
have some thought, some remembrance which torments you. Is it
not so? Tell me, dearest, tell your own Marguerite.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Music.</i></p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Laroque</span> <i>looks up, makes one or two endeavors to speak, when his
head again falls on his breast</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Mother! mother! Oh Heavens! Can nothing be done?</p>
<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Dr. Desmarets</span> <i>places his hand on</i> <span class="smcap">Laroque's</span> <i>heart, and looks at</i>
<span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>who, in answer to an appeal from</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>and</i>
<span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span>, <i>points upwards</i>.</p></div>
<h4>END TABLEAU V.</h4>
<h3>Lapse of Some Months.</h3>
<hr style="width: 65%;" />
<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 46]</span></p>
<h2>TABLEAU VI.</h2>
<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Saloon in the Chateau Laroque splendidly decorated and furnished.
Arches</i> <span class="smcap">R.</span>, <span class="smcap">L.</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">C.</span> <span class="smcap">Alain</span> <i>and Servants discovered arranging
furniture, lighting lamps, &c.</i></p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Music.</i></p></div>
<p><i>Alain.</i> There now. I think everything is pretty well arranged
here, so run away all of you and see to the preparations outside.
[<i>Exeunt servants.</i>] 'Pon my life I'm nearly done up. All of a sudden
to change a house that has, for the last five months appeared
like a mourning coach, into a dandified, bright-looking mansion prepared
for a marriage fete, requires more inventive genius than ever I
shall get credit for. If I could only extend my transforming powers
to the faces of the family, I should be much gratified, for such a
grim-looking household exists not in Brittany at this moment.
There's M'lle Marguerite. The nearer the time approaches for the
marriage, the paler she grows. Madame Laroque does nothing but
freeze and shiver, Mons. Manuel is absent for days together, and Madame
Aubrey weeps a good tea-cup full about every two hours. Cheerful
work, very.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Helouin</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Alain go and tell Monsieur Manuel I wish for a few moments'
conversation with him.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Monsieur Manuel, M'lle? Why, bless you, he's been at
Largeot for the last three days.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> He has returned. I saw him ride into the court-yard
some fifteen minutes since.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Where shall I tell him to come to you, Mademoiselle?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Are all your preparations made here?</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Yes, Mademoiselle. I have sent the servants to other work.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Request, Mons. Manuel, then, to see me here, and to come
instantly, as it is important I should speak to him at once.</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Very well, Mademoiselle.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p class="center"><i>Mlle Helouin goes to Arches and ascertains that no one is near to
listen.</i></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> And now, Manuel Marquis de Champcey, we will try
the issue. How often and how vainly do I question my own heart.
Were Manuel other than he is, should I pursue him thus? What motive
sways my action? Is it love? Ambition? Both? I know not,
and will not reflect. There lies the path. Some resistless impulse
urges me along, nor will I, <i>can</i> I swerve, till all is won or lost.</p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Mademoiselle, good evening. Alain informs me that you
wish to speak with me.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 47]</span></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> For a few moments. Your stay at Langeot has been
shorter than usual.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> I returned a day earlier than I had intended. Respect for
the family suggests that I should not be absent on an occasion like
the present.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> An occasion that gives you an opportunity of showing
that you possess <i>moral</i>, as well as physical courage, of no common
order.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> You are pleased to be enigmatical.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> I shall indulge in no enigma that you cannot speedily
solve. And now. Manuel, take good heed of what I say, but I warn
you do not judge me by a common standard. My nature and my
sad dependant lot, place me beyond the pale of those born for a happier
fate. From the first hour we met, my heart was drawn insensibly
towards you. Still that heart was safe. A mere spark existed,
which reason and reflection might have killed; you yourself, in defining
the bond of sympathy between us, raised from that spark a flame.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Madame, in justice to myself, I must interrupt you. Never
by word or deed have I—</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Go on sir, pray do not spare me. Never have you <i>encouraged</i>,
you would say. Well, I grant it. Be it so. Your reserve and
coldness could not alter me. What fire but burns the fiercer in the
frosty air? And yet if you have pride, so too have I, and I will confess
that something more exists to keep the flame alive than love.
Ambition, and the hope to triumph over one who is a rival. These, I
am free to own, would be incentives enough for me, if love existed not.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Mademoiselle, at the risk of appearing vain, I must tell you
you are most fortunate.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Indeed sir, how so?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> In saying all this to a <i>gentleman</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Oh, sir, of that I'm well aware, by birth—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> And <i>principle</i>. I do not affect to despise the one, but I take
more pride in the other. The first, is for the present, buried. Therefore,
if you have any appeal to make, let it be to the last.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> I <i>have</i> an appeal to make, but, even though compelled to
differ with so sage an adviser, I shall make it to an ally more powerful
than either.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> And what is that?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Self interest.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> You think so?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> I'm sure of it.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Will you permit me to suggest that an important ceremony
is to take place in this room to-night, and the hour approaches.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Well, then, if I appear abrupt, attribute it to your delicate
reminder, and not to my own desire. You love Marguerite Laroque—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Mademoiselle, this is beyond—</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> You love Marguerite Laroque. That love is hopeless.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 48]</span>
Everything is prepared for the ceremony you speak of, and if a shade
of doubt as to her destiny existed, it can live no longer now. I possess
a secret which, if given to the world, will compromise your honesty
as a man, your honor as a gentleman, and sink the proud name
you bear to a depth that even the despised governess could look down
upon with pity. Manuel Marquis de Champcey, give <i>me</i> the title <i>she</i>
can never bear, and I am silent. A wife none the less devoted because,
at first, unsought—a friend none the less sincere, though newly
found.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Mademoiselle, you are a singular instance of a well known
fact.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> And what may that be, sir?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> That the cleverest people sometimes do the silliest things.
Had you been a simple, uneducated rustic, you would have reflected
seriously before you lowered yourself in the opinion of the man you
professed to love. But, as you are—accomplished, shrewd, and resolute,
you have taken the worst road by which to gain the end you
coveted. Nay more; you have allowed impulse to snatch the reins
from principle, and those unbroken steeds, Passion and Ambition,
have taken the bit in their mouths, galloped off with common sense,
and I very much fear it will cost you some time and trouble to come
up with them. I need hardly add, Mademoiselle, that I decline continuing
this conversation.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> [<i>After a pause.</i>] Be it so. The sooner ended the sooner
to my work. I swear, the thought of the revenge I'll take on this
proud fool, makes me all but rejoice in failure. [<i>Music heard without.</i>]
The guests are arriving. I must not be found here.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>, <i>then two servants, who arrange tables, chairs, &c.</i> <i>Enter</i>
<span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span>, <span class="smcap">M'lle Marguerite</span>, <span class="smcap">M De Bevannes</span>, <span class="smcap">Desmaret</span>,
<span class="smcap">Mons. Nouret</span>, <span class="smcap">M'lle Helouin</span>, <span class="smcap">Madam Aubrey</span>, <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>
<i>and Guests</i>.</p></div>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> [<i>to servants.</i>] That will do, you may retire.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exeunt</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span> <i>and servants</i>.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Before you proceed to business, Monsieur Nouret, I will
make a few preliminary remarks, if you will allow me.</p>
<p><i>Mons. Nouret.</i> Certainly, Doctor. Pray speak.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> For the information of those friends of the family who are
yet unacquainted with the facts, I wish to state that, before the death
of M. Laroque, he wrote a letter to be given to me, his oldest friend,
when he was no more. I shall read a short extract. [<i>Reads.</i>] "For
these reasons it is my earnest desire, nay positive injunction, that my
grand-daughters' marriage shall take place within six months of my
death, with the same ceremonies and rejoicings as though I were still
living, and the reading of the will shall immediately succeed the
marriage." And now, Monsieur, before proceeding, it is necessary
for you to state that all is ready for the reading of the will immediately
on our return.</p>
<p><i>Mons.</i> N. I trust all <i>will</i> be ready, Doctor; but, at present, I can<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 49]</span>not
say it is so, for although I find the will and codicils of the deceased
to be in the most perfect order, and numbered in regular succession,
I have, thus far, been unable to discover the first of the series,
marked No. 1. All the rest are here—2, 3, 4, and 5—but 1 is
wanting. Now the legacies are, with the exception of a few to the
old servants, entirely to Mons. Laroque's blood relations.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> [<i>Weeps.</i>] Oh!</p>
<p><i>Mons. N.</i> Be comforted Madame, he was indeed a kind man. His
blood relations have all been thought of.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> But I'm <i>not</i> a blood relation. Oh!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Is it not possible that the missing paper may contain—</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> No doubt of it, no doubt of it. And that is burnt.</p>
<p><i>All.</i> Burnt!</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> You saw Mons. Manuel, the steward, burn a paper. You
found the envelope, and gave it to me?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> I did, but I never—</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Silence! [<i>Gives envelope to</i> <span class="smcap">Mons. Nouret</span>.] Examine
that, sir.</p>
<p><i>Mons. N.</i> It is the hand-writing of the deceased, and the envelope
of the peculiar size and make of all the others.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>All look at</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Monsieur Manuel, what have you to say to this?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Speak, sir.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> The lady is right, I <i>did</i> burn the paper.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Great Heavens!</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>All rise.</i></p>
<p><i>Man.</i> But she is mistaken as to the purport of the document.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Upon my soul this is a little too strong.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Oh, Monsieur Manuel, do not tell me you have so far
abused our confidence. Do not tell me that one whom I had begun to
love almost as a son, has fallen low enough to commit so vile an act.
I am an old woman, sir, and in the course of nature, you must outlive
me. My child is provided for. You shall share with me while
I live, and all I have shall be yours at last if you will but refute this,
if you will but give me the joy of knowing you are innocent.</p>
<p><i>Mons. N.</i> Come sir, this painful matter may be set at rest, perhaps,
if you will tell us the content of that paper.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Manuel, my son.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Oh! for my sake!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>and says</i>.] I will not speak.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Desmarets</span>.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> [<i>After a short pause.</i>] Then sir, much as it pains me,
you must, clearly understand that we can live no longer under the
same roof.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> [<i>Going.</i>] I know it, madame.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> And [<i>He turns at the sound of her voice</i>,] have you <i>nothing</i>,
not <i>one</i> word to say in your defence?</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Not one word.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Oh Marguerite, my joy on this occasion is lost in this
most unhappy discovery.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] And my misery doubled. Do not follow me, dear
mother, I will rejoin you directly.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 50]</span><i>Mad. A.</i> Oh!—</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Weeps.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> My dear madame, I beg to remind you that this is my wedding
day. Pray reserve your tears till after the ceremony. [<i>Re-enter</i>
<span class="smcap">Desmarets</span>.] My friends, if you will adjourn to the reception room,
the carriages will be ready immediately.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exeunt guests and</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span>.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">M'lle H.</span>] Mademoiselle, you do not appear as much
shocked as we are by this unfortunate discovery.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Simply, Doctor, because, knowing the gentleman, I am
not surprised.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> You are not?</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Not at all.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Umph! Bevannes, my dear fellow, I'm loth to delay an event
which, by a popular but pleasant fallacy, is supposed to be the happiest
in a man's life, but I must request, before we go to the chapel,
that you will give me a few moments of your attention.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Certainly Doctor; the evening's before us. Pray vary the entertainment
according to your own taste.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> My dear madame, I must also request <i>your</i> presence, and, as
what I am about to say is important, and guests are still arriving,
this apartment will soon become too public for our purpose, therefore,
with your permission, we'll retire to the library which, as the
works it contains are purely instructive, is about the last place our
fashionable friends are likely to visit.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> Had we not better wait until we return from—</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> By no means. What I have to say must be said at once, and
so, madame, permit me.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Offers arm.</i></p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Doctor, that's a remarkably nice young man you recommended
for steward.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Never mind him. We'll talk about him to-morrow.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exeunt.</i></p>
<p class="center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>dressed for traveling</i>.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> For her, for her, this bitter, bitter trial. Oh, let that thought
sustain me. Falsely I had imagined that the change from the sweet
dreamy days of my youth, to the stern realities of my manhood, had
created for me that tower of strength to the unfortunate—endurance.
But, no, no; too truly do I feel that, until this moment, I have not
known what utter misery is—one last, last look at scenes made sacred
by her presence; at objects hallowed by her touch, and then, and
then—</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>He sinks into a chair.</i></p>
<p class="center">[<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>. <i>She comes down slowly.</i>]</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Manuel!</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Marguerite!</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Hush! move not, nor speak till you have heard me. I am
here to ask forgiveness.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Forgiveness?<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 51]</span></p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Now, now, I know your truth, too late, oh, Heavens! too
late late I know your pure, unselfish heart. You bore suspicion, insult,
scorn, but I believed you not. How nobly you risked life for
honor; yet I believed you not.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> At last then—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> At last, conviction came; that letter you mislaid—</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Relating to my sister—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Aye, and <i>not</i> to me. I know it now, Desmarets told me all.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> And could you think—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> I did, I did. Oh, do not scorn me, but grant my prayer, the
first, the <i>last</i> you'll ever hear from Marguerite. There is some mystery
hidden beneath your refusal to speak of the paper you destroyed—some
reason which refers to <i>me</i>. Do not deny it, for I know it.
You cannot deceive the watchful eyes of love—for <i>I love you</i>, Manuel.
We <i>must</i> part, and forever. My word is pledged already for
my marriage with Bevannes. But by the love which you professed
for me, for your dear sister's sake, for <i>mine</i>, [<i>she kneels</i>,] clear your
good name of this foul stain. Oh, Manuel! Manuel! do it in pity
for the rash, unhappy girl, who, with ruin staring at her from the
fatal rock, suspicion, spite of reason, spite of warning, wildly, madly
dashed herself upon the shore and made her heart a wreck.</p>
<p class="center">[<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">M'lle Helouin</span>.]</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Good. I could not have wished it otherwise. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mad.
Laroque</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Desmarets</span> <i>who appear with</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. Aubrey</span>, <i>guests
and</i> <span class="smcap">Mons. Nouret</span>.] Look, Madame! Look, sir! Observe the faithful,
loyal steward, who, not content with fraud and betrayal of his
trust, still lingers on the scene of his disgrace. Behold the proud
<i>gentleman</i>, who completes his list of honorable actions by ensnaring
the affections of that unthinking girl—the betrothed wife of another,
the daughter of his benefactress. [<span class="smcap">Madame Laroque</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Desmarets</span>
<i>raise</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>, <i>who is almost fainting</i>.] Well, you hear all this;
you witness it—you are men and stir not—your friend is betrayed—an
aged lady insulted in your presence, yet there stands the man,
erect and fearless. Will you bear this, I say, or will you cast him
forth like the dog he is?</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>The gentlemen make a movement toward</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Stop. Before Mons. Manuel departs, I have a piece of intelligence
to communicate, which it is important for <i>him</i>, as well as you,
to hear. You will the better comprehend it, if I request your patience
while I read a portion of this paper, left in my care by Mons.
Laroque, with discretionary power to destroy or reveal its contents as
my judgment should dictate. Under present circumstances I choose the
latter course. This is in the old man's own handwriting, and you
will admit, is an important episode in his history. The events described
occurred in the West Indies. [<i>Reads.</i>] "On the approach
of hostilities between the French and English, my father, Pierre
Laroque, who was steward to the then Marquis de Champcey, received
orders to sell immediately, the magnificent estates on the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 52]</span>
island, and then to join the Marquis (who commanded a small
French fleet) and to bring with him the money realized from the
sale. The estates were sold for a very large sum. With this money
my father and myself started to join the Marquis, but, on our way
were interrupted by an English frigate and taken prisoners. My
father died defending himself. I was promised my life, and permission
to escape with whatever money we had with us when taken,
if I would reveal the hiding place of the French fleet. How shall
I write the words? <i>I yielded.</i> A large English force attacked
them. The Marquis was killed, and I came to France a wealthy,
but dishonored man." Such is the confession left in my hands.
Such is the confession which makes the present Marquis de Champcey
master of this and all the property the old man left, and such is the
duplicate of the paper which that young man destroyed.</p>
<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>Great sensation among all the dramatis personæ.</i> <i>The Doctor leads</i>
<span class="smcap">Marguerite</span> <i>to</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>then turns and embraces</i> <span class="smcap">Mad. Laroque</span>.
<i>Guests crowd round</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>, <i>congratulating him</i>.]</p></div>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Aubrey</span>.] Hark'ye Madame—</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Oh! go away, you nasty thing. You've made a pretty
mess of it. You've caused me to do mischief enough. I won't be
corrupted by you any more.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>She goes to</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>and shakes hands with him violently</i>.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Baffled. Foiled at every turn. [<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Bevannes</span>.]
Ah! no. One hope <i>is</i> left. Mons. de Bevannes, you are
well arrived. In good time to defend your honor, which is greviously
in peril here. That man, the steward, by a strange reverse of
fortune, has become master of this great estate.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> So I have already been informed.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Well, look there. Have you eyes?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Madame, you wound my vanity.</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Do you not see that the new master here is likely to become
lord where you alone should reign? Will you tamely submit
and give her up?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Madame, you just now reflected on my person, now you do
worse; you attack my heart. Do you think I am the man to step
between two devoted young creatures for my own selfish ends? No!
The moment I found the dear girl was penniless, I destroyed the contract,
and in the most generous manner, gave her back her word.</p>
<p><i>Mad. L.</i> I won't go near her. I do believe she'd bite me. Doctor,
will <i>you</i> have the goodness?</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mlle Helouin</span>.] Mademoiselle, you were very anxious
just now for somebody to turn out—I don't wish to be ungallant—but
what is going to take place here will coincide so little with your
arrangements, that the ladies think—that perhaps—</p>
<p><i>Mlle H.</i> Enough, sir. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span>.] If I am criminal, you shall
not call me hypocrite. I go, and as a parting gift, take from me such
wishes for your future, as bitter scorn and baffled hate may leave.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 53]</span><i>Bev.</i> A very nice young person that.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> But come, come, what the deuce are you all standing here
for?</p>
<p class="center">[<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alain</span>.]</p>
<p><i>Alain.</i> Please Madame, the grounds are lit up, the carriages ready
and all the country folks are waiting.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Come. The bride and bridegroom. Come along.</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Now—at once? Oh, Doctor.</p>
<p><i>Des.</i> Now—at once? Of course; do you think all our pretty preparations
are to go for nothing?</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Mademoiselle, I've got myself up utterly regardless of expense,
and if <i>somebody</i> ain't married, I shall withdraw my consent.</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Oh, Mons. de Bevannes do not let that deter you, if you
meant what you said the evening Mons. Laroque died.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> I!</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> Why, be it so.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> Be it so? Be it what, Madame?</p>
<p><i>Mad. A.</i> I will dispense with further courtship.</p>
<p><i>Bev.</i> You may, for an indefinite period.</p>
<p class="ralign">[<i>They go up.</i></p>
<p><i>Des.</i> So, as soon as Manuel has changed his dress—</p>
<p><i>Mar.</i> Nay, dear Manuel, you shall not change it. For the last
time, obey the headstrong girl. In that dress you often bore her
taunts and insults; in that same dress you shall receive her vows of
love and duty.</p>
<p><i>Man.</i> Let it be so then. I will but ask one ornament—the bud
you wear upon your breast. [<i>She detaches it from her dress.</i>] Look
at it, dearest. It lacks the rich color and the gorgeous blush of one
you gave me once before. But that was lost and trampled under
foot. There let it fade, and typify the errors and misfortunes past,
whilst this, just putting forth its beauty into life, shall be an emblem
of dear hopes and happiness to come.</p>
<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Alain</span> <i>gives a signal—the same chorus as in fourth tableau is heard.
The curtains are suddenly drawn back from the three arches,
showing the park and grounds splendidly illuminated with colored
lamps, and the peasantry assembled, in their picturesque Breton holiday
costume; a troop of little girls headed by</i> <span class="smcap">Christine</span>, <i>form,
and strew flowers before</i> <span class="smcap">Manuel</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Marguerite</span>, <i>and the Curtain
falls on a Tableau</i>.]</p></div>
<h4>THE END.</h4>
<pre>
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