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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e70a3a0 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #53334 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53334) diff --git a/old/53334-0.txt b/old/53334-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 90e74d7..0000000 --- a/old/53334-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5260 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Art of being Bored, by Edouard Pailleron - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Art of being Bored - A Comedy in Three Acts - -Author: Edouard Pailleron - -Translator: Barret H. Clark - -Release Date: October 21, 2016 [EBook #53334] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ART OF BEING BORED *** - - - - -Produced by MFR, Les Galloway and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - The Art of Being Bored - a Comedy in Three Acts: - by Edouard Pailleron: - Translated by Barrett - H. Clark - - Samuel French: Publisher - 25 West Forty-Fifth St.: New York - Samuel French, Ltd. - London - 26 Southampton Street, Strand - - PRICE 35 CENTS - - - - - THE WORLD’S BEST PLAYS—Continued - - =Grammar.= (La Grammaire). A farce in 1 act. By Labiche. An amusing - and charming comedy by one of the greatest of 19th century French - dramatists. 4 men, 1 woman. Price 35 cents. - - =The Two Cowards.= (Les deux Timides). A comedy in 1 act. By Labiche. - A very amusing and human little comedy, in which a strong-willed girl - helps her father choose for her the man she wishes to marry. 2 women, - 3 men. Price 35 cents. - - =Master Patelin, Solicitor.= A comedy in 3 acts. One of the most - famous of early French farces. The setting and characters belong to - the late Middle Ages. The play is concerned with the questionable - dealings of a clever lawyer. 7 men, 2 women. Price 35 cents. - - =Crispin, His Master’s Rival.= A comedy in 1 act. By Le Sage. A famous - comedy by the author of “Gil Blas,” concerned with the pranks of two - clever valets. 18th century costumes and setting. 4 men, 3 women. - Price 35 cents. - - =The Legacy.= A comedy in 1 act. By Marivaux. A delicate high comedy - of intrigue. Marivaux is one of the masters of old French comedy, and - his play is full of deft touches of characterization. 2 women, 4 men. - Price 35 cents. - - =After the Honeymoon.= A farce in 1 act. By Wolfgang Gyalui. A - Hungarian farce full of brilliant dialogue and movement. 1 man, 1 - woman. Price 35 cents. - - =A Christmas Tale.= A poetic play by Maurice Bouchor. A beautiful - little miracle play of love and devotion, laid in 15th century Paris. - 2 men, 2 women. Price 35 cents. - - =The Fairy.= (La Fee). A romantic comedy in 1 act. By Octave Feuillet. - Laid in a hut in Brittany, this little comedy is full of poetic charm - and quiet humor. The element of the supernatural is introduced in - order to drive home a strong lesson. Price 35 cents. - - =Jean-Marie.= A poetic play in 1 act. By Andre Theuriet. A dramatic - play of Norman peasant life. 2 men, 1 woman. Price 35 cents. - - =The Rebound.= A comedy in 1 act. By L. B. Picard. A clever comedy of - intrigue, and a satire on social position. 2 women, 5 men. Price 35 - cents. - - =Lysistrata.= By Aristophanes. An acting version of this brilliant - satire on Athenian foibles. 4 men, 5 women, 1 child. Chorus of old men - and one of Greek matrons, about 15 in each. Price 35 cents. - - =Rosalie.= By Max Maurey. 1 man, 2 women. A “Grand Guignol” comedy in - 1 act, full of bright and clever dialogue. Rosalie, the stubborn maid, - leads her none too amiable master and mistress into uncomfortable - complications by refusing to open the front door to a supposed guest - of wealth and influence. Price 35 cents. - - =The Art of Being Bored.= (Le Monde ou l’on s’ennuie). A comedy in 3 - acts. By Edouard Pailleron. 11 men, 9 women. Probably the best-known - and most frequently acted comedy of manners in the realm of 19th - century French drama. It is replete with wit and comic situations. For - nearly forty years it has held the stage, while countless imitators - have endeavored to reproduce its freshness and charm. Price 50 cents. - - - Every amateur actor and producer should have - “How to Produce Amateur Plays” - BY BARRETT H. CLARK - - - - - THE WORLD’S BEST PLAYS - BY CELEBRATED EUROPEAN AUTHORS - BARRETT H. CLARK - General Editor - - - - - The - ART OF BEING BORED - - _A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS_ - - BY - EDOUARD PAILLERON - - _Translated by_ - BARRETT H. CLARK - - COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY SAMUEL FRENCH - - NEW YORK - SAMUEL FRENCH - PUBLISHER - 25 WEST 45TH STREET - - LONDON - SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. - 26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET - STRAND - - - - - EDOUARD PAILLERON - - -The author of “Le Monde où l’on s’ennuie” was born at Paris in 1834. -Besides this, his masterpiece, he wrote numerous comedies, sentimental -and satirical. Pailleron is in no way concerned with problems or -“ideas”; he is content to depict the foibles and affectations of -society, framing his observations into a harmonious and unified whole. -This play was first produced, at Paris, in 1881, and has since held the -stage. - - * * * * * - -The scenery and costumes are modern. - -Owing to the large number of characters, some attention must be paid -to the grouping of stage pictures. The stage-directions, if carefully -followed, will supply sufficient information to enable the director to -group the actors without difficulty. - - - - -THE ART OF BEING BORED - - -PERSONS IN THE PLAY - - BELLAC - ROGER DE CÉRAN - PAUL RAYMOND - TOULONNIER - GENERAL DE BRIAIS - VIROT - FRANCOIS - SAINT-RÉAULT - GAIAC - MELCHIOR DE BOINES - DES MILLETS - DUCHESSE DE RÉVILLE - MADAME DE LOUDAN - JEANNE RAYMOND - LUCY WATSON - SUZANNE DE VILLIERS - COUNTESS DE CÉRAN - MADAME ARRIÉGO - MADAME DE BOINES - MADAME DE SAINT-RÉAULT - - SCENE: _A drawing-room in_ MADAME DE CÉRAN’S _château at_ SAINT - GERMAIN. - - - - - The Art of Being Bored - - - ACT I - - - _A drawing-room, with a large entrance at the back, opening upon - another room. Entrances up and down stage. To the left, between the - two doors, a piano. Right, an entrance down-stage; farther up, a large - alcove with a glazed door leading into the garden, left; a table, on - either side of which is a chair; to the right, a small table and a - sofa, armchairs, etc._ - -FRANCOIS. (_Looking among the papers which litter the table_) It -couldn’t be on top here—nor here. _Revue Matérialiste_ ... _Revue des -Cours_—_Journal des Savants_—— - - (_Enter_ LUCY.) - -LUCY. Well, Francois, have you found the letter? - -FRANCOIS. No, Miss Lucy, not yet. - -LUCY. Pink paper—opened—no envelope? - -FRANCOIS. Is it addressed to Miss Watson? - -LUCY. Didn’t I tell you it was addressed to me? - -FRANCOIS. But—— - -LUCY. The point is, have you found it? - -FRANCOIS. Not yet, but I shall look everywhere, and ask—— - -LUCY. Don’t ask; there’s no need. But it must be found, so look -carefully. Go over every foot of ground from where you gave us our -letters this morning, to this room. It couldn’t have fallen anywhere -else. Please, please hunt for it! (_She goes out_) - -FRANCOIS. (_Alone, as he returns to the table_) “Hunt, hunt?” _Revue -Coloniale_—_Revue Diplomatique_—_Revue Archéologique_—— - - (_Enter_ JEANNE _and_ PAUL.) - -JEANNE. (_Gaily_) Someone here! (_To_ FRANCOIS) Madame de Céran—— - -PAUL. (_Taking her hand_) Sh! (_To_ FRANCOIS, _gravely_) Is Madame la -comtesse de Céran in the château at present? - -FRANCOIS. Yes, Monsieur. - -JEANNE. (_Gaily_) Very well, tell her that Monsieur and Madame Paul—— - -PAUL. (_As before, coldly_) Be good enough to announce to her that M. -Raymond, Sub-prefect[1] of Agenis, and Mme. Raymond, have arrived from -Paris, and await her pleasure in the drawing-room. - - [1] A prefect is the officer in charge of the administrative affairs - of the Department, one of the ninety-six divisions of France. - -JEANNE. And that—— - -PAUL. (_As before_) Sh! That’s all, please. - -FRANCOIS. Very well, M. le sous-préfet. (_Aside_) Newlyweds!— Shall I -take Monsieur’s—? (_He takes their bags and rugs, and goes out_) - -JEANNE. Now, Paul—— - -PAUL. No “Paul” here: “M. Raymond!” - -JEANNE. What, d’you want me to——? - -PAUL. Not here, I tell you. - -JEANNE. (_Laughing_) What a scowl! - -PAUL. Please, you mustn’t laugh out loud. - -JEANNE. How is this, Monsieur, you are scolding me? (_She throws -herself into his arms, but he disengages himself, terrified_) - -PAUL. Silly! That’s enough to spoil everything! - -JEANNE. Oh! What a bore! - -PAUL. Precisely! That time you struck exactly the right note. You -surely haven’t forgotten all I told you in the train? - -JEANNE. Why, I thought you were joking! - -PAUL. Joking? So you don’t want to be a Prefect’s wife?—Tell me? - -JEANNE. Yes, if it would please you. - -PAUL. Very well, dear. I call you dear, as we are alone, but later on, -before the guests, it must be merely Jeanne. The Comtesse de Céran has -done me the honor of asking me to introduce my young wife to her, and -of spending a few days here at her château. Mme. de Céran’s circle is -one of the three or four most influential in Paris. We are not here to -amuse ourselves. I come here merely a Sub-prefect; I am determined to -leave a Prefect. Everything depends on her—upon us—upon you! - -JEANNE. Upon me? What do you mean? - -PAUL. Of course, on you! Society judges a man by his wife, and society -is right. Therefore be on your guard.—Dignity without pride: a knowing -smile—ears and eyes open, lips closed! Oh, compliments, as many as -you like, and quotations, short and authoritative: for philosophy try -Hegel; for literature, Jean Paul; politics—— - -JEANNE. But I don’t understand politics. - -PAUL. Here all the women talk politics. - -JEANNE. Well, I know nothing whatever about it. - -PAUL. Neither do they, but that doesn’t make any difference. Cite -Pufendorff and Machiavelli as if they were your own relatives, and talk -about the Council of Trent as if you had presided over it. As for -your amusements: music, strolls in the garden, and whist—that’s all -I can allow. Your clothes must be chosen with great care, and as for -Latin—use the few words I’ve taught you. In a week’s time I want it to -be said of you: “Ah, that little Mme. Raymond will be the wife of a -Cabinet Minister some day!” And in this circle, you know, when they say -that a woman will be a Cabinet Minister’s wife, her husband is not very -far from a portfolio. - -JEANNE. What? Do you want to be Minister?—Why? - -PAUL. In order to keep from becoming famous. - -JEANNE. But Mme. de Céran belongs to the opposition; what can you -expect from her? - -PAUL. How simple you are! In the matter of political positions, there -is only the slightest shade of difference between the Conservatives and -their opponents: the Conservatives ask for places and their opponents -accept them. No, no, my child, this is the place where reputations -are made and unmade and made over again; where, under the appearance -of talking literature and art, Machiavellian conspirators hatch -their schemes: this is the private entrance to the ministries, the -antechamber of the Academies, the laboratory of success! - -JEANNE. Heavens! What sort of circle is this? - -PAUL. It is the 1881 edition of the Hotel de Rambouillet: a section of -society where everybody talks and poses, where pedantry masquerades -as knowledge, sentimentality as sentiment, and preciosity as delicacy -and refinement;—here no one ever dreams of saying what one thinks, and -never believes what one says, where friendship is a matter of cold -calculation, and chivalry and manners merely means to an end. It is -where one swallows one’s tongue in the drawing-room just as one leaves -one’s cane in the hallway: in short, Society where one learns the art -of being serious! - -JEANNE. I should say, the art of being bored! - -PAUL. Precisely! - -JEANNE. But if everyone bores everyone else, what possible influence -can it all have? - -PAUL. What influence? How simple you are! You ask what influence -can boredom exert, here in this country? A great deal, I tell you. -You see, the Frenchman has a horror of boredom amounting almost -to veneration. _Ennui_ is for him a terrible god whose worship is -celebrated by good form. He recognizes nothing as serious unless -it is in regulation dress. I don’t say that he practises what he -preaches, but that is only a further reason for believing more firmly: -he prefers believing to finding out for himself. I tell you, this -nation, which is at bottom gay, despises itself for being so; it has -forgotten its faith in the good common sense of its generous laughter; -this sceptical and talkative nation believes in those who have little -to say, this whole-hearted and amiable people allows itself to be -imposed upon by pedantic false pride and the pretentious asininity of -the pontiffs of the white dress necktie: in politics, in science, in -art, in literature, in everything! These they scoff at, hate, flee -as from a pestilence, yet they alone preserve for these things a -secret admiration and perfect confidence! And you ask what influence -has boredom? Ah, my dear girl, there are just two kinds of people -in the world: those who don’t know how to bore themselves, and who -are nobodies; and those who know how to bore themselves, and who are -somebody—besides those who know how to bore others! - -JEANNE. And this is the place you’ve brought me to! - -PAUL. Do you want to be a Prefect’s wife? Tell me? - -JEANNE. Oh, to begin with, I could never—— - -PAUL. Oh, never mind! It’s only for a week! - -JEANNE. A week! Without speaking, without laughing, without being -kissed by you! - -PAUL. That’s before company; but when we are alone—in the dark, oh, -then! Why, it will be delightful; we’ll arrange secret meetings, in -the garden, everywhere—just as we did before we were married—at your -father’s, do you remember? - -JEANNE. Very well, very well! (_She opens the piano and plays an air -from La Fille de Madame Angot_) - -PAUL. (_Terrified_) Very well, then! What are you doing there? - -JEANNE. It’s from the opera we saw last night! - -PAUL. My poor child, so this is the way you follow my advice! - -JEANNE. We sat in a box together—wasn’t it lovely, Paul! - -PAUL. Jeanne! Jeanne!—What if someone should come in! Please! - - (FRANCOIS _appears at the back_.) - -PAUL. Too late! (JEANNE _changes the air she was playing into a -Beethoven Symphony. Aside_) Beethoven,—Bravo! (_He listens to the music -with profound satisfaction_) Ah, it’s a fact that the only place for -music is the _Conservatoire_! - -FRANCOIS. Madame la Comtesse requests Monsieur le sous-préfet to wait -five minutes for her: she is in consultation with Monsieur le baron -Eriel de Saint-Réault. - -PAUL. The Orientalist? - -FRANCOIS. I do not know, Monsieur, he is the son of the scientist whose -father was so talented. - -PAUL. (_Aside_) Who has so many positions to dispose of! He’s -the one!—Ah, M. de Saint-Réault is here, then. I presume Mme. de -Saint-Réault is with him? - -FRANCOIS. Yes, M. le sous-préfet; likewise the Marquise de Loudan and -Mme. Arriégo, but these ladies are at present in Paris, following M. -Bellac’s course—with Mlle. Suzanne de Villiers. - -PAUL. There are no other guests here? - -FRANCOIS. There is Madame la duchesse de Réville, Madame’s aunt. - -PAUL. I don’t refer to the Duchess or to Miss Watson; or to Mlle. de -Villiers: they are the family! I mean guests, like ourselves. - -FRANCOIS. No, M. le sous-préfet, there are no others. - -PAUL. And no one else is expected? - -FRANCOIS. Oh, yes, M. le sous-préfet; M. Roger, the son of Mme. la -comtesse, has just arrived to-day from his scientific investigations -in the Orient. He is expected any moment.—Ah, and then M. Bellac, the -professor, who is to spend a few days here when his lecture course is -over—at least we hope so. - -PAUL. (_Aside_) Ah, that’s why there are so many ladies!—Very well, -thank you. - -FRANCOIS. Then M. le sous-préfet will be good enough to wait? - -PAUL. Yes, and tell Mme. la comtesse not to hurry. (FRANCOIS _goes -out_) Whew! You gave me a turn with that music! But you got out of it -beautifully, changing Lecocq to Beethoven! Rather good, that! - -JEANNE. Stupid, am I not? - -PAUL. I know better now! We still have five minutes; I’ll tell you a -little about these people: it’s best to be on the safe side. - -JEANNE. Oh, never mind! - -PAUL. Come, Jeanne, five minutes! You _must_ know something about them! - -JEANNE. After each “something” you must kiss me! - -PAUL. All right, then; what a child you are! I won’t be long: mother, -son, friend, and guest,—everyone of them very serious! - -JEANNE. How amusing that will be! - -PAUL. Don’t worry, there are two who are not so serious. I have kept -them for the last. - -JEANNE. One moment, please, pay me first! (_She counts on her fingers_) -Madame de Céran, one; her son Roger, two; Miss Lucy, three; the two -Saint-Réault; one Bellac, one Loudan and one Arriégo, that makes eight! -(_She puts her cheek up to be kissed_) - -PAUL. Eight what? - -JEANNE. Eight “somethings“—pay. - -PAUL. _What_ a child! There, there, there! (_He kisses her_) - -JEANNE. Not so fast: retail, if you please. - -PAUL. (_After having kissed her more slowly_) There, does that satisfy -you? - -JEANNE. For the present. Now, let’s have the two who are not serious! - -PAUL. First, the Duchesse de Réville, the aunt, a handsome old lady who -was a beauty in her day—— - -JEANNE. (_Questioningly_) Hmm? - -PAUL. So they say! A bit brusque and direct—but an excellent lady and -very sensible—as you’ll see. But last and best, Suzanne de Villiers! -She, is not at all serious—it’s a fault with her. - -JEANNE. At last, somebody who’s frivolous, thank Heaven! - -PAUL. Girl of eighteen, a tom-boy, chatter-box, free with her tongue -and her manners—with a life-history that reads like a novel. - -JEANNE. Umm! Lovely, let’s hear it! - -PAUL. She’s the daughter of a certain widow— - -JEANNE. Yes? - -PAUL. Well? Daughter of a widow—and that ass Georges de Villiers, -another nephew of the Duchess; she adored him. A natural child. - -JEANNE. Natural? How lovely! - -PAUL. The mother and father are dead. The child was left an orphan at -the age of twelve with a princely heritage and an education to match. -Georges taught her Javanese. The Duchess, who adores her, brought her -into the home of Madame de Céran, who detests her, and gave her Roger -for a tutor. They tried their best to keep her in a convent, but she -ran away twice; they sent her back a third time and—here she is again! -Imagine that state of affairs! And that’s the end of the story—good, -isn’t it? - -JEANNE. So good that you needn’t pay me the two kisses you owe me. - -PAUL. (_Disappointed_) Ohh! - -JEANNE. But I’ll pay you! (_She kisses him_) - -PAUL. Silly! (_The door at the back opens_) Oh! Saint-Réault and Madame -de Céran! No, she didn’t see us. Now—ahem—ready! - - (_Enter_ MME. DE CÉRAN _and_ SAINT-RÉAULT. _They pause in the doorway, - not seeing_ PAUL _and_ JEANNE.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. No, no, no, my friend, not the first poll! Listen to -me, 15-8-15 the first poll—— There was a secret ballot on that one and -therefore on the second: it’s very simple! - -SAINT-RÉAULT. Simple? Simple? Now the second poll, since I have only -four votes on the second poll, with our nine votes on the first -poll—that leaves us only thirteen on the second! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. And our seven on the first—that makes twenty on the -second! Don’t you see? - -SAINT-RÉAULT. (_Enlightened_) Ahhh! - -PAUL. (_To_ JEANNE) Very simple! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I repeat, beware of Dalibert and his Liberals. At -present the Academy is Liberal—at present—at present! (_They come -down-stage, talking_) - -SAINT-RÉAULT. Isn’t Revel also the leader of the New School? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Looking at him_) Ohh! Revel isn’t dead yet, is he? - -SAINT-RÉAULT. Oh, no! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. He isn’t ill? - -SAINT-RÉAULT. (_Slightly embarrassed_) Oh, he’s always in poor health. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Well, then? - -SAINT-RÉAULT. We must always be prepared, mustn’t we?—I’ll keep my eyes -open. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Aside_) There’s something at the bottom of all this! -(_Seeing_ RAYMOND, _and going toward him_) Ah, my dear Monsieur -Raymond, I was forgetting all about you; pardon me! - -PAUL. My dear Countess! (_Presenting_ JEANNE) Madame Paul Raymond! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You are most welcome here, Madame! Consider yourself in -the home of a friend. (_Presenting them to_ SAINT-RÉAULT) Monsieur Paul -Raymond, Sub-prefect of Agenis, Madame Paul Raymond, Monsieur le baron -Eriel de Saint-Réault. - -PAUL. I am especially happy to make your acquaintance since, as a young -man, it was my privilege to know your illustrious father. (_Aside_) He -stuck me on my final examinations! - -SAINT-RÉAULT. (_Bowing_) What a pleasant coincidence, M. le Préfet! - -PAUL. Especially pleasant for me, M. le Baron! - - (SAINT-RÉAULT _goes to the table and writes_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You will find my house a trifle austere for a person of -your youth, Madame. You have only your husband to blame for your stay -here.—It has its moments of monotony, but you may console yourself with -the thought that resignation means obedience, and that in coming here -you had no choice. - -JEANNE. (_Gravely_) As regards that, Mme. la comtesse, “To be free -is not to do what one wishes, but what one judges to be best”—as the -philosopher Joubert has said. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Looking approvingly at_ PAUL) That is quite -reassuring, my dear. But I think you will find that no matter how -intellectual our circle may be, it is not lacking in _esprit_. Indeed -this very evening you will find the _soirée_ particularly interesting. -Monsieur de Saint-Réault has been kind enough to offer to read to us -from his unpublished work on Rama-Ravana and the Sanscrit Legends. - -PAUL. Really! Oh, Jeanne! - -JEANNE. How fortunate we are! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. After which I believe I can promise you something from -Monsieur Bellac. - -JEANNE. The Professor? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Do you know him? - -JEANNE. What woman doesn’t? How delightful that will be! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. An informal talk—_ad usum mundi_—a few words, gems of -wisdom; and finally, the reading of an unpublished play. - -PAUL. Oh! In verse? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. The first work of a young man —an unknown poet, who -is to be introduced to me this evening and whose play has just been -accepted by the Théâtre-Francais. - -PAUL. How fortunate we are to be able to enjoy among these charming -people another of these wonderful opportunities that one finds nowhere -except beneath your roof. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Doesn’t this literary atmosphere frighten you, Madame? -Your charms will be wasted at a _soirée_ like this. - -JEANNE. (_Seriously_) “What appears a waste to the vulgar is often a -gain”—as M. de Tocqueville has said. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Looking at her in astonishment—aside to_ PAUL) -She is charming! (SAINT-RÉAULT _rises, and goes toward the door_) -Saint-Réault, where are you going? - -SAINT-RÉAULT. (_As he goes_) To the station—a telegram. Excuse me—I’ll -be back in ten minutes. (_He goes out_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. There is certainly something at the bottom of all this! -(_She looks among the papers on the table—to_ JEANNE _and_ PAUL) I beg -your pardon! (_She rings, and after a moment_ FRANCOIS _appears_) The -papers? - -FRANCOIS. M. de Saint-Réault took them away this morning. They are in -his room. - -PAUL. (_Drawing Le Journal Amusant from his pocket_) If you wish the—— - -JEANNE. (_Quickly checking him and at the same time producing the -Journal des Debats[2] from her pocket and offering it to_ MME. DE -CÉRAN) This is to-day’s paper, Countess. - -[2] The “Journal Amusant” is a comic paper, the “Journal des Debats” a -very old and conservative organ. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. With pleasure—I am curious about—please pardon me -again! (_She opens the paper and reads_) - -PAUL. (_To his wife_) Bravo! Keep it up! The Joubert was excellent and -the de Tocqueville—I say! - -JEANNE. It wasn’t de Tocqueville—it was _I_. - -PAUL. Oh! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Reading_) “Revel very ill.” Just what I thought. -Saint-Réault isn’t losing much time. (_Handing the paper to_ PAUL) I -found out what I wanted to know, thank you. But I shan’t keep you, -you shall be shown to your rooms. We dine sharp at six; you know the -Duchess is very punctual. At four tea is served; at five we take -a stroll and at six have dinner. (_The clock strikes four_) Ah, -four already, and here she is! (_The_ DUCHESS _enters, followed by_ -FRANCOIS, _who brings her chair and her work-basket. A maid brings tea. -The_ DUCHESS _sits in the chair placed for her_) My dear Aunt, allow me -to present—— - -DUCHESS. (_Settling herself_) Wait a minute—wait a minute. There! -Present whom? (_She looks through her lorgnette_) It isn’t Raymond that -you want to present, is it? I’ve known him for a long time. - -PAUL. (_Advancing with_ JEANNE) No, Duchess, but Madame Paul Raymond, -his wife,—if you please! - -DUCHESS. (_Gazing at_ JEANNE, _who bows_) She’s pretty—very pretty! -With my Suzanne, and Lucy, despite her glasses, that makes three pretty -women in my house—and heaven knows that’s not too many! (_She drinks_) -And how on earth did a charming girl like you happen to marry that -awful Republican? - -PAUL. (_Chaffingly_) Oh, Duchess, I a Republican! - -DUCHESS. Well, you were one, at least! (_She drinks again_) - -PAUL. Oh, well, like everyone else, when I was little. That is the -measles of politics, Duchess, everybody has to have it. - -DUCHESS. (_Laughing_) Ah, oh, ah, the measles! Isn’t he funny! (_To_ -JEANNE) And you, my dear, you like a joke once in a while, too? - -JEANNE. Oh, Duchess, I have no objection to a little frivolity—in -moderation. - -DUCHESS. That isn’t very frivolous, but it’s better than nothing. Well, -well—I like a little frivolity myself, especially in a person of your -age. (_To the maid_) Here, take this away. (_She hands her cup to the -maid_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_To the maid_) Will you show Madame Raymond to her -room, Mademoiselle? (_To_ JEANNE) Your room is this way, just next to -mine—— - -JEANNE. Thank you, Madame. (_To_ PAUL) Come, dear. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Oh, no, I have put your husband over there on the other -side, among the workers: my son, the Count and Monsieur Bellac, in the -Pavilion, which we call—a little pretentiously, perhaps—the Pavillion -of the Muses. (_To_ PAUL) Francois will show you the way. I thought you -would be able to work better there. - -PAUL. Admirable arrangement, Countess; I thank you. (JEANNE _pinches -him_) Oh! - -JEANNE. (_Sweetly_) Go, my dear. - -PAUL. (_Aside to her_) You’ll come at least and help me unpack my -trunks? - -JEANNE. How can I? - -PAUL. Through the upper corridor. - -DUCHESS. (_To_ MME. DE CÉRAN) If you think it pleases those two to -separate them like that—— - -JEANNE. (_Aside_) I’ve gone too far! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_To_ JEANNE) Aren’t you pleased with this arrangement? - -JEANNE. Perfectly, Madame la comtesse; and you know better than anyone -else _quid deceat, quid non_. (_She bows_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_To_ PAUL) She is perfectly charming! - - (_They go out_; PAUL _right_, JEANNE _left_.) - -DUCHESS. (_Seated near the table at the left, working at her -fancy-work_) Ah, she knows Latin! She ought to be congenial to the -company! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You know Revel is very ill. - -DUCHESS. He is never anything else,—what’s that to me? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Sitting down_) What do you mean, Aunt? Revel is a -second Saint-Réault. He holds at least fifteen positions: leader of -the New School, for instance—a position which leads to any number of -others! Just the thing for Roger. He returns to-day, and I’ve asked the -Minister’s secretary to dinner this evening, you know. - -DUCHESS. Yes, a new one: Toulonnier. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I take away his position from him to-night. - -DUCHESS. So you want to make your son the leader of a school? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. It’ll be another stepping-stone, you know, Aunt. - -DUCHESS. You have brought him up to be a mere chess-pawn, haven’t you? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I have made of him a serious-minded man, Aunt. - -DUCHESS. Yes, I should think so! A man of twenty-eight, who has -never—done a foolish thing in his life, I’ll wager! It’s a perfect -shame! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. At thirty he will enter the Institute, and at -thirty-five the Chamber of Deputies. - -DUCHESS. So you want to begin again with your son, and do with him as -you did with his father? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Did I make so miserable a failure of him? - -DUCHESS. I say nothing about your husband: a dryasdust creature, with a -mediocre intellect—! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Aunt! - -DUCHESS. Of course, your husband was a fool! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Duchess! - -DUCHESS. A fool who happened to know how to behave himself! You forced -him into politics, you’ll admit that. And then, all you could make of -him was Minister of Agriculture and Commerce. That isn’t much to boast -about. But enough of him; Roger’s another matter: he has brains and -spirit enough—or will have, God willing—or he’s no nephew of mine. That -never occurred to you, did it? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I am thinking of his career. - -DUCHESS. And his happiness? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I have thought of that, too. - -DUCHESS. Ah, yes! Lucy, eh? They correspond, I know that. That’s fine! -A young girl who wears glasses and has a neck like a——! And you call -that thinking of his happiness! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Duchess, you are quite incorrigible! - -DUCHESS. A sort of meteorite, who fell among us, intending to stop two -weeks, and remained two years: a blue-stocking who writes letters to -scholars and translates Schopenhauer! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. A rich, intellectual, highly-educated and well-born -orphan, niece of the Lord-Chancellor, who recommended her: she would be -a splendid wife for Roger, and—— - -DUCHESS. That English iceberg? Brrrr! Just to kiss her would freeze -the nose off his face! But you’re on a false scent. In the first place -Bellac has his eye on her—yes, the Professor! He’s asked me too many -questions about her to leave any doubt in my mind. And what is more, -she seems fond of _him_. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Lucy? - -DUCHESS. Yes, Lucy,—like all the rest of you! You’re all mad over him. -I know more about this than you do.—No, no! Lucy is not the woman for -your son! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I know your schemes: Suzanne is the woman! - -DUCHESS. I don’t deny it. I have brought Suzanne here for that very -purpose. I arranged that he should be her tutor and her master, so to -speak, in order that he might marry her,—and marry her he shall! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You have counted without me, Duchess; I shall never -consent. - -DUCHESS. And why not? A girl who—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Is of questionable origin, questionable attraction, -without education and manners. - -DUCHESS. (_Bursting into laughter_) My living image at her age! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Without fortune! Without family! - -DUCHESS. Without family? The daughter of my poor Georges? My handsome, -good, kind Georges!—And she’s your cousin after all! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. A natural child! - -DUCHESS. Natural? Aren’t all children natural? You amuse me! She’s been -legally recognized! And good heavens, when the devil’s put his finger -in the pie why shouldn’t the rest of us? Me, too, eh? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. The devil has put his finger in the pie, but not the way -you think. _You_ are on the false scent. - -DUCHESS. Oh, the Professor! Yes, Bellac. You told me that. You think no -woman can follow his lectures without falling in love with him? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. But Suzanne hasn’t missed a single lecture, Aunt, and -she takes notes and corrects them and copies them—I tell you Suzanne is -in earnest. And while he is speaking she never takes her eyes off him; -she drinks in every word. And you think that is all for the sake of -science! Nonsense, it isn’t the science she loves, it’s the scientist. -That is as plain as day. You have only to watch her when she’s with -Lucy. She is dreadfully jealous. And this recently acquired coquetry -in a girl of her disposition—! She sighs, sulks, blushes, turns pale, -laughs, cries—— - -DUCHESS. April showers! She’s just coming into bloom. She’s bored, poor -child! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Here? - -DUCHESS. Here? Do you think it’s amusing here? Do you suppose that if -_I_ were eighteen, I should be here, among all your old ladies and your -old gentlemen? I should say not! I’d associate with young people all -the time; the younger the better, the handsomer the better, the more -admirers I had the better! There are only two things that women never -grow weary of: loving and being loved! And the older I grow the more I -realize that there is no other happiness in the world! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. There are more serious things in life than that, Duchess. - -DUCHESS. More serious than love? Nonsense! Do you mean to say that when -that is gone, there is any other happiness left? When we are old, we -have false pleasures, just as we have false teeth, but there is only -one true happiness, and that is love, love! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Oh, Aunt, you are too romantic! - -DUCHESS. The fault of my years! Women find romance but twice in their -lives: at sixteen in their own hearts, at sixty in the hearts of -others. Well, you want your son to marry Lucy; I want him to marry -Suzanne. You say Suzanne is in love with Bellac; I say, LUCY. Perhaps -we are both wrong; it is for Roger to decide. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. How? - -DUCHESS. I shall explain the whole situation to him the moment he -arrives. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Do you intend——? - -DUCHESS. He is her tutor! (_Aside_) He must know. - - (_Enter_ LUCY.) - -LUCY. (_In a low-cut evening gown_) I believe your son has arrived, -Madame. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. The Count! - -DUCHESS. Roger! - -LUCY. His carriage has just come into the court. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. At last! - -DUCHESS. Were you afraid he wouldn’t return? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I feared he would not return in time. I was anxious -about that place for him. - -LUCY. Oh, he wrote me this morning that he would return to-day, -Thursday. - -DUCHESS. And you missed one of the Professor’s lectures in order to see -him that much sooner. Hm, that’s lovely! - -LUCY. That wasn’t the reason, Madame. - -DUCHESS. (_Aside to_ MME. DE CÉRAN) You see?—No? Why then? - -LUCY. No, I was looking for—I—it was another matter. - -DUCHESS. I don’t suppose it is for that Schopenhauer gentleman you are -all dressed up like that, is it? - -LUCY. Is there not to be company this evening, Madame? - -DUCHESS. (_Aside to_ MME. DE CÉRAN) Bellac, that’s as plain as day! -(_To_ LUCY) Let me congratulate you, then. I have nothing to complain -of, except those frightful glasses. Why do you wear such awful things? - -LUCY. Because I cannot see without them, Madame. - -DUCHESS. A nice reason! (_Aside_) Isn’t she practical! I detest -practical people! She’ll pass, she’s not as thin as I thought she was! -These English occasionally disappoint one pleasantly! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Ah, here’s my son! - - (_Enter_ ROGER.) - -ROGER. Mother! Mother! How good it is to see you again! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. How good it is to see you, my dear! (_She holds out her -hand, which he kisses_) - -ROGER. What a long while it is since I’ve seen you!—Once more! (_He -kisses her hand again_) - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) That embrace wouldn’t smother anyone! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. The Duchess, my dear! - -ROGER. (_Approaching the_ DUCHESS) Duchess! - -DUCHESS. Call me Aunt, and give me a kiss! - -ROGER. My dear Aunt! (_He starts to kiss her hand_) - -DUCHESS. No! No! On the cheek! You must kiss me on the cheek! That is -one of the privileges of age—Look at him now! Same little fellow as -ever! Oh, you’ve let your moustache grow; isn’t he charming! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I hope, Roger, you will shave that off! - -ROGER. Don’t let it disturb you, Mother, I shall do it at once!—Ah, how -do you do, Lucy? - -LUCY. How do you do, Roger? (_They shake hands_) Have you had a -pleasant trip? - -ROGER. Oh, most interesting. Think of it, an almost unexplored country, -a veritable paradise for the scholar, the poet, and the artist—but I -wrote you all about that! - -DUCHESS. (_Sitting down_) Tell me about the women. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Duchess! - -ROGER. (_Astonished_) What women do you mean, Aunt? - -DUCHESS. Why, the Oriental women they say are so beautiful. Ah, you -villain! - -ROGER. Let me assure you, Aunt, I had no time to investigate -that—detail! - -DUCHESS. (_Indignantly_) Detail, indeed! - -ROGER. (_Smiling_) Besides, the Government did not send me there for -that! - -DUCHESS. What did you see, then? - -ROGER. You will find that in the _Revue Archéologique_. - -LUCY. _Tombs of Eastern Asia_; isn’t that the subject, Roger? - -ROGER. Yes, Lucy; now among those mounds— - -LUCY. Ah, the mounds—those _Tumuli_—— - -DUCHESS. Come, come, you can chatter when you two are alone! Tell me, -aren’t you tired? Did you just arrive? - -ROGER. Oh, no, Aunt. I’ve been in Paris since yesterday. - -DUCHESS. Did you go to the theater last night, Roger? - -ROGER. No, I went at once to see the Minister. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Good! And what did he have to say to you? - -LUCY. I’ll leave you alone! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You needn’t go, LUCY. - -LUCY. Oh, I think I ought to go. I shall return in a few minutes. I’ll -see you later. - -ROGER. (_Taking her hand_) Until later, Lucy. - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) There’s a grand passion indeed! - - (LUCY _goes out_. ROGER _accompanies her as far as the door to the - left, while_ MME. DE CÉRAN _takes her place in the arm-chair, at the - other side of the table_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Now, let’s hear what the Minister had to say! - -DUCHESS. Ah, yes! Let’s hear. We’re anxious to know. - -ROGER. He questioned me as to the results of my trip and asked me to -submit my report as soon as possible, promising me a reward on the day -it was handed in. You can guess what that reward will be. (_He touches -the lapel of his coat, as if to show the ribbon of the Legion of Honor_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Officer? That’s all very well, but I have something -better. And then? - -ROGER. Then he asked me to convey to you his kindest regards, and -begged you keep him in mind when that law came up for consideration by -the Senate. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I shall keep him in mind if he keeps me in mind.—You -must set to work on your report at once. - -ROGER. Immediately! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Did you leave cards for the Speaker of the House? - -ROGER. Yes, this morning, and for General de Briais and Mme. de -Vielfond. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Good! It must be known that you have returned. I’ll have -a paragraph sent to the papers.—And one thing more: those articles you -sent back from the East were very good. But I noticed with astonishment -a tendency toward—what shall I say?—imagination, “fine” writing; -descriptions, irrelevancies—even poetry—(_Reproachfully_) Alfred de -Musset, my son! - -DUCHESS. Yes, the article was most interesting: you must be more -careful. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. The Duchess is joking, my dear. But be careful about -poetry; never do it again! You are concerned with serious subjects; you -must be serious yourself. - -ROGER. But I had no idea, Mother!—How can you tell when an article is -serious? - -DUCHESS. (_Holding up a pamphlet_) When the pages aren’t cut! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Your Aunt exaggerates, but take my advice: no more -poetry!—And now, dinner at six. You have an hour to work on your -report. I shan’t keep you any longer. Go to work, my dear. - -DUCHESS. Just a moment! Now that this tender and affecting scene is -over let us talk business, if you please. What about Suzanne? - -ROGER. Oh, the dear child! Where is she? - -DUCHESS. Attending a course of lectures on Comparative Literature. - -ROGER. Suzanne?! - -DUCHESS. Yes, Bellac’s course. - -ROGER. Bellac, who is he? - -DUCHESS. One of this winter’s crop! The season’s fad in scholars. A -gallant knight from the Normal School, who makes love to the ladies, -is made love to by them—and consequently makes a comfortable living. -The Princess Okolitch, who is mad about him, like all the old ladies, -conceived the idea of having him deliver a course of lectures in her -salon, with literature as an excuse, and gossip as a result. It appears -that your pupil, having seen all these grand ladies smitten with this -young, amiable, and loquacious genius, has followed in the footsteps of -her elders. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. It is no use, Duchess—— - -DUCHESS. I beg your pardon; Roger is her tutor and he ought to know -everything! - -ROGER. But what does all this mean, Aunt? - -DUCHESS. It means that Suzanne is in love with this gentleman; now do -you understand? - -ROGER. Suzanne! That child! Nonsense! - -DUCHESS. It doesn’t take so long for a child to change into a woman, -you know. - -ROGER. Suzanne! - -DUCHESS. Well, at least that is what your mother says. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I say that that young lady is openly courting favor with -a man much too serious to marry her, but gallant enough to amuse her, -and to have this going on under my own roof,—though it isn’t as yet -scandalous—is decidedly improper. - -DUCHESS. (_To_ ROGER) Do you hear that? - -ROGER. But, Mother, you surprise me! Suzanne, a little child I left -in short dresses, climbing trees, a child I used to punish with extra -lessons, who used to jump on my knee and call me Daddy—— Come, come! It -is impossible! Such demoralization at her age! - -DUCHESS. Demoralization? Because she is in love! You are a true son of -your mother, if there ever was one! At “her age”! You ought to have -seen me when I was that old! There was a hussar, in a blue and silver -uniform! He was superb! His brains were all in his sword-hilt! But at -my age—! A young heart is like a new land: the discoverer is seldom -the ruler. Now it seems—this Bellac—oh, it doesn’t seem possible, -and yet—young girls, you know—- We must take care! (_Aside_) I don’t -believe a word of it, but I’ll be on my guard!—And that is why I -want you to do me the favor of burying your _Tumuli_ and giving your -attention to her, and her alone. - - (_Enter_ SUZANNE.) - -SUZANNE. (_Stealing up behind_ ROGER, _puts her hands over his eyes_) -Who is it? - -ROGER. (_Rising_) Ehh? - -SUZANNE. (_Stepping in front of him_) Here I am! - -ROGER. (_Surprised_) But,—Mademoiselle! - -SUZANNE. Naughty man! Not to recognize your own daughter! - -ROGER. Suzanne! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) He’s blushing! - -SUZANNE. Well, aren’t you going to kiss me? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Suzanne, that’s not quite the thing—— - -SUZANNE. To kiss your father? The idea! - -DUCHESS. (_To_ ROGER) Kiss her, why don’t you! - - (SUZANNE _and_ ROGER _kiss_.) - -SUZANNE. How happy I am! Just think, I had no idea you were coming -home to-day! Mme. de Saint-Réault told me just now at the lecture; so, -without saying a word—I was right near the door—I whisked out and ran -to the station! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Alone? - -SUZANNE. Yes, all alone! Oh, it was fun! The funniest part—wait till I -tell you! When I got to the ticket office I found I didn’t have a sou, -and, what do you think?—a gentleman who was buying his ticket offered -to buy one for me. Oh, he was a very nice young man! He happened to -be going to St. Germain, too, and when he offered to buy my ticket, -another man offered, too: a respectable-looking old gentleman,—and -then another—and after him, any number of others, who were standing -there. They were all going to St. Germain. “But, Mademoiselle, I beg -you—I really cannot allow you to——” “Allow me—no, me,—I beg you, -Mademoiselle!” I let the old respectable gentleman buy the ticket—for -the sake of appearances. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You allowed him to——? - -SUZANNE. I couldn’t very well stay where I was, could I? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. From a perfect stranger? - -SUZANNE. But he was such a respectable old gentleman! And he was very -nice to me! He helped me into the train. So nice of him! Of course, all -the rest were, too; _they_ all got into the compartment with us.—And -it was so jolly! Such fun! They offered me their places, every one! -They opened the window for me, and then fell all over themselves being -nice to me! “This way, Mademoiselle! Not there, you’ll be in the sun!” -And they pulled down their cuffs, and twirled their moustaches, and -bowed and scraped as if I’d been some grand lady—Oh, it’s fun to go by -yourself! And the respectable old gentleman kept talking all the time -about his immense estates, but what did I care about that? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Why, this is outrageous! - -SUZANNE. But the funniest thing of all was when we arrived, I found -my purse in my pocket; I paid the respectable old gentleman for the -ticket, made a pretty curtsey to the other gentlemen, and then I ran -off. Oh, you should have seen how they all looked at me! (_To_ ROGER) -Just as you do now! Why, what’s the matter? Kiss me again! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_To the_ DUCHESS) There’s an impropriety even worse -than the rest! - -SUZANNE. Impropriety! - -DUCHESS. You see, she’s perfectly innocent! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. A young girl traveling alone in a train! - -SUZANNE. Doesn’t Lucy go out alone? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Lucy is not a girl of sixteen! - -SUZANNE. No: she’ll never see twenty-four again! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Lucy is able to take care of herself. - -SUZANNE. Why? Because of those glasses of hers? - -DUCHESS. (_Laughing_) Now, Suzanne! (_Aside_) I adore that girl! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Lucy wasn’t expelled from the convent! - -SUZANNE. That isn’t fair, and you know it! I was so bored—! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Your tutor knows—— - -SUZANNE. But he doesn’t know why—you’ll see if it wasn’t unfair. When -I used to get bored in class, I sat near the door leading into the -garden. Oh, it was so easy! I had a clever plan! When everything was -as quiet as could be, I shouted at the top of my voice, “Long live -the great Voltaire!” Sister Séraphine at once ordered me to leave the -room. It was perfectly simple, and it only took a moment. One day when -the sun was shining beautifully, I was looking out of the window, -and all at once I shouted, “Long live Voltaire!” I listened, there -was no answer. I shouted again, “Voltaire!” Silence again! Very much -surprised, I turned around: the Mother Superior was there: I hadn’t -heard her come in! Tableau! But she didn’t send me into the garden, oh, -no! She sent me here! I didn’t care! I had had enough of that convent -life.—I’m a woman now! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Your conduct fails to reveal the fact.—Mme. de -Saint-Réault must be very anxious about you. - -SUZANNE. Oh, the lecture was almost over: she will be here in a moment, -with M. Bellac and the others. Oh, his lecture to-day——! - -DUCHESS. (_Looking at_ ROGER) Hm! - -SUZANNE. And the way those women applauded! And the crowd! And -what wonderful gowns! It was like a wedding at Ste. Clotilde! It -was—(_Throwing a kiss_) superb! - -DUCHESS. (_Looking at_ ROGER) Hm! - -SUZANNE. Superb! You ought to have heard those women! “Charming, -charming!” Madame de Loudan was squeaking like a Guinea-pig. Ugh, ugh! -I detest that woman! - -DUCHESS. (_Looking at_ ROGER) Hm! (_To_ SUZANNE) Are those the notes -you took at the lectures? - -SUZANNE. Oh, I take others besides. (_To_ ROGER) You’ll see! - -DUCHESS. (_To_ ROGER, _picking up the notebook from the table, where_ -SUZANNE _had left it on entering_) Well, let’s see—(_The clock strikes -five_) Oh, and my walk! (_Aside to_ ROGER) Now you understand Bellac’s -role in this matter? - -ROGER. No, I—— - -DUCHESS. Examine it, study it,—it’s a manuscript worth your while -deciphering; that’s your profession. - -ROGER. I don’t understand anything about this? - -DUCHESS. It is your duty, you know, as her tutor. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Aside_) That’s a waste of time! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside, looking at_ ROGER) That has waked him up! - -SUZANNE. (_Aside, looking at all of them_) What are they all up to? - - (_The_ DUCHESS _and_ MME. DE CÉRAN _go out_.) - -SUZANNE. Why do you stare at me? Because I went out alone? Are you -angry? - -ROGER. No, Suzanne, but you ought to know better than to—— - -SUZANNE. Are you angry with me? - -ROGER. No, only—— - -SUZANNE. Then it’s because you consider me a woman now, is it? Do you? -Tell me, I want so much to know! - -ROGER. Yes, you are a woman now, and it is for that very reason that we -must respect the conventions. - -SUZANNE. (_Snuggling up to him_) Scold me, I love to hear you, dear! - -ROGER. (_Gently pushing her away_) There now, stay over there. - -SUZANNE. So you don’t want me to call you “dear,” either? - -ROGER. It would be better not to. - -SUZANNE. That isn’t easy. - -ROGER. And there are other questions of propriety which you must -consider. That is exactly what I was objecting to—— - -SUZANNE. Oh, yes, I know, I have no manners. M. Bellac is never tired -of telling me so! - -ROGER. Ah, Monsieur——? - -SUZANNE. But what can you expect? There is no help for it! It’s not my -fault, I tell you, it’s not my fault. It is not so easy as you think; -I made a vow with myself that when you came back you would find me -just as formal as Lucy, that I would wear myself out learning!—Here -I’ve been studying six months—and then all of a sudden you appear and, -whist—there goes six months’ work for nothing! - -ROGER. (_Reproachfully_) For nothing? - -SUZANNE. Oh, how glad I am you’ve come! Oh, how I love you! I adore you! - -ROGER. Suzanne, Suzanne! I beg of you not to use words that you cannot -possibly understand. - -SUZANNE. What? That I don’t understand? I tell you I adore you! You, -you funny old thing, don’t you love me, too? Why are you so funny? Do -you love me better than Lucy? - -ROGER. Suzanne! - -SUZANNE. Are you sure? You’re not going to marry her? - -ROGER. Suzanne! - -SUZANNE. They told me you were. - -ROGER. Nonsense! - -SUZANNE. Then why do you write to her?—Oh, I know; you’ve written -twenty-seven letters to her—I’ve counted them, twenty-seven! - -ROGER. Those were nothing but—— - -SUZANNE. And one more this morning. Were they all “nothing buts”? What -was in that letter that came this morning? - -ROGER. I merely wrote that I should arrive on Thursday. - -SUZANNE. That you would arrive on Thursday? Was that all, really? But -why didn’t you write to me? Then I’d have been the first to see you. - -ROGER. But haven’t I written to you—often? - -SUZANNE. Often? Ten times. And then nothing but little insignificant -notes at the bottom of someone else’s letter—the kind you’d write to a -baby. I’m not a baby any longer: I’ve been thinking a lot these last -six months; I’ve learned a heap of things. - -ROGER. What have you learned? (SUZANNE _leans against his shoulder and -cries_) Why, Suzanne, what’s wrong? - -SUZANNE. (_Wiping her eyes and trying to laugh_) And then I’ve worked—! -Oh, how I worked! Piano, that horrid piano—I’m up to Schumann now, -that’s proper enough, isn’t it? - -ROGER. Oh! - -SUZANNE. Shall I play you something of his? - -ROGER. Not now, later! - -SUZANNE. All right.—And I’ve learned so much! - -ROGER. You are attending Professor Bellac’s lectures, aren’t you? So -he’s taken my place! - -SUZANNE. Yes, he’s been so nice! I love him, too. - -ROGER. Indeed! - -SUZANNE. Are you jealous of him? - -ROGER. I? - -SUZANNE. Tell me if you are; I’ll understand. I’m so jealous! But why -should _you_ be? You’re my father, aren’t you? - -ROGER. Oh, your father—— - -SUZANNE. What’s wrong? Be nice to me, the way you used to! - -ROGER. The way I used to? Oh, no! - -SUZANNE. Yes, the way you used to! (_She attempts to embrace him_) - -ROGER. No, no, no, Suzanne, don’t do that! - -SUZANNE. Why not? - -ROGER. Come now, that’s enough! Run away now! (_Sits on the sofa_) - -SUZANNE. I like you that way! - -ROGER. Be a little bit reasonable. - -SUZANNE. Oh, we’ve had enough reasonableness for to-day. (_She ruffles -his hair, laughing_) - -ROGER. Run away, now! A big girl like you! - -SUZANNE. (_Jealously_) If I were only Lucy—— - -ROGER. Now, now! Please, dear! - -SUZANNE. There, you said “dear.” Forfeit! (_She sits on his knee and -kisses him_) - -ROGER. Again! - -SUZANNE. All right, again! (_She kisses him_) - -ROGER. (_Repulsing her as he rises_) This is too much! - -SUZANNE. I’m an awful tease, am I not? Well, I’ll get my notebooks for -you: they’ll calm us down a little. (_She stops in the doorway and -looks at him_) Oh, here are the ladies and M. Bellac! What! Lucy in an -evening gown? Wait one moment! (_She runs out_) - -ROGER. (_Agitated_) This is decidedly too much! - - (_Enter the_ DUCHESS.) - -DUCHESS. Well? - -ROGER. Well—— - -DUCHESS. How excited you look! - -ROGER. You see, she was so affectionate—too affectionate! - -DUCHESS. Yes, I advise you to complain! See what I have found! (_She -takes a mounted photograph from between the leaves of_ SUZANNE’S -_notebook_) - -ROGER. A picture—— - -DUCHESS. Of the Professor, yes—— - -ROGER. In her notebook. - -DUCHESS. But look here—— - -ROGER. May I——? - -THE LADIES. (_Outside_) What a lovely lesson! Magnificent! - -DUCHESS. There’s the beautiful object! Surrounded by his bodyguard! - - (_Enter_ BELLAC, MADAME ARRIÉGO, MADAME DE LOUDAN, MADAME DE - SAINT-RÉAULT, MADAME DE CÉRAN, _and_ LUCY.) - -MME. DE SAINT-RÉAULT. Superb! Simply superb! - -BELLAC. Oh, spare me, Madame de Saint-Réault! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Ideal! I call it ideal! - -BELLAC. Marquise! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. Beautiful! It stirred me to the depths of my being! - -BELLAC. Oh, Madame Arriégo! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Ladies, there is only one thing to say about it all! M. -Bellac was so eloquent that he was positively dangerous! But then—isn’t -he always a little dangerous? - -BELLAC. Please, Madame de Loudan! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. I’m simply mad about your genius! Yes, indeed, mad! -And about you, too! Oh, I don’t hide it. I tell everyone about it! -Brazenly! You are one of the gods on my Olympus! You have become a -fetish to me! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. You know, I have his autograph in my pocket! (_Displays -locket_) There! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_Shows a pen which she carries in the bosom of her -gown_) And I carry one of his pens! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside to_ ROGER) Silly sheep! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_To_ MME. DE CÉRAN) Ah, Countess, I didn’t see you at -the lecture to-day? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Introducing_ ROGER) Here is my excuse! Ladies, my son! - -LADIES. Ah, Count! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. The exile has returned! - -ROGER. (_Bowing_) Ladies! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Introduces_ BELLAC _to her son_) Monsieur Bellac—Count -Roger de Céran! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. I see that your excuse was a good one—but Lucy? - -LUCY. I was busy here. - -MME. DE LOUDAN. How could _you_ stay away, his Muse? - -BELLAC. (_Gallantly_) Ah, Marquise, I can only say that _you_ were -there! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. He is charming! (_To_ LUCY) You don’t know what you -missed. - -LUCY. Oh, I know—— - -MME. ARRIÉGO. No, she can have no idea! It was a burning flame, a fire -of passion! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. What flowing eloquence! What delicacy of imagination! - -BELLAC. With such an audience, who could not be eloquent? - -DUCHESS. And what was the subject to-day? - -LADIES. LOVE! - -DUCHESS. (_To_ ROGER) Of course! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. So poetic! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. And so scientific! He is half psychologist, half -dreamer; he plays with the scalpel as well as the lyre! It was—there -was only one thing I couldn’t agree with: that the basis of love is -instinct. - -BELLAC. But, Marquise, I was speaking of—— - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Oh, no, no! - -BELLAC. I was speaking of love in Nature! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Instinct! The idea! Ladies, come, we must defend -ourselves! Help me. Come to the rescue, Lucy! - -BELLAC. She will not help you, Marquise; she agrees with me. - -MME. DE SAINT-RÉAULT. Is it possible, Lucy? - -LUCY. Instinct? - -MME. DE SAINT-RÉAULT. In love? - -MME. DE LOUDAN. That would be robbing the soul of its most precious -possession: according to you, then, Lucy, nothing is good, or bad. - -LUCY. (_Coldly_) There is no question about good or bad, Madame, it is -merely a question of the existence of the species. - -LADIES. (_Protesting_) Oh! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) She’s prosaic enough about it! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_Indignantly_) Why, you’re stripping love of all its -romance! - -LUCY. Hunter and Darwin—— - -MME. DE LOUDAN. No one better than I knows the weaknesses of the flesh. -Matter dominates and masters us! I know it, I feel it! But leave us at -least the psychic refuge of pure ecstasy! - -BELLAC. But, Marquise—— - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Be quiet, you’re a villain! I will not deny my god; -that would be sacrilege. I’m very angry with you! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) Little fool! - -BELLAC. I hope we shall be reconciled, after you read my book. - -MME. DE LOUDAN. But when will that be? The entire world is waiting for -that book! And you don’t say a word about it! You won’t even tell us -the title! - -LADIES. Tell us the title! At least the title! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. Lucy, you make him tell us. - -LUCY. Well, what is the title? - -BELLAC. (_To_ LUCY, _after a moment’s hesitation_) “Miscellanies.” - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Oh, how lovely! But when does it appear? - -BELLAC. I am hurrying it through the press, and I count on its helping -me to the honor to which I aspire. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. To which you aspire? - -MME. ARRIÉGO. What more can he wish? - -MME. DE LOUDAN. What more can the child of Fortune wish? - -BELLAC. Poor Revel is on his last legs, you know. In the event of -anything happening to him, I have announced myself as candidate for the -position of director of the New School. - -DUCHESS. (_To_ MME. DE CÉRAN) Number three! - -BELLAC. Ladies, if Revel should die—which God forbid!—I recommend -myself to your good graces, and your influence. - -LADIES. You may count on us, Bellac! - -BELLAC. (_Approaching the_ DUCHESS) And you, Duchess, may I hope——? - -DUCHESS. You mustn’t ask me anything before dinner. The weakness of the -flesh “dominates me,” as Madame de Loudan says. (_The clock strikes_) -There, you have only fifteen minutes! Get dressed at once, and we’ll -talk the matter over at table. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. At table? But M. Toulonnier hasn’t arrived yet, Duchess. - -DUCHESS. That makes no difference to me. We dine sharp at six, whether -he is here or not. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Dine without him, a General Secretary? - -DUCHESS. Oh, under the Republic! - - (_Enter_ SUZANNE, _with her notebooks under her arm; she puts them on - the table, right_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I am going to meet him. (_To_ BELLAC) My dear Professor, -you will be shown to your room. (_She rings and, a moment later, enter_ -FRANCOIS) - -BELLAC. Pray don’t trouble, Countess, I have the good fortune to know -the way. (_Aside to_ LUCY) Did you get my letter? - -LUCY. Yes, but—— - -(BELLAC _makes a sign for her to be silent, bows and goes out, right_.) - -MME. DE LOUDAN. And now, ladies, let us adjourn and make ourselves -beautiful! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. Come! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Come with me, Lucy. - -LUCY. With pleasure, Madame! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. In that gown? Are you not afraid of the seductive charm -of this spring evening, my dear? - -LUCY. Oh, I shan’t be cold! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. You are a true daughter of the Land of Fogs! I am very -much afraid of the night air! - - (MADAME DE LOUDAN _goes out with_ MADAME ARRIÉGO, _left_. _As_ - LUCY _starts to follow_ MADAME DE CÉRAN _into the garden, she is - intercepted by_ FRANCOIS.) - -FRANCOIS. I still can’t find the pink paper, Mademoiselle. - -SUZANNE. (_Picking up a pink paper which she has knocked off the table, -while putting her notebooks on it. Aside_) A pink paper! (_She looks at -the paper_) - -LUCY. Ah, yes, the letter we were looking for this morning! - -SUZANNE. (_Aside, quickly hiding the letter behind her back_) That you -were looking for this morning! - -LUCY. (_As she is leaving the room_) Never mind looking for it now. -(_She goes out into the garden_; FRANCOIS _follows her_) - -SUZANNE. (_Looking at_ LUCY _as_ ROGER _enters_) The letter this -morning! - - (_Enter the_ DUCHESS.) - -DUCHESS. How’s this? You’re not ready yet? Nor you? What are you doing -here? - - (SUZANNE _looks at_ ROGER _without answering_.) - -ROGER. (_To the_ DUCHESS) Ah, these are the notebooks! Give them to me, -Suzanne. (_He goes to her, she hands them to him, looking at him in -silence_) What’s the matter with her? - -DUCHESS. Let me look at those notebooks! - - (ROGER _goes to the_ DUCHESS, _who is seated left_. SUZANNE, _to the - right of the table, tries without being seen to open the paper which - she holds in her left hand_.) - -ROGER. (_Looking at_ SUZANNE—_astonished_) That’s strange! - -DUCHESS. (_To_ ROGER, _drawing him toward her_) Come here, closer—my -eyes are bad—— - -ROGER. (_Lowering the notebooks, as he steals a glance at_ SUZANNE. -_Suddenly he seizes the_ DUCHESS _by the arm, and whispers_) Aunt! - -DUCHESS. (_To_ ROGER, _aside_) What’s the matter now? - -ROGER. Look! But don’t turn your head! She’s trying to read something! -A letter, you see! She’s trying to hide it, don’t you see? - -DUCHESS. Yes! - -SUZANNE. (_Who has opened the letter; reading_) “I shall arrive -Thursday.” (_Astonished_) From Roger! The one Lucy got this morning! -(_She looks at the letter_) But why is it written that way, without -any signature? (_Continues reading_) “This evening at ten; in the -conservatory. Say you have a headache.” Ah! - -DUCHESS. What can it be? (_Calling_) Suzanne! - -SUZANNE. (_Surprised; puts the letter behind her back, and goes toward -the_ DUCHESS) Yes, Aunt? - -DUCHESS. What are you reading there? - -SUZANNE. I, Aunt? Nothing. - -DUCHESS. I thought that—come here! - -SUZANNE. (_Slipping the letter under the books on the table, as she -goes toward the_ DUCHESS) Yes, Aunt? - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) This is curious! - -SUZANNE. (_Near the_ DUCHESS) What is it, Aunt? - -DUCHESS. Get my mantle for me. - -SUZANNE. (_Hesitating_) But—— - -DUCHESS. You don’t care to? - -SUZANNE. Oh, certainly, Aunt! - -DUCHESS. It’s in my room; hurry! (SUZANNE _goes out. To_ ROGER) Quick! -On the table! - -ROGER. What? - -DUCHESS. The letter! She’s hidden it! I saw her! - -ROGER. Hidden it? (_He goes to the table and looks for the letter_) - -DUCHESS. On the corner, there! Under the black book. Don’t you see -anything? - -ROGER. No—oh, yes!—a pink paper. (_He takes the letter and brings it to -the_ DUCHESS, _reading it as he walks_) Oh! - -DUCHESS. What is it? - -ROGER. (_Reading_) “I shall arrive Thursday.” From Bellac! - -DUCHESS. (_Snatching the letter from him and reading it_) From—? But it -isn’t signed. And the handwriting——? - -ROGER. Yes, disguised. Oh, he’s a crafty one! But “I shall arrive -Thursday” applies to me as well as to him! - -DUCHESS. (_Reading_) “This evening at ten in the conservatory. Say you -have a headache.” A rendezvous! (_Giving him the letter_) Quick, put it -back, I hear her coming! - -ROGER. (_Agitated_) All right. (_Puts letter back in place_) - -DUCHESS. Come now. - -ROGER. Very well. - -DUCHESS. Hurry up! (ROGER _resumes his position by the side of the_ -DUCHESS) And be calm! Here she is. (SUZANNE _re-enters. The_ DUCHESS -_turns over the leaves in the notebook_) Well, these are very good, -very good! - -SUZANNE. Here’s your mantle, Aunt. - -DUCHESS. Thank you, dear. (_Aside to_ ROGER) Speak up. - - (SUZANNE _goes to the table, takes the letter, glances through it, - turning away as before_.) - -ROGER. (_Agitated_) There are—well—er—certain—you have made wonderful -progress—er—I am astonished—(_Aside to_ DUCHESS, _pointing to_ SUZANNE) -Aunt! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) Yes, she’s picked it up again; I saw her. (_The -dinner-gong sounds_) The second bell! Hurry and get dressed, Suzanne! -You’ll never be ready in time. - -SUZANNE. (_Aside as she looks at_ ROGER) A rendezvous! With Lucy! Oh! - - (_She goes up to_ ROGER _without saying a word and, looking him - straight in the eye, takes her notebooks out of his hand, tears them - and throws the pieces angrily to the floor; then she goes out_.) - -ROGER. (_Astonished; turning to the_ DUCHESS) Aunt! - -DUCHESS. A rendezvous! - -ROGER. With Bellac! - -DUCHESS. Nonsense! - -ROGER. (_Falling into a chair_) Who could have imagined such a thing! - - (_Voices heard outside. The door at the back opens._) - -DUCHESS. (_Looking out_) Ah, here comes Toulonnier! And everybody, -_and_ dinner, too! Quick, go and dress! It will calm your nerves; -you’re very pale. - -ROGER. Suzanne! It’s not possible! (_He goes out_) - -DUCHESS. No, it’s not possible! And yet——! - - (_Enter_ MADAME DE CÉRAN, TOULONNIER, M. _and_ MME. DE SAINT-RÉAULT - _and a moment later_, LUCY, MADAME DE LOUDAN, MADAME ARRIÉGO, _with_ - BELLAC _in their midst_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Introducing_ TOULONNIER _to the_ DUCHESS) The -Secretary General, Aunt. - -TOULONNIER. (_Bowing_) Madame la duchesse! - -DUCHESS. My dear Monsieur Toulonnier, we were just going to sit down -without you. - -TOULONNIER. I hope you will pardon me, my dear Duchess, but—business, -you know! We are literally up to the ears in work. You’ll permit me to -leave early, I trust? - -DUCHESS. With pleasure! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Embarrassed_) Ah, Monsieur Bellac! - -TOULONNIER. (_To whom_ MME. DE CÉRAN _introduces_ BELLAC) Monsieur! -(_He and_ BELLAC _shake hands and talk_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Coming to the_ DUCHESS) Be nice to him, Aunt; please. - -DUCHESS. Your Republican friend? Nonsense! A man who gives us twenty -minutes of his time as if he were a king! The idea! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You will at least allow him to escort you to the table? - -DUCHESS. I should think not! Keep him yourself! I’ll take little -Raymond. He’s much more amusing. - - (_Enter_ ROGER, _dressed for dinner_.) - -ROGER. (_To the_ DUCHESS, _frightened_) Aunt! - -DUCHESS. Well, what is it now? - -ROGER. Oh, something—I just overheard something in the corridor -upstairs. It’s unbelievable. - -DUCHESS. Well, what? - -ROGER. I didn’t see who was speaking, but I’m sure I heard—— - - (RAYMOND _and_ JEANNE _enter furtively_.) - -DUCHESS. Well, what? - -ROGER. The sound of a kiss! What do you think of that? - -DUCHESS. Of a what? - -ROGER. Yes, I’m sure I heard it! - -DUCHESS. Well, who—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Introducing to_ TOULONNIER) Monsieur Paul Raymond, -Sub-prefect of Agenis. - -RAYMOND. Monsieur le Secrétaire-Géneral! (_Introducing_ JEANNE) Madame -Paul Raymond. - - (SUZANNE _enters, wearing an evening gown._) - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_Seeing_ SUZANNE) Ohh! - -BELLAC. Ah, my young pupil! - - (_Murmurs of astonishment._) - -ROGER. (_To the_ DUCHESS) Look, Aunt! _Décolletée!_ It’s disgraceful! - -DUCHESS. I don’t think so. (_Aside_) She’s been crying. - -FRANCOIS. (_Announcing_) Dinner is served. - -ROGER. (_Approaching_ SUZANNE, _who is conversing with_ BELLAC) I must -know! (_Offering her his arm_) Suzanne! (SUZANNE _looks at him coldly -and takes the arm of_ BELLAC, _who is speaking with_ LUCY) - -BELLAC. (_To_ SUZANNE) How the rest will envy me, Mademoiselle! - -ROGER. (_Aside_) This is too much! (_He offers his arm to_ LUCY) - -DUCHESS. What does this mean?—Come, Raymond, give me your arm. (RAYMOND -_approaches her_) My friend, one must suffer much before one becomes a -Prefect! - -PAUL. The suffering is by no means unpleasant, Duchess. - -DUCHESS. You’re going to sit next to me at the table. We’ll slander the -Government! - -PAUL. Oh, Duchess! And I one of her servants! Oh, no!—But there is -nothing to prevent my listening to you! - - - _Curtain._ - - - - - ACT II - - - (_Same scene as_ ACT I.) - - (BELLAC, TOULONNIER, ROGER, PAUL RAYMOND, MADAME DE CÉRAN, MADAME - DE LOUDAN, _the_ DUCHESS, SUZANNE, LUCY, JEANNE, _seated in a - semi-circle, listening to_ SAINT-RÉAULT, _who is finishing his - lecture_.) - -SAINT-RÉAULT. And make no mistake about it! Profound as these legends -may appear because of their baffling exoticism, they are merely—my -illustrious father wrote in 1834—elemental, primitive imaginings, in -comparison with the transcendental conceptions of Brahmin lore gathered -together in the Upanishads, or indeed in the eighteen Paranas of Vyasa, -the compiler of the Veda. - -JEANNE. (_Aside to_ PAUL) Are you asleep? - -PAUL. No, no—I hear some kind of gibberish. - -SAINT-RÉAULT. Such, in simple terminology, is the _concretum_ of the -doctrine of Buddha.—And at this point I shall close my remarks. - - (_Murmurs. Some of the audience rise._) - -SEVERAL VOICES. (_Weakly_) Very good! Good! - -SAINT-RÉAULT. And now—(_He coughs_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Eagerly_) You must be tired, Saint-Réault? - -SAINT-RÉAULT. Not at all, Countess! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. Oh, yes, you must be; rest yourself. We can wait. - -_Several Voices._ You must rest! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. You can’t always remain in the clouds. Come down to -earth, Baron. - -SAINT-RÉAULT. Thank you, but—well, you see, I had already finished. - - (_Everybody rises._) - -SEVERAL VOICES. So interesting!—A little obscure!—Excellent!—Too long! - -BELLAC. (_To the ladies_) Too materialistic! - -PAUL. (_To_ JEANNE) He’s bungled it. - -SUZANNE. (_Calling_) Monsieur Bellac! - -BELLAC. Mademoiselle? - -SUZANNE. Come here, near me. - - (BELLAC _goes to her_.) - -ROGER. (_Aside to the_ DUCHESS) Aunt! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside to_ ROGER) She’s doing it on purpose! - -SAINT-RÉAULT. (_Coming to table_) One word more! (_General surprise. -The audience sits down in silence and consternation_) Or, rather a -favor!—This study of mine, of which, in spite of the narrow limits and -popular character made necessary by my audience—— - -DUCHESS. He is polite, isn’t he? - -SAINT-RÉAULT. The importance will perhaps have been realised,—this -study, I say, was in 1821, sixty years ago, begun, or—I will go so far -as to say, discovered by the genius whose son I have the honor to be—— - -PAUL. (_To_ JEANNE) He’s standing in a dead man’s shoes! - -SAINT-RÉAULT. This trail which he has blazed, I, too, have followed, -and not without distinction, if I may be permitted to say so. Another, -coming after us, has tried to snatch a few words of wisdom from -the eternal Verity of the Sphinx, until our time unfathomed in any -theogony. I speak of Revel, highly esteemed both as scholar and -gentleman. My illustrious father is dead, and Revel is not long for -this earth—if he has not already passed away. Therefore I alone am left -monarch of this new domain of science of which my father, Guillaume -Eriel de Saint-Réault, was the discoverer. I, alone! (_Looking at_ -TOULONNIER) May those who govern us, those who are invested with power -and authority, those upon whom will devolve the delicate task of -choosing a successor to our lamented colleague—whom perhaps we shall -mourn to-morrow—may these eminent men (_Looking at_ BELLAC, _who is -speaking with_ TOULONNIER) in spite of the more or less legitimate -solicitations to which they are prey, make an impartial, enlightened -choice, determined solely by the threefold requirements of age, -aptitude and acquired experience—a choice of a successor worthy to my -illustrious father, and of the great work which is his,—and of which, I -repeat, I am the sole living representative. - - (_Everyone rises. Applause and general confusion. Meanwhile servants - enter with refreshments._) - -SEVERAL VOICES. Splendid! Bravo! - -PAUL. At last I understand what he’s driving at! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. A candidate for Revel’s place! - -BELLAC. In the Academy, the New School, in everything! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Aside_) I might have expected it! - -SERVANT. (_Announcing_) The General! Comte de Briais!—Monsieur Virot! - - (_Enter the_ GENERAL _and_ M. VIROT.) - -GENERAL. (_Kissing_ MADAME DE CÉRAN’S _hand_) Countess! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Ah, Senator—— - -VIROT. (_Kissing_ MADAME DE CÉRAN’S _hand_) Madame la comtesse! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_To_ VIROT) Too late! my dear Deputy, too late! - -GENERAL. (_Gallantly_) One cannot come too early to your salon, -Countess! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Monsieur de Saint-Réault was speaking; can one say more? - -GENERAL. (_Bowing to_ SAINT-RÉAULT) My loss! - -VIROT. (_Taking the_ GENERAL _to the left_) Well, Senator, if the House -passes the law, will you vote it down? - -GENERAL. Of course—at least the first time! The Senate must do that -much. - -VIROT. Ah! Duchess! - - (_Together with the_ GENERAL, _they go to greet the_ DUCHESS. PAUL - RAYMOND _and_ JEANNE _slip out of the room into the garden_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_To_ SAINT-RÉAULT) You surpassed yourself this evening, -Saint-Réault! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. Yes, you surpassed yourself. There is no other word for -it. - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Ah, Baron, Baron, what a world you have opened up to -us! How captivating are these first stammering professions of primitive -faith! And that Buddhist Trinity, oh, I’m quite mad about it! - -LUCY. (_To_ SAINT-RÉAULT) Pardon my boldness, Monsieur, but in your -enumeration of the Sacred Books, it seemed to me that you omitted -something. - -SAINT RÉAULT. (_Piqued_) Ah, you think so, Mademoiselle? - -LUCY. I did not hear you mention either the _Mahabharata_ or the -_Ramayana_. - -SAINT RÉAULT. But those are not the Sacred Books, they are merely -poems whose ancient origin rendered them objects of veneration to the -Hindoos. They are works of literature, merely. - -LUCY. But nevertheless, the Academy of Calcutta—— - -SAINT-RÉAULT. I merely give you the opinion of the Brahmins! You have -another of your own? - -SUZANNE. (_Loudly_) Monsieur Bellac! - -BELLAC. Mademoiselle? - -SUZANNE. Give me your arm; let’s take a little walk. I want the air! - -BELLAC. But, Mademoiselle—— - -SUZANNE. Don’t you wish to? - -BELLAC. But just at this time——? - -SUZANNE. Do come! (_She almost drags him out_) - -ROGER. (_To the_ DUCHESS) She’s going out with him! - -DUCHESS. Follow them!—Wait, I’ll go with you—I need a breath of air -myself; he’s put me to sleep with his Brahmins, the old fakir! (_They -go out_) - -TOULONNIER. (_To_ SAINT-RÉAULT) Very learned and full of new ideas—(_In -an undertone_) I caught that hint of yours, my dear Baron. There was -really no need. We are all on your side. (_They shake hands_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_To_ SAINT-RÉAULT) I beg your pardon! (_Aside to_ -TOULONNIER) You won’t forget my boy? - -TOULONNIER. I shall no more forget my promise than—I will yours. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You understand, you will receive your six votes in the -Senate. You understand also that on the publication of his report—— - -TOULONNIER. You are well aware, Countess, that we are all on your side. - -PAUL. (_To_ JEANNE, _as they come in from the garden_) That time they -_did_ see us! - -JEANNE. It was too dark to see anything under the trees. - -PAUL. We were almost caught before dinner. Twice would be too much! I -don’t want to risk it. - -JEANNE. Didn’t you promise to kiss me every time we were in the dark? -Yes or no? - -PAUL. (_Excitedly_) Do you want to be the wife of a Prefect? Yes or no? - -JEANNE. (_Equally excited_) Yes, but meanwhile I’m not going to be his -widow! - - (MADAME DE CÉRAN _goes to them_.) - -PAUL. (_Aside to_ JEANNE) The Countess! (_Aloud_) Really, Jeanne, you -prefer the _Bhagavata_? - -JEANNE. Oh, the _Bhagavata_, my dear—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Did you understand any of that mass of erudition, -Madame? Poor Saint-Réault seemed particularly wordy and obscure this -evening! - -PAUL. (_Aside_) The jealous rival! - -JEANNE. But towards the end, Countess, he was clear enough. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Ah, yes, about his candidacy; you understand? - -JEANNE. Well, after all, if faith requires science to support it, has -not science some need of faith?—as Monsieur de Maistre has said. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Very good indeed! I must introduce you to a gentleman -who will be very useful to you: General de Briais, the Senator. - -JEANNE. And how about the Deputy, Countess? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Oh, the Senator is more powerful! - -JEANNE. But the Deputy is more active! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Really, my dear Raymond, you are very fortunate. -(_Pressing_ JEANNE’S _hand_) And so am I! (_To_ JEANNE) Good—I’ll -introduce you to both! - -PAUL. (_Following_ JEANNE, _who follows_ MME. DE CÉRAN) Angel! - -JEANNE. Aren’t we going where it’s dark pretty soon? - -PAUL. Yes, my angel, but wait until the rest are gone! I’ll tell you: -while the tragedy is being read! - -SERVANT. (_Announcing_) Madame la baronne de Boines—Monsieur Melchior -de Boines! - - (_Enter_ MME. DE BOINES _and_ MELCHIOR.) - -BARONESS. (_To_ MADAME DE CÉRAN, _who is about to receive her_) Ah, my -dear, am I in time? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You are too late for Science, too early for Poetry! I am -waiting for my poet. - -BARONESS. Who is he? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. An unknown. - -BARONESS. Young? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I know nothing whatsoever about him, but I am assured -that this is his first work. Gaiac is bringing him—you know Gaiac, of -the _Conservateur_? They should have been here at nine. I can’t imagine -what keeps them. - -BARONESS. I shall profit by the circumstance, for I came to see neither -scholar nor poet. I came to see _him_, my dear: Bellac! Think of -it, I’ve never met him! He is so attractive, they tell me! Princess -Okolitch is quite mad about him, you know. Where is he? Oh, show him to -me, Countess! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I was just looking for him, and I—(_Seeing_ BELLAC -_enter with_ SUZANNE) There! - -BARONESS. Is that he, coming in with Mlle. de Villiers? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Astonished_) Yes! - -BARONESS. How lovely he is, dear! Isn’t he handsome! And you let him go -about with that young girl! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Aside—looking at_ SUZANNE _and_ BELLAC) That’s -strange—— - -MELCHIOR. And may I shake hands with Roger? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I doubt if you can at this moment. He must be hard -at work. (_Enter the_ DUCHESS _and_ ROGER. _Aside, looking at these -latter_) What’s this—and with the Duchess? - -ROGER. (_To the_ DUCHESS, _greatly agitated_) Well, did you hear, Aunt? - -DUCHESS. Yes, but I saw nothing. - -ROGER. It was certainly a kiss, that time! - -DUCHESS. And a good smack! Who is there here who would kiss like that? - -ROGER. Who, indeed? - -DUCHESS. (_Seeing_ MADAME DE CÉRAN, _as she approaches them_) Your -mother! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. How is this, Roger, aren’t you supposed to be at work? - -ROGER. No, Mother, I—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Well, well, what about your _Tumuli_? - -ROGER. I have plenty of time: I can work on it to-night, and later in -the week. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. The idea! The Minister is waiting! - -ROGER. Let him wait, Mother! (_He goes away_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Stupefied_) Duchess, what does this mean? - -DUCHESS. Tell me, isn’t someone going to read us some sort of nonsense -this evening? Some tragedy——? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Yes. - -DUCHESS. Your reading is to be in the next room, isn’t it? Get the -people out of here, will you? I shall need this room at once. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Why? - -DUCHESS. I’ll tell you during the tragedy. - -SERVANT. (_Announcing_) Monsieur le vicomte de Gaiac! Monsieur des -Millets! - - (_Enter_ DE GAIAC _and_ DES MILLETS.) - -DUCHESS. Well—I—look at your poet! There he is! - -SEVERAL VOICES. The poet!—The young poet!—Where?—Where is he? - -GAIAC. Will you ever forgive me, Countess? I was kept at the office. -(_Aside_) I was writing up your _soirée_!—Monsieur des Millets, my -friend the tragic poet, whose talent you will soon have an opportunity -of appreciating. - -DES MILLETS. (_Bowing_) Madame la comtesse! - -DUCHESS. (_To_ ROGER) So that is the young poet! He’s an odd one! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. (_Aside to the other ladies_) How awful! - -BARONESS. He’s gray! - -MME. DE SAINT-RÉAULT. Bald! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. He has no talent: he’s much too ugly, my dear! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. We are very happy, Monsieur, my guests and I, to be -favored with your presence! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_Approaching him_) A virgin triumph, Monsieur! How -grateful we are! - -DES MILLETS. (_Confused_) Ah, Madame! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. And it is really your first work, Monsieur? - -DES MILLETS. Oh, but I have written several poems! - -GAIAC. Crowned by the Academy, Madame la comtesse. - -JEANNE. (_To_ PAUL, _admiringly_) Crowned! - -PAUL. (_To_ JEANNE) _Mediocritas!_ - -MME. DE CÉRAN. And this is your first attempt in the realm of the -drama? Ah, well, maturity of years guarantees maturity of talent! - -DES MILLETS. Alas, Madame la comtesse, the play was written fifteen -years ago! - -LADIES. Fifteen years!—Is it possible?! Really? - -GAIAC. Ah, Des Millets has faith in his work! We must encourage those -who have faith, should we not, ladies? - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Of course! We must encourage the tragic form, must we -not, General? Tragedy—— - -GENERAL. (_Interrupting himself in his conversation with_ VIROT) Eh? -Oh, yes, tragedy! _Horace!_ _Cinna!_ Of course, we must! Tragedy is -necessary for the masses—(_To_ DES MILLETS) May we have the title? - -DES. MILLETS. _Philippe-Auguste!_ - -GENERAL. Fine subject! Good military subject!—In verse, isn’t it? - -DES MILLETS. Oh, General! A tragedy——! - -GENERAL. A good many acts, I suppose? - -DES MILLETS. Five. - -GENERAL. Ha! Ha! Good! Good! - -JEANNE. (_Aside to_ PAUL) Five acts! How lovely! We’ll have plenty of -time——! - -PAUL. Sh-h! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. The road to Parnassus is long! - -MME. DE SAINT-RÉAULT. What a mighty effort! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. It must be encouraged! - - (SUZANNE’S _laugh is heard above the murmur of the conversation_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Suzanne! - -DUCHESS. (_To_ MADAME DE CÉRAN) Lead out young Euripides and his press -agent! Get rid of the lot of them! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Now ladies, shall we go into the large drawing-room and -hear the reading? (_To_ DES MILLETS) Are you ready, Monsieur? - -DES MILLETS. As you please, Madame la comtesse. - -PAUL. (_Aside to_ JEANNE) Age before beauty! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Come, ladies! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_Intercepting her_) Oh, but first, Countess, let -us—the ladies and me—carry out our little plot! (_Going to_ BELLAC, -_and saying with an air of supplication_) Monsieur Bellac? - -BELLAC. Marquise? - -MME. DE LOUDAN. I want to ask a great favor of you. - -BELLAC. (_Graciously_) The favor which you ask me becomes as nothing in -comparison with the favor you do me in asking it so charmingly. - -LADIES. Oh, how lovely! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. This poetic tragedy will doubtless occupy the remainder -of the evening; it will certainly prove a fitting climax!—Please say a -few words beforehand—as few as you like! Of course, Genius must not be -overtaxed! But, please just a few words. They will be received like the -Manna of old! - -SUZANNE. Please, Monsieur Bellac! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. Be generous! - -BARONESS. We throw ourselves at your feet! - -BELLAC. (_Defending himself_) Oh, ladies! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Come to our assistance, Lucy—you, his Muse! _You_ plead -with him! - -LUCY. Of course; I ask him now. - -SUZANNE. And I, I want him too! - -VOICES. Oh, oh! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Suzanne! - -BELLAC. Well, since you force me—— - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Oh, he will! Quick, a chair! - - (_Commotion about_ BELLAC.) - -MME. ARRIÉGO. A table. - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Shall we make a circle? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Give him a little room, ladies. - -BELLAC. Pray, no formality! - -VIROT. (_To the_ GENERAL) You must be careful, the law is very popular. - -LADIES. Sh-h! - -BELLAC. Please, no stage-setting—nothing that— - -VIROT. Well, yes—but the voters? - -GENERAL. My position is perfectly safe! - -LADIES. Sh-h! Oh, General! - -BELLAC. Nothing to suggest the school-room, the platform, or pedantry. -Please, ladies, let it be an informal chat: ask me no questions. - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_With clasped hands_) Oh, Monsieur Bellac, tell us -about your book! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. (_With clasped hands_) Yes the book! - -BARONESS. (_With clasped hands_) Your book, yes! - -SUZANNE. (_With clasped hands_) Oh, Monsieur Bellac! - -BELLAC. Irresistible supplications! And yet I must protect myself; -until everyone shall have the opportunity of seeing my book, no one -shall. - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_With meaning_) Mm—_no_ one? - -BELLAC. Ah, Marquise, “Take care! There may be a secret!” as Fontenelle -said to Mme. de Coulanges. - -LADIES. Charming! Charming! - -BARONESS. (_Aside to_ MME. DE LOUDAN) How clever! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. He is more than clever. - -BARONESS. What then? - -MME. DE LOUDAN. His wit has wings; you’ll see. - -BELLAC. This is neither the time nor the place, you will admit, ladies, -to plumb the depths of certain of those eternal problems and mysterious -enigmas of life and the Beyond which harass and torment noble souls, -like your own! - -LADIES. Ah, the “Beyond,” my dear, the “Beyond!” - -BELLAC. But, aside from this, I am quite at your service. There is one -point, however, which comes to my mind, a point eternally discussed and -never settled, upon which I ask your leave to say a few words. - -LADIES. DO, do! - -BELLAC. I shall speak, then with a threefold purpose:—first, to fulfill -your request, ladies; (_Looking at_ MME DE LOUDAN) to bring back a -friend who has been led away.—— - -BARONESS. (_Aside to_ MME. DE LOUDAN, _who modestly drops her eyes_) -That is you, my dear! - -BELLAC. (_Looking at_ LUCY) And to combat an adversary who has proved -exceedingly dangerous—in more ways than one. - -LADIES. That means Lucy!—It is Lucy!—Lucy! - -BELLAC. My subject is—Love! - -LADIES. (_Approving_) Ahh!—Ahh! - -DUCHESS. For a change! - -SUZANNE. Bravo! - - (_Low murmurs._) - -JEANNE. (_To_ PAUL) That young lady is feeling very fit, it seems! - -BELLAC. Concerning love!—The weakness which is a strength!—The -sentiment which is a faith! The only religion, perhaps, which knows no -scoffers! - -LADIES. Ah!—Charming!—Charming! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_To the_ BARONESS) Ah, the wings, my dear—the wings! - -BELLAC. I spoke this morning—in the course of my lecture on German -Literature at the Princess’s—of a certain philosopher who made instinct -the basis and the rule of all our actions and all our thoughts. - -LADIES. (_Protesting_) Oh!—Oh!—Oh! - -BELLAC. And now, ladies, I take occasion emphatically to declare that -that opinion is not my opinion, and that I deny the theory with every -fiber of my soul and being! - -LADIES. Good! Excellent! - -BARONESS. (_Aside to_ MME. DE LOUDAN) What pretty hands! - -BELLAC. No, ladies, no! Love is not, as the German philosopher has it, -a purely specific passion; a deceitful illusion shackling mankind in -order to work its own ends! No, a hundred times no! if we have souls! - -LADIES. Yes!—Yes— - -SUZANNE. Bravo! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside to_ ROGER) She is certainly doing that on purpose! - -BELLAC. Leave to the Sophists and to vulgar natures such soul-stunting -theories; do not even consider them; answer them with silence, the -language of the outcast! - -LADIES. Charming!—Charming!—— - -BELLAC. God forbid I should go so far as to deny the sovereign -influence of beauty over the uncertain wills of men! (_Looking about -him_) I see too much about me by way of refutation to that argument! - -LADIES. Ah!—Ah! - -ROGER. (_To the_ DUCHESS) He looked at _her_! - -DUCHESS. Yes. - -BELLAC. But above this material and mortal beauty, there is another, -time-defying, invisible to the naked eye, which the soul of purity -serenely contemplates and cherishes with an unearthly love. That love, -ladies, is the true Love, the mingling of two spirits, their flight far -from the terrestrial mire—into the infinite blue of the ideal! - -LADIES. Bravo! - -DUCHESS. (_To herself, rather loudly_) Nonsense! - -BELLAC. (_Looking at her_) That love, mocked at by some, unknown to -most,—I declare, my hand on my heart, that it does exist! In the souls -of the elect, as Proudhon says—— - -VOICES. (_Protesting_) Oh, Proudhon——! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Oh, Bellac! - -BELLAC. A writer whom I am astonished to find myself quoting—I beg your -pardons! In the souls of the elect, there is nothing of earth. - -LADIES. How delicate! Charming! - -DUCHESS. (_Bursting forth_) Nonsense! - -LADIES. Oh, Duchess! - -BELLAC. (_Bowing to the_ DUCHESS) And yet, it exists. Noble spirits -have felt it, great poets sung its praises, and in the seats of Heaven, -the apotheosis of our dreams, we see, enshrined about with haloes of -ethereal brightness, those immortal figures, everlasting proof of an -undying and psychic love: Beatrice, Laura—— - -DUCHESS. Laura, the mother of eleven, my dear Monsieur! - -LADIES. Duchess! - -DUCHESS. Eleven! And you call her love psychic! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. They were not Petrarch’s, Duchess; let’s have fair play. - -BELLAC. Héloise—— - -DUCHESS. Oh, she! - -BELLAC. And their sisters of more recent date: Elvira, Eloa, and many -others, known and unknown. That cohort of pure and unknown loves, is -growing from day to day—I call all womankind to witness! - -LADIES. Ah, my dear, how true! - -BELLAC. The soul has a language all its own; its aspirations, its -pleasures and its tortures belong to it: are its very existence. And if -it be chained to the body, it is like the wing of a bird: in order to -raise it to the heights! - -LADIES. Ah, bravo! - -BELLAC. (_Rising_) This is what modern science ought to take into -consideration—(_Looking at_ SAINT-RÉAULT) that science which a leaden -materialism drags down to earth—I shall add, since our venerable -master and friend made an allusion not long since—perhaps a trifle -over-hasty—to a loss which science, I hope, will not have to complain -of—I shall add—(_Looking at_ TOULONNIER, _to whom_ SAINT-RÉAULT _is -speaking_) in fine, this is what _he_ should teach to the youth who -have been under the guidance of Revel, he—whoever he may be—who will -be chosen to carry on the work; and not only (asking the pardon of our -illustrious colleague) upon the insufficient authority vested in those -who have “acquired the right,” or erudition, or age—ought he to base -his claim, but upon the irresistible power of a mind imbued with the -spirit of youth and of a fiery ardor which is not to be extinguished! - -VOICES. Bravo!—Charming!—Exquisite!—Delicious! - - (_Everyone rises. Confused murmurs of conversation. The ladies - surround_ BELLAC.) - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) That for you, Saint-Réault! - -PAUL. (_Aside_) Candidate number two! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Ah, Monsieur Bellac! - -SUZANNE. Dear Professor! - -BARONESS. A veritable banquet of the soul! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. Beautiful! - -BELLAC. Oh, ladies, I have but given words to your ideas. - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Flatterer! Charmer! - -BELLAC. Are we reconciled yet, Marquise? - -MME. DE LOUDAN. How can one be angry with you? (_Introducing the_ -BARONESS) Madame la baronne de Boines—another conquest! She is at your -feet already! - -BARONESS. You made me weep, Monsieur. - -BELLAC. Oh, Madame la baronne! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. Isn’t it superb! - -BARONESS. Superb! - -SUZANNE. And how warm he is! (BELLAC _looks for his handkerchief_) You -haven’t one? Here! (_She gives him her handkerchief_) - -BELLAC. Oh, Mademoiselle! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Suzanne! The idea! - -SUZANNE. (_To_ BELLAC, _as he returns her handkerchief_) Oh, keep it, -I’m going to get you a drink. - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_Going toward the table before which_ SAINT-RÉAULT -_spoke, upon which is a tray and glasses of sugar-and-water_) Here, -drink! - -ROGER. (_Aside to the_ DUCHESS) Look, Aunt! - -DUCHESS. She’s too brazen about it to be in earnest. - -BELLAC. (_Aside to_ LUCY) And are you convinced? - -LUCY. Oh, for my part, the concept of love—No, I’ll tell you later! - -BELLAC. In a little while? - -LUCY. Yes—would you like a glass of water? (_She goes up-stage_) - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_Arriving with a glass of water_) No! Let me! The -god must pardon me: I can offer you only water, as the secret of -Nectar-making is lost! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. (_Arriving with a glass of water_) A glass of water, -Monsieur Bellac? - -MME. DE LOUDAN. No, no—take mine! Mine! - -MME. ARRIÉGO. No, mine! - -BELLAC. (_Embarrassed_) Well, I—— - -LUCY. (_Handing him a glass of water_) Here! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Oh, he’ll choose Lucy, I know!—I’m so jealous!—No, -mine! mine! - -SUZANNE. (_Arriving with another glass of water and forcing it upon_ -BELLAC) No, no, he’ll take mine! Ha, ha! the fourth thief! - -LUCY. But, Mademoiselle—! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. (_Aside_) That little girl has impudence! - -ROGER. (_To the_ DUCHESS, _indicating_ SUZANNE) Aunt! - -DUCHESS. What’s the matter with her? - -ROGER. It’s just since Bellac has come! - - (_The doors are opened and the large drawing-room is seen, lighted._) - -DUCHESS. At last! (_To_ MADAME DE CÉRAN) Take away your company—now is -your chance! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Come, ladies, our tragedy is about to be read! In -the large drawing-room! After the reading we shall take tea in the -conservatory. - -LUCY, BELLAC _and_ SUZANNE. (_Aside_) In the conservatory! - -ROGER. (_Aside to the_ DUCHESS) Did you notice Suzanne? She started! - -DUCHESS. And so did Bellac! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Come, ladies, the Muse is calling us. - - (_The guests pass slowly into the large drawing-room._) - -GENERAL. (_To_ PAUL) What is that, my dear Sub-prefect—three years! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Come, General! - -GENERAL. (_Still talking with_ PAUL) Ah, yes, Countess, the -tragedy!—You are right, one must encourage Art!—Five acts! Oh! - -JEANNE. (_To_ PAUL) It’s settled then, about—later? - -PAUL. Yes, yes, it’s settled. - -GENERAL. (_Returning to_ PAUL) Three years, you say, as Sub-prefect in -the same place? And they say the government isn’t conservative! - -PAUL. That’s pretty good, Senator; excellent! - -GENERAL. Oh! - -TOULONNIER. (_To_ MADAME DE LOUDAN) That’s understood, Marquise! (_To_ -MADAME ARRIÉGO) At your service, my dear madame! - -BELLAC. (_To_ TOULONNIER) Well, General Secretary, may I hope——? - -TOULONNIER. (_Giving him his hand_) It is merely what is due you; you -may count on us! (_He goes off_) - -GENERAL. (_As he comes down to_ PAUL) And what is the spirit of your -_Department_,[3] my dear Sub-prefect? By Jove, you ought to know it, -after three years! - -[3] Modern France is divided into ninety-seven “Departments” which -roughly correspond to the states in the United States. - -PAUL. Well, General, its spirit—why, it—the—its spirit—it hasn’t any!! -(_They go out at the back. As_ SUZANNE _passes the piano she runs her -hand across the keys, making a terrible noise_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Severely to_ SUZANNE) But, Su-zanne! What——! - -SUZANNE. (_As if astonished_) What is it, cousin? - -DUCHESS. (_Stopping her and looking into her face_) What is the matter -with you? - -SUZANNE. (_With a nervous smile_) Me? Oh, I am just amusing myself! - -DUCHESS. What is the matter? - -SUZANNE. Nothing, Aunt, I tell you I am just amusing myself! - -DUCHESS. What is the matter with you? - -SUZANNE. (_Stifling a sob_) Oh, I feel so badly! (_She goes into the -large dining-room and slams the door violently after her_) - -DUCHESS. She’s in love, or I’m no judge—and I _am_ a judge! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_To the_ DUCHESS) But what is the matter? (_To_ ROGER) -Why aren’t you at work on your report? What has happened? Please?! - -ROGER. You were right all the while! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Suzanne——? - -ROGER. Suzanne—and that man!! - -DUCHESS. Stop! You’re going to say something foolish! - -ROGER. But I—— - -DUCHESS. (_To_ MADAME DE CÉRAN) We discovered a letter in her -possession. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. From Bellac? - -DUCHESS. I haven’t the slightest idea. - -ROGER. What? - -DUCHESS. Disguised handwriting—unsigned—not the slightest idea! - -ROGER. Oh, you must have! He’s not running any risks.—I say—— - -DUCHESS. (_To_ ROGER) Keep still! (_To_ MADAME DE CÉRAN) Listen to -this: “I shall arrive Thursday——” - -ROGER. To-day!—Therefore either he or I wrote that letter! - -DUCHESS. Will you be still? “This evening at ten, in the Conservatory.” - -ROGER. “Say you have a headache.” - -DUCHESS. Oh, yes, I forgot: “Say you have a headache.” - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Why, it is a rendezvous! - -DUCHESS. There’s no doubt about it. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. With _her_! - -DUCHESS. I don’t know about that! - -ROGER. But I think—— - -DUCHESS. You think! You think!—When it comes to accusing a woman,—it’s -not enough to “think,” you must _see_, and when you have seen, and seen -and seen again—then, well then, it’s not true anyway! (_Aside_) It’s -good to say these things to the young! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. A rendezvous, what did I tell you?! Well, well, what -more could be expected of her, after all? And in my house! Like a girl -of the streets! Now, Duchess, what are you going to do, tell me that? -I asked them to begin in there without me, but I can’t wait here all -evening! I hear the poet; they’ve begun. Please, what are you going to -do? - -DUCHESS. Do? Stay here.—Quarter to ten; if she keeps the appointment -she must come through here, and then I’ll see him. - -ROGER. But if she goes, Aunt? - -DUCHESS. If she goes, my dear nephew? Well! I shall go too! And without -saying a word, I’ll see where they go. And when I see how matters -stand, then and then only, will it be time to act. - -ROGER. (_Sitting down_) I’ll wait. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. It’s useless for you to wait, my dear, we are here. You -have your _Tumuli_, run along! (_She urges him to the door_) - -ROGER. Please, mother! It’s a matter that—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. It concerns your position. Go now, run away! - -ROGER. (_Resisting_.) I should be very sorry to disobey you, but—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Now, Roger! - -ROGER. Please, mother!—I couldn’t write a line this evening, I am too—I -don’t know what—I am very disturbed. My conscience tells me that I have -not acted toward that young girl as I ought. I’m very—Think of it, -Mother—Suzanne!—It would be awful—! I am in a fearful position. - -DUCHESS. Surely you exaggerate! - -ROGER. (_Flaring up_) Really! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Roger! Roger! What do you mean! - -ROGER. I am her tutor; it is my duty to look after her moral -welfare!—Think of my responsibility; that child’s honor is in my hands! -It is a sacred charge placed in my keeping; if I violate my trust -I should be worse than a criminal. And then you talk to me about -_Tumuli! Tumuli! Tumuli!_ The devil take the _Tumuli_! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Terrified_) Oh! - -DUCHESS. Well, well! - -ROGER. And I say, if this is true, if that cad has dared take advantage -of our hospitality and her innocence, I’m going straight to him and -demand a public apology, do you hear? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. My son! - -ROGER. Before everyone! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. This is madness!—Duchess, forgive him, he’s—— - -DUCHESS. Oho! I like to see him like that, you know! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Roger! - -ROGER. No, mother, this is my affair. I’ll wait here. (_He sits down_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Very well, then, I’ll wait, too. - -ROGER. You? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Yes, and I’ll talk to him. - -DUCHESS. But be careful! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Oh, I’ll be careful enough; but if she persists, I shall -give her my opinion on the subject! I’ll wait. (_She sits down_) - -DUCHESS. Not long! Five minutes to ten! If she is going to have her -headache, it is due about now. (_The door at the back swings open -slowly_) Shhh—— - -ROGER. There she is! - - (_As the door opens, the voice of the poet is heard declaiming._) - - POET. (_Outside_) “Then let me cleanse the earth of this vile brood! - Death’s portal shall not check my vengeance, nor - Shall I retreat before the yawning grave——” - - (JEANNE _appears; closes the door_.) - -DUCHESS. The Sub-prefect’s wife! - -JEANNE. (_Astonished at seeing them_) Oh! - -DUCHESS. Come in, don’t be afraid. It would seem that you have had -enough? - -JEANNE. Oh, no, Duchess, but you see, I—— - -DUCHESS. You don’t care for tragedy? - -JEANNE. Oh, yes, I do! - -DUCHESS. Oh, you needn’t say so to be polite; there are seventeen -others who feel as you do! (_Aside_) What can she be up to?—It wasn’t -interesting, was it? - -JEANNE. Quite the contrary! - -DUCHESS. “Quite the contrary,” as you say to the person who asks you -whether it hurt when he stepped on your foot? - -JEANNE. Oh, not at all! There were some very interesting things—there -was one beautiful line. - -DUCHESS. A whole line? - -JEANNE. And the applause was great. (_Aside_) What shall I do? - -DUCHESS. Ha! Ha! What was the beautiful line? - -JEANNE. “Honor is like a god, a god which—” I’m afraid I misquote it, -and spoil the effect. - -DUCHESS. Keep it, my child, keep it! And now you’re running away like -this in spite of the beautiful line? - -JEANNE. I very much regret having to leave. (_Aside_) What shall I say? -(_Brightening_) Oh!—it was either that I was so uncomfortable where I -was sitting, or because it was so warm—I don’t feel very well! - -DUCHESS. Ah! - -JEANNE. My eyes are—I can’t see straight—I have a headache—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN, DUCHESS, ROGER. (_Rising_) A headache?! - -JEANNE. (_Alarmed—aside_) What’s the matter with them? - -DUCHESS. (_After a short pause_) That’s not surprising: there is an -epidemic of headaches. - -JEANNE. You have one too? - -DUCHESS. I? No! One doesn’t have them at my age! You must do something -for it, my child. - -JEANNE. I’m going to take a little walk. You’ll excuse me, won’t you? - -DUCHESS. Of course; by all means! - -JEANNE. (_Holding her head between her hands, and going toward the -door_) Oh, how it aches! Ah! (_Aside_) Paul will find an excuse to get -away! (_She goes out through the door leading to the garden_) - -DUCHESS. (_To_ ROGER) Do you think so? Do you think so? - -ROGER. Oh, Aunt, it’s only a coincidence! - -DUCHESS. Possibly; you know how easily one may be mistaken, and one -must never—(_The door of the drawing-room opens_) Ahh, _this_ time! - -VOICE OF THE POET. (_Heard through the partially opened door as before_) - - “And though there were a hundred, nay a thousand——” - -DUCHESS. Euripides is still at it! - -VOICE OF THE POET. - - “Unarmed, unaided, would I brave their threats, - And make the cowards own their cowardice!” - - (LUCY _appears_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN _and_ ROGER. Lucy! - - (LUCY _goes to the door leading into the garden_.) - -DUCHESS. What, Lucy! Why did you leave the reading? - -LUCY. (_Stopping_) I beg your pardon; I didn’t see you! - -DUCHESS. And yet they say there was a beautiful line: - - “Honor is like a god——” - -LUCY. (_Starting to go_) “Like a god which——” - -DUCHESS. Yes, that’s the one. (_The clock strikes ten._ LUCY _is now at -the door_) And in spite of that, you are determined to go? - -LUCY. Yes, I want a breath of fresh air: I have a headache. (_She goes -out_) - -DUCHESS, ROGER, _and_ MME. DE CÈRAN. (_Sitting down_) Oh! - -DUCHESS. Well, well! This is getting interesting! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Another coincidence! - -DUCHESS. Another? No, not this time! Don’t you think so? Then all of -them are—! Except Suzanne’s case! Come, now, there’s something in the -air. She will not come! I’m willing to wager she won’t come. (_The -drawing-room door opens suddenly, and through it is heard a voice in -the throes of tragic agony_) There she is! - - (_Enter_ SUZANNE _hastily, as though looking for someone_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Rising_) You are leaving the reading, Mademoiselle! - -SUZANNE. (_Impatiently_) Yes, cousin! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Stay here! - -SUZANNE. But, cousin—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Stay! Sit down! - -SUZANNE. (_Dropping on to a piano-stool, and abruptly turning to each -person who addresses her_) Well? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. And why, may I ask, did you leave the reading? - -SUZANNE. Why should I let myself be bored by that old gentleman? - -ROGER. Is that the true reason? - -SUZANNE. I went out because Lucy went out, if you must know! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Miss Watson, Mademoiselle? - -SUZANNE. Yes, indeed: Miss Watson, the pink of perfection, the _rara -avis_—she may do as she likes, but I——! - -ROGER. You, Suzanne? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Let me speak to her! But you Mademoiselle, run about the -streets alone! - -SUZANNE. The way Lucy does! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. And you dress most outrageously. - -SUZANNE. The way Lucy does! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You monopolise M. Bellac and talk to him affectedly—— - -SUZANNE. The way Lucy does! I suppose she doesn’t speak to him, does -she? And to Monsieur, too! (_Indicating_ ROGER) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Oh, but in private! You understand me perfectly. - -SUZANNE. Let’s not talk about “in private!” When anyone has a secret, -he _writes_ it—(_Aside to_ ROGER _between her teeth_) in a disguised -hand! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. What? - -ROGER. (_Aside_) Aunt! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) Shh! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Well? - -SUZANNE. Well, Lucy speaks to whomever she likes; Lucy goes out -whenever she wants to; Lucy dresses just as she likes. I want to do -just like Lucy, because every one loves her! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. And do you know why everyone loves her, Mademoiselle? -Because, in spite of her plainness—a necessary consequence of her -nationality—she is serious, dignified and cultured— - -SUZANNE. (_Rising_) And what about me? Haven’t I been all that? For -the last six months up to this very evening at five o’clock, I worked -hard without resting, and I studied as much as she did; and I learned -as much as she did: “objective” and “subjective” and all that! And -what good did it all do me? Does anyone love me better for it? Doesn’t -everyone always treat me just as if I were a little girl? Everyone!! -Everyone!! (_Looking sidewise at_ ROGER) Who pays any attention to me? -Suzanne, Suzanne!! What does Suzanne count for! And all because I’m not -an old English woman! - -ROGER. Suzanne! - -SUZANNE. Yes, defend her! Oh, I know what to do in order to please -you! Here! (_Taking the_ DUCHESS’S _lorgnette and putting it up to her -eyes and looking through it_) How esthetic! Schopenhauer! The Ego, the -non-Ego! Et Cetera, nyah! nyah! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. We can dispense with your impertinence, Mademoiselle! - -SUZANNE. (_Bowing ceremoniously_) Thank you, cousin! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Yes, impertinence! and your absurd pranks—— - -SUZANNE. Well, what can you expect from a “street gamin” like me! No -wonder I don’t behave any better! (_A little excited_) Of course I -misbehave! I do it on purpose and I’ll continue to do it! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Not under my roof! - -SUZANNE. I did go out with Monsieur Bellac, and I spoke with Monsieur -Bellac, and I have a secret with Monsieur Bellac! - -ROGER. You dare——! - -SUZANNE. And he knows more than you do! And he’s more of a man than you -are! And I like him better than you! I love him! I love him! I love him! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I sincerely hope that you do not realize the gravity of -what you are saying! - -SUZANNE. I _do_ realize it! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Then listen to me! Before you commit any more of the -follies you are threatening us with, think the matter over! You, -least of all, Mademoiselle de Villiers, can afford to have a scandal -connected with _your_ name! - -DUCHESS. Take care, take care! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Well, Duchess, she ought to know, at least—— - -SUZANNE. (_Holding back her tears_) I do know! - -DUCHESS. You know? What? - -SUZANNE. (_Throwing herself into the_ DUCHESS’S _arms and crying_) -Aunt! Aunt! - -DUCHESS. There, there, Suzanne, my child! (_To_ MME. DE CÉRAN) That was -considerate of you—to start that here! (_To_ SUZANNE) There, there, -what is it you know? (_She takes_ SUZANNE _on her knees_) - -SUZANNE. (_Weeping and talking at the same time_) W-what? I—I don’t -know! But I do know there is something against me—and there has been -for a long time! - -DUCHESS. Why, what makes you think——? - -SUZANNE. Nobody, everybody. People look at you and whisper and stop -talking when you come into the room and kiss you, and call you poor -little thing!—If you think children don’t notice those things! - -DUCHESS. (_Wiping her eyes_) Now, dear, dear! - -SUZANNE. And it was just the same at the convent! I knew I wasn’t -like the other girls. Oh, I could see that. They always talked to me -about my father and my mother, and why? Because I didn’t have any! -And once, during recess, I was playing with a girl!—I don’t remember -what I’d done to her—She was furious—and all of a sudden she called me -“Miss Foundling!” She didn’t know what it meant, neither did I! Her -mother had used the word in speaking about me. She told me afterward, -after we had made up.—Oh, I was so unhappy! (_Sobbing_) We looked the -word up in the dictionary, but we didn’t find anything—or we didn’t -understand—(_Angrily_) What did they mean? What have I done that makes -me any different from anybody else? That everything I do is bad? Is it -my fault? - -DUCHESS. (_Kissing her_) No, my child, no my dear! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I am sorry—— - -SUZANNE. (_Sobbing_) Well, then, why does everybody blame me if it -isn’t my fault? Here I seem to be in the way! I know I don’t want to -stay any longer. I am going! Nobody loves me! - -ROGER. (_Deeply moved_) Why do you say that, Suzanne? It’s not so. -Everybody here—I—— - -SUZANNE. (_Angrily as she rises_) You! - -ROGER. Yes, I? And I swear—— - -SUZANNE. You!—Go away from me! I hate you and I never want to see you -again! Never! Do you hear! (_She goes toward the door leading into the -garden_) - -ROGER. Suzanne! Suzanne! Where are you going? - -SUZANNE. I’m going for a walk! For that matter, I am going where I -please! - -ROGER. But why now? Why are you going out? - -SUZANNE. Why? (_She comes down to him_) Why?? (_Looking him in the -eye_) Why? I have a headache! (_All rise_. SUZANNE _goes out_) - -ROGER. (_Agitated_) Well, Aunt, it’s clear now, isn’t it? - -DUCHESS. Less and less! - -ROGER. I shall see him at once! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. What are you going to do? - -ROGER. Merely to do as my aunt has suggested: get to the bottom of the -affair. And I swear if that man—that if it’s true—if he has dared—! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. If he has I shall show him to the door! - -DUCHESS. If he has, I’ll see that he marries her! (_Following_ SUZANNE) -Only, if it isn’t true—well, we’ll see! Come! (_She tries to make_ -MME. DE CÉRAN _go out. Loud applause is heard from the adjoining room; -indistinct murmurs of conversation and moving of chairs_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Well! - -DUCHESS. What’s that I hear? Another beautiful line? No, it’s the end -of the act. Quick, before they come in!! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. But my guests? - -DUCHESS. They’ll go to sleep again without your help! Come, come! - - (_They go out. The door at the back opens. Through it are seen guests - in groups, with_ DES MILLETS _in the centre of one_.) - -LADIES. Beautiful!—Great Art!—Very noble! - -PAUL. (_On the threshold of the door_) That act is charming! Don’t you -think so, General? - -GENERAL. (_Yawning cavernously_) Charming! Four to come! - - (PAUL _skilfully maneuvers so that he reaches the door leading to the - garden and disappears through it_.) - - - _Curtain._ - - - - - ACT III - - - SCENE: _A large conservatory lighted by gas. A tiny fountain playing - in the center of a basin; furniture, chairs, clumps of shrubbery; - large plants behind which one might easily slip and hide._ - - (_The_ DUCHESS _and_ MME. DE CÉRAN _enter, right. They look about - stealthily and consult together in low tones._) - -DUCHESS. No one? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. No one. - -DUCHESS. Good! (_She walks toward the center of the stage, then -pauses_) Three headaches! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. It’s atrocious that I should be forced to leave the poet -to—— - -DUCHESS. Oh, well, your poet is reading his poetry! A poet who can read -his poems is happy enough! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. But Roger’s conduct has disturbed me! I have never seen -him act that way. What are you doing there, Aunt? - -DUCHESS. I’m stopping the water so that I can hear better, my dear. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Why? - -DUCHESS. So that I can hear better, my dear! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. He is in the garden somewhere—following her, watching -for her. What will happen?—Oh, the poor little thing!—Why, Duchess! You -are putting out the gas! - -DUCHESS. No, I’m only turning it down. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Why? - -DUCHESS. So that I can see better, my dear! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. So—? - -DUCHESS. Heavens, the less we are seen the more we’ll see. Three -headaches,—and only one rendezvous! Aren’t you beginning to see, my -dear? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. But what I can’t understand is that Monsieur Bellac—— - -DUCHESS. And what I can’t understand is that Suzanne—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Oh, she! - -DUCHESS. She? Well, you’ll see! They may come now as soon as they wish: -everything’s ready. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. If Roger finds them here together, he might—— - -DUCHESS. Bah! Wait till you see! Wait until you _see_! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. But—— - -DUCHESS. Shh! Didn’t you hear something? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Yes! - -DUCHESS. (_Pushing_ MADAME DE CÉRAN _toward the plant at the right, -down-stage_) Just in time!—Come! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. What, you are going to listen? - -DUCHESS. (_Hidden_) I should think so! There is nothing else to be done -but to listen! There! In that corner we’ll be snug as weasels. If it -becomes necessary, we can come out, rest assured of that! Has somebody -come in? - - (JEANNE _enters quietly_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Looking through the branches which hide her_) Yes! - -DUCHESS. Which of the two? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. _It is she!_ - -DUCHESS. Suzanne? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. No! She’s not in _décolletée_. It’s someone else! - -DUCHESS. Someone else? Who? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. I can’t distinguish! - -JEANNE. But come on, Paul! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. The little Sub-prefect’s wife! - -DUCHESS. Again! - - (PAUL _enters, right, at the back_.) - -JEANNE. What on earth are you doing to that door? - -PAUL. (_Still in the corner, busied with something_) Necessity is the -mother of invention!—I’m just inventing a little necessity. - -JEANNE. What? - -PAUL. That! - -JEANNE. Eh? (_Nervously_) - -PAUL. (_Coming in_) A great success! - -JEANNE. What do you mean? - -PAUL. That! A little burglar alarm I’ve just installed. Yes, a piece -of wood in the door-hinge. By this means, if anyone should come—oh, -not any one in love,—that would be hardly likely in this place!—but -someone who was trying to take refuge here and avoid the tragedy—there -wouldn’t be any danger. He gives the door a push, there is a squeak and -we—whht!—by the other door, eh? Isn’t that a clever invention? I tell -you, we statesmen—! And now, Madame, since we are at last sheltered -from the eyes of the world, I shed the responsibilities of the public -man; the private citizen reappears, and is ready for the flight of -sentiment too long concealed; I now permit you to call me Paul! - -JEANNE. Oh, what bliss! You are too good, P A U L! - -PAUL. I am good because I am at peace; but, kissing me in the -corridors, you know—the way you did when you came to unpack my trunk, -that—— - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) So it was they! - -PAUL. And in the garden, this evening, too—— - -DUCHESS. Again! - -PAUL. Never again, please! It’s entirely too imprudent for this -house!—And what a place! Didn’t I tell you? It’s a shame that in order -to become a Prefect one has to yawn himself to death in this palace of -boredom! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Eh? - -DUCHESS. (_To_ _Madame de Céran_) Listen to that! Listen to that! - -JEANNE. (_Drawing_ PAUL _down beside her_) Come, dear! - -PAUL. (_Sits down, then gets up and walks about, agitated_) What a -house! And the hosts, and the guests, and everybody else! And Madame -Arriégo! And that poet! And the Marquise! And that English iceberg! And -Roger the wooden man! The Duchess is the only one with any common-sense! - -DUCHESS. That for me! - -PAUL. (_With conviction_) But the rest, oh, my, oh, my! - -DUCHESS. And that for you! - -JEANNE. Oh, come, dear, sit by me! - -PAUL. (_Seating himself, and rising again as before_) And the lectures -and the Literature! And Revel’s candidacy! Clever old fox who keeps -dying every evening and coming back to life every morning! (_He starts -to sit down, then he pauses_) And Saint-Réault! Ah! Saint-Réault! And -the _Ramas-Ravanas_ and all the clap-trap about Buddha! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Indignantly_) Oh! - -DUCHESS. (_Laughing to herself_) Oh, he’s so funny! - -PAUL. And the other one, he’s a wonder! Bellac of the many conquests, -with his Platonic love!! - -JEANNE. (_Dropping her eyes_) He’s silly! - -PAUL. (_Sitting_) Don’t you think so? And that tragedy! Oh, that -tragedy! - -JEANNE. But, Paul, what is it? - -PAUL. And old Phillippe-Auguste with his beautiful verse! Why, -everybody has written verse! That’s no reason why he should read it! -I’ve done it myself! - -JEANNE. You, dear? - -PAUL. Yes, I! When I was a poor student I even used to sell it! - -JEANNE. To a publisher? - -PAUL. No, to a dentist! “Fill-iad, Or the Art of Filling Teeth.”—Poem -in three hundred lines!—Thirty Francs—Listen! - -JEANNE. Oh, no! - - PAUL. “O Muse, be there an ill, to man the greatest curse, - Which Heaven in its wrath spreads o’er the universe, - And sorely, you’ll admit, O Muse, good taste offends, - It is that one which oftentimes upon the teeth descends!— - -JEANNE. Oh, Paul! - - PAUL. “Ah, to tear out that tooth, my cup of joy were full! - Nay, friend, it can be cured, stop! do not let them pull! - Oh, never pull a tooth, e’en when it rots—you’ll rue it! - Let it be filled; but choose a clever man to do it! - Protect that little tooth, bi-cuspéd or incisor, - ’Twill sweeten every meal—’twill make your smile seem nicer!” - -DUCHESS. (_Laughing_) Isn’t he amusing! - -JEANNE. What nonsense you talk! Who would ever believe it to see you -in the drawing-room! (_Imitating him_) Ah, yes, Monsieur le sénateur, -the tide of democracy—the treaties of 1815—Oh! Oh! OH! - -PAUL. And you, dear! You certainly have made an impression on the -hostess! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Hmmm? - -PAUL. My compliments! - -JEANNE. But, dearie, I only did what you suggested! - -PAUL. (_Imitating her_) “I only did what you suggested!”—Ah, little -Miss Saintliness with her little voice! Oh, you filled the Countess -full—of Joubert and Latin and Tocqueville—your own manufacture, too! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. What, her own manufacture? - -DUCHESS. She is lovely! I like her all the more! - -JEANNE. Well, I don’t feel any remorse—A woman who puts us in separate -rooms! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Rising_) And suppose I tell her to leave! - -DUCHESS. Be still! - -JEANNE. And it’s just horrid of her! Yes, she does it on purpose! A -woman knows very well that new-married people always—have things to say -to each other. - -PAUL. (_Tenderly_) Yes, always! - -JEANNE. Always? Really?—Always like this? - -PAUL. What a sweet voice you have! I heard it a little while -ago—talking about the treaties of 1815! Soft, sweet, all-enveloping. -Ah, the voice is the music of the heart—as Monsieur de Tocqueville says! - -JEANNE. Oh, Paul! I don’t like you to laugh at such serious things! - -PAUL. Oh, let me be a little nonsensical, please, dear! I’m so happy -here! By Jove, just now I don’t care a rap whether I’m Prefect of -Carcassonne or not! - -JEANNE. It’s always “just now” with me, Monsieur! That’s the difference! - -PAUL. Dear little wife! (_He kisses her hands_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. But such impropriety, I nev— - -DUCHESS. I can’t say that I object to that! - -PAUL. I have a lot of back accounts to settle before I even begin to -collect for the present! When can we get away? Dear little girl, you -don’t know how I adore you! - -JEANNE. Yes, I know—I can judge for myself! - -PAUL. My Jeanne! - -JEANNE. Oh, Paul, say it like that always! Always! - -PAUL. Always! (_Close to her, and very tenderly_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. But, Duchess!! - -DUCHESS. Oh! They’re married, aren’t they! - - (_The door squeaks_; PAUL _and_ JEANNE _spring up, startled_.) - -JEANNE _and_ PAUL. Eh? - -JEANNE. Somebody’s coming! - -PAUL. We must flee—as they say in the tragedy! - -JEANNE. Quick! Quick! - -PAUL. You see? My little invention! - -JEANNE. So soon! What luck! (_They go out, right_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Going left_) Well, it is a fortunate thing that they -were interrupted. - -DUCHESS. (_Following her_) I’m sorry they went—but the funny part is -over now! - - (BELLAC _enters right, at the back_; MADAME DE CÉRAN _and the_ DUCHESS - _hide themselves, left_.) - -BELLAC. What a noise that door makes! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_To the_ DUCHESS, _as before_) Bellac! - -DUCHESS. Bellac! - -BELLAC. One can’t see very well here! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. You see, it’s true!—Everything is true! - -DUCHESS. Everything? No!—Only a little bit. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. The rest is far away. - -DUCHESS. In any case, it’s only a lark, a schoolgirl’s frolic! It can’t -be that—(_The door squeaks_) There she is! Oh, my, how my heart beats! -In cases like this, it’s better to be sure; one can never tell. Can you -see her? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Peering out_) Yes, it’s she; Roger will be here in -a moment, on the lookout for them. Hadn’t we better show ourselves, -Duchess? - -DUCHESS. No, no. I want to see where they stand. I want to catch them -red-handed. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Still looking_) I’m dying of -suspense—_Décolletée_—It’s certainly she. - -DUCHESS. Oh, the little coquette! Let me see! (_She looks through the -leaves_) What’s that? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. What? - -DUCHESS. Look! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Lucy! - -DUCHESS. Lucy! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. What does that mean? - -DUCHESS. I don’t know, but I like that better! - - (PAUL _and_ JEANNE _re-enter, and_ BELLAC _and_ LUCY _conceal - themselves, right_. JEANNE _is behind_ PAUL, _holding him back_.) - -JEANNE. (_To_ PAUL) No, no, Paul, no! - -PAUL. Yes, yes! Let me go a second! I want to see! Nobody could be here -but lovers, at this hour;—and yet, in this house! No, that would be too -much! - -JEANNE. Take care! - -PAUL. Shhh! - -LUCY. Are you there, Monsieur Bellac? - -PAUL. The English girl! - -BELLAC. Yes, Mademoiselle! - -PAUL. And the Professor—the English girl and the Professor! It’s -impossible! Scandal! Would you believe it! An intrigue—a rendezvous! -We’ll stay right here and see what happens! - -JEANNE. What? - -PAUL. After this, you don’t mean to say you want to go? - -JEANNE. Oh, no! (_They hide themselves behind the plants, at the back, -left_) - -LUCY. Are you on this side? - -BELLAC. Here!—I beg your pardon! The conservatory is usually better -lighted—I don’t know why, this evening—(_He walks toward her_) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Aside to the_ DUCHESS) Lucy!—But what about Suzanne? -I’m sure I can’t make it out! - -DUCHESS. Wait a while; we’ll soon see. - -LUCY. But, M. Bellac, what do you mean by this? And your letter this -morning? Why did you write me? - -BELLAC. Because I wanted to talk with you, my dear Miss Lucy. Is this -the first time we have left the others and talked, and exchanged ideas? - -PAUL. (_Struggling to control his laughter_) Oh, exchange ideas! I -never heard it called that before! - -BELLAC. Surrounded as I am here, what other means had I of speaking -with you, alone? - -LUCY. What other means? You might simply offer me your arm and leave -the room with me. I’m no French girl! - -BELLAC. But you are in France. - -LUCY. I may be in France, but I still do as I please. I have no use -for secrets, much less such mysteries as this! You disguise your -handwriting, you did not sign your name, you even wrote on pink -paper—how French you are! - -PAUL. (_Aside to_ JEANNE) He’s a born villain! - -BELLAC. How wonderful you are, austere Muse of Knowledge, superb -Polymnia, proud nymph of the cold Pierian Spring—please sit down! - -LUCY. No, no! Now see what all your precautions have come to; I have -lost that letter! - -DUCHESS. (_Rather loudly_) I see! - - (LUCY _starts_.) - -BELLAC. What is it? - -LUCY. Didn’t you hear——? - -BELLAC. No.—You say you lost——? - -LUCY. What do you suppose the finder of that letter will think? - -DUCHESS. (_Aside to_ MME. DE CÉRAN) Now do you understand? - -LUCY. Of course; there was no envelope or address—— - -BELLAC. Nor my handwriting, nor my signature. You see I wasn’t so -stupid after all! In any case, my intentions were good, my dear Miss -Lucy. Forgive your Professor, your friend, and—and—Sit down, please! - -LUCY. No! Tell me what you have to tell me with so much secrecy, and -we’ll return to the drawing-room! - -BELLAC. (_Detaining her_) Wait! Why didn’t you come to my lecture this -afternoon? - -LUCY. Simply because I spent my time looking for that letter. What have -you to say to me now? - -BELLAC. Are you very anxious to leave me? (_He gives her a packet of -papers tied with a red ribbon_) There! - -LUCY. The proofs! - -BELLAC. (_Agitated_) Of my book! - -LUCY. (_Also moved_) Of your—? Oh, M. Bellac! - -BELLAC. It was my wish to have you see it before anyone else! You only! - -LUCY. (_Taking his hand—effusively_) Oh, my dear friend! My dear friend! - -PAUL. (_As before_) Oh, my, what a gift of love! - - (BELLAC _moves a little to the left_.) - -LUCY. What is it? - -BELLAC. Nothing—nothing.—I thought—Read this book in which I have put -my inmost thoughts, and you will find that we are in perfect accord, I -am sure—except upon one point—Oh, that question——! - -LUCY. Which? - -BELLAC. (_Tenderly_) Is it possible that you really do not believe in -Platonic love? - -LUCY. I? Not in the least! - -BELLAC. (_Graciously_) Very well, but what of our relations? - -LUCY. (_Simply_) Our relations? Friendship! - -BELLAC. (_Playing with the idea_) I beg your pardon! More than -friendship, better than love! - -LUCY. Well, if it’s more than the one and better than the other, then -it’s neither! And now, thank you once more; thank you a thousand times! -But let us go back, shan’t we? (_She starts to go_) - -BELLAC. (_Detaining her_) Wait a moment! - -LUCY. No, no, let us go back! - -PAUL. (_To_ JEANNE) She won’t take the bait! - -BELLAC. (_Always holding her back_) Please wait, I beg you!—Two words! -Two words! Explain to me, tell me—it’s worth the trouble! Come, Lucy! - -LUCY. Come, Bellac! (_Becoming animated, as she passes to the right_) -But see, my friend, listen, M. Bellac—your Platonic love has absolutely -no philosophical basis—— - -BELLAC. Pardon me, that love is a kind of friendship—— - -LUCY. If it’s friendship it is no longer love. - -BELLAC. But it’s a double concept! - -LUCY. If it’s double, it cannot be a unit! - -BELLAC. But there is a fusion! (_He seats himself_) - -LUCY. If it is a fusion, it has no longer an individuality. I’ll -explain my meaning! (_She seats herself_) - -PAUL. (_To_ JEANNE) She’s swallowed the hook! - -LUCY. I deny that any fusion is possible between love, which is based -upon indivisibility, and friendship, which is largely composed of -sympathy; that is to say, that in which the Ego becomes, in a way, the -Non-Ego. I deny absolutely, absolutely——! - -DUCHESS. (_To_ MME. DE CÉRAN) I have often heard people talk about -love, but never that way! - -BELLAC. But, Lucy—— - -LUCY. But, Bellac—Yes or no, the principal factor—— - -BELLAC. But, Lucy—Here’s an example: suppose two beings, two -abstractions, two entities—any man, any woman,—who love each other, but -with an ordinary physiological love—you follow me? - -LUCY. Perfectly! - -BELLAC. Let us suppose these two in the following circumstances; they -are alone at night, together—what would happen? - -DUCHESS. (_To_ MADAME DE CÉRAN) I don’t know, do you? - -BELLAC. Without fail—now pay close attention—without fail, this -phenomenon will take place. - -JEANNE. (_To_ PAUL) It’s so funny! - -PAUL. Do you think so, Madame? - -BELLAC. Both of them, or more probably, one of them, the man—— - -PAUL. (_To_ JEANNE) The male entity! - -BELLAC. Would approach her whom he believes he loves—(_He approaches -her_) - -LUCY. (_Drawing back a little_) But—— - -BELLAC. (_Gently holding her_) No, no, you’ll see! They gaze fixedly -into each other’s eyes, she feels his breath on her cheek, her hair -brushes against his face—— - -LUCY. But, M. Bellac—— - -BELLAC. And then—and then, their Egoes mingle, independently of the Ego -itself, an uninterrupted series of involuntary acts which, by a natural -succession, progressing slowly and inevitably, hurls them, if I may be -permitted the expression, into the maelstrom which, though foreseen, -cannot be avoided—in which Reason and Soul are powerless! - -LUCY. One moment! This process—— - -BELLAC. Listen, listen! Suppose now another couple and another love: a -psychological, not a physiological love—an exception; you still follow -me? - -LUCY. Yes. - -BELLAC. These two, seated side by side, come nearer to each other—— - -LUCY. (_Drawing away_) But that’s the very same thing. - -BELLAC. (_Bringing her back_) Listen to me; there is the slightest -shade of difference. Let me illustrate: they too gaze into each other’s -eyes and they too—— - -LUCY. Well? (_She rises_) - -BELLAC. (_Making her sit down_) But—but—They are oblivious of physical -beauty: it is their souls which commune. They no longer hear each -other’s voices, but rather the palpitation of their thoughts! And then, -finally, by an entirely different process—though springing from the -same source—they too arrive at that obscure and turbulent state of mind -in which the being is ignorant even of its own existence—a delicious -atrophy of the Will which seems the _summum_ and the _terminus_ of -human happiness; they leave the earth to awaken in a free Heaven, for -_their_ love transports them far above the murky clouds of earthly -passion into the pure Ether of the sublimely Ideal! (_A pause_) - -PAUL. (_To_ JEANNE) They’re going to kiss! - -BELLAC. Lucy!! Dear Lucy, don’t you understand? Say that you understand -me! - -LUCY. (_Troubled_) But—it seems to me that these two concepts—— - -PAUL. Oh, the concepts! That’s too much! - -LUCY. The two concepts are identical. - -BELLAC. (_Passionately_) Identical?! Oh, Lucy, you are cruel! -Identical! You must understand that in this case it is entirely -subjective. - -PAUL. Subjective! Oh, I say! - -BELLAC. (_Growing more excited_) Subjective! Lucy! You must understand -me! - -LUCY. (_Greatly moved_) But, Bellac—subjective! - -JEANNE. (_To_ PAUL) He’ll never kiss her! - -PAUL. Then I’ll kiss you! - -JEANNE. (_Defending herself_) Paul! Paul! - - (_Kisses are heard._) - -BELLAC _and_ LUCY. (_Getting up, frightened_) What——? - -DUCHESS. (_Astonished; rising_) What’s this? Are they kissing? - -LUCY. Someone—someone’s there! - -BELLAC. Come, take my hand! - -LUCY. There’s someone listening! I’m sure! - -BELLAC. Come! - -LUCY. I’m fearfully compromised! (_She goes out at the back, left_) - -BELLAC. (_Following her_) I’ll do all in my power—(_He follows her out_) - -PAUL. (_Who, with_ JEANNE, _comes out from the hiding-place_) Platonic -love! Ha! Ha! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) Raymond! - -JEANNE. The Ego! The process! The _terminus_! Ha! Ha! - -DUCHESS. (_Leaving her hiding-place; aside_) Naughty children! Just -wait! (_Quietly approaching them_) - -PAUL. Oh, he’s a regular Tartufe,[4] with his double-meanings! -(_Imitating_ BELLAC) “My dear Mademoiselle; Love is a double concept”—— - -[4] The principal character in Moliere’s famous comedy, “Tartufe,” a -hypocrite, whose name has become proverbial. - -JEANNE. (_Imitating_ LUCY) “But the principal factor”—— - -PAUL. “But, Lucy”—— - -JEANNE. “But, Bellac”—— - -PAUL. “But there is the slightest shade of a difference—Let me -illustrate”—— - -JEANNE. “But they are identical.” - -PAUL. “Identical! You are cruel! It is entirely subjective.” - -JEANNE. “Oh, Bellac, subjective.” - - (_The_ DUCHESS _imitates the sound of kisses by clapping her hands_.) - -PAUL _and_ JEANNE. (_Rising in alarm_) What——? - -JEANNE. Someone! - -PAUL. Caught! - -JEANNE. Someone has been listening! - -PAUL. (_Trying to take her away_) Come, come! - -JEANNE. (_As they go out_) Perhaps they heard what we said before! - -PAUL. “I’ll do all in my power”—! (_They go out left_) - -DUCHESS. (_Laughing_) Ha! Ha! Those ridiculous children! They’re nice, -but they deserve a lesson! I have to laugh! Oh—Lucy—think of it!—She’s -all right! Ah, well, now do you see how matters stand! Suzanne—the -rendezvous—the letter—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Oh, it was Bellac’s letter to Lucy that Suzanne found! - -DUCHESS. She thought it was Roger’s letter to Lucy; that is why she was -so jealous, so furious! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Jealous? You don’t mean to tell me she loves my son? - -DUCHESS. Do you still want him to marry the other girl? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. The other girl? Certainly not! But never Suzanne, Aunt, -never! - -DUCHESS. We haven’t come to that yet! Meanwhile, go and take care of -your tragic poet, and Revel’s successor! I’ll find your son for you, -and see that he gets back his honor! All’s well that ends well! I’m not -nervous now, after all this ado about nothing! But now it’s over; let’s -go! - - (_They are about to go out, left, when the door at the right opens._) - -DUCHESS _and_ MME. DE CÉRAN. What’s this? - -DUCHESS. Again!? Your Conservatory is thick with them! This is lovely! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Who else can it be? - -DUCHESS. Who? (_Struck with an idea_) Oh! (_To_ MME. DE CÉRAN, _placing -her in a corner, left_) Go back to the drawing-room; I’ll tell you -later. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. But, I—— - -DUCHESS. You can’t leave your guests all evening! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Trying to see the newcomers_) Who can it be? - -DUCHESS. (_Still urging her out_) I’ll tell you everything. Quick now, -before—— You can’t—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. That’s so. I’ll come back for the tea. - -DUCHESS. Yes, do that! Quick, quick, now! - - (MME. DE CÉRAN _goes out, left_.) - -DUCHESS. Who can it be? Roger, who is spying on Suzanne, or Suzanne, -who is spying on Roger? (_Looking to the right_) Yes, it’s he, my -Bartolo—(_Looking to the left_) And my little jealous girl, who thinks -Roger is with Lucy, and who would like to see how things are coming -on. That’s it. Headache number three: total quite correct! Oh, if -Fortune doesn’t make something out of this, she is insufferably stupid! -(_Carefully turning down the gas_) We need a little added effect! - - (_Enter_ SUZANNE.) - -SUZANNE. (_Hiding_) I knew very well when he had finished walking -around the garden he would end here in the conservatory; he couldn’t -miss it! - - (ROGER _enters_.) - -ROGER. (_As he hides_) She’s here, I saw her come in! I knew very well -when she had finished walking around the garden she would end here in -the conservatory!—Now I know what to expect! - -DUCHESS. Hide-and-seek! - -SUZANNE. (_Listening_) It seems that—his English lady is late! - -ROGER. (_Listening_) Ahh! Bellac isn’t here yet! - -DUCHESS. They’ll keep this up forever unless I stop it!—Sst! - -ROGER. She’s giving him a signal! Oh, if I only dared, I’d take his -place, since he hasn’t come. That’s the way to find out how they feel -toward one another! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) Come, come!—Sst! - -ROGER. Well, I might as well learn what I can!—Ssst! - -DUCHESS. Well! - -SUZANNE. He thinks I’m Lucy!—Oh, I should like to know what he’d say to -her! - -ROGER. (_In an undertone_) Is it you? - -SUZANNE. (_Softly_) Yes! (_Aside; resolutely_) I’ll do it! - -ROGER. She thinks I’m Bellac! - -DUCHESS. Ahh!—Good! They’re off! (_She disappears behind the plants at -the back, left_) - -ROGER. Did you get my letter? - -SUZANNE. (_Aside—angrily_) Yes, I got your letter! I got it! And you -had no idea that I did, either! (_To_ ROGER; _sweetly_) How else should -I have come to meet you? - -ROGER. (_Aside_) “Meet you”—! This is plain enough!—Oh, the poor -child—Now we’ll see!—(_To_ SUZANNE) I was so afraid you wouldn’t come, -my dear—— - -SUZANNE. (_Aside_) “My dear!” Oh! (_To_ ROGER) And yet you saw me leave -the drawing-room a moment ago, my dear! - -ROGER. (_Aside_) They’re on very familiar terms, aren’t they? There’s -no denying that! I’ve got to know! (_To_ SUZANNE) Why don’t you come -nearer? (_He approaches her_) - -SUZANNE. (_Aside_) Oh, he’ll notice that I’m smaller than <Lucy. (_She -sits down_) This way! - -ROGER. Would you like me to sit beside you? - -SUZANNE. Very much! - -ROGER. (_Aside_) Oh-ho! “Very much!” Strange she does take me for -Bellac! My voice is nothing like his—well, let’s see how this will come -out. (_He sits beside her and, turning his back_) How good of you to -come!—You love me just a little bit dear? - -SUZANNE. (_Turning her back to him_) Oh, yes! - -ROGER. (_Aside; as he rises_) She loves him! Oh, the villain, the -rascal! - -SUZANNE. (_Aside_) What’s the matter with him? - -ROGER. (_Sitting beside her again_) Let me be near you, as I used to -be! (_He takes her hand_) - -SUZANNE. (_Aside, indignantly_) He’s taking her hand! - -ROGER. (_Aside, indignantly_) She lets him take her hand! It’s horrible! - -SUZANNE. Oh! - -ROGER. You’re trembling! - -SUZANNE. Why—— You’re trembling—— - -ROGER. No, it’s you!—Can it be—? (_Aside_) We’ll see! (_To_ SUZANNE) -Are you afraid? - -SUZANNE. (_Aside, indignantly, as she rises_) “You!”[5] - -[5] Roger uses the familiar “tu.” - -ROGER. (_Aside, breathing heavily_) Well, they haven’t got that far -anyway? - - (SUZANNE _comes back, resolutely, and re-seats herself near him in - silence_.) - -ROGER. (_Aside, agitated_) What? More? Well!—(_Aside_) Then you’re not -afraid? - -SUZANNE. Afraid? With you? - -ROGER. (_Aside_) With—! So the cad has gone as far as that! I’ll get -to the bottom of this! It’s my duty! Her moral welfare is in my hands. -(_To_ SUZANNE) Well! In that case, why do you avoid me? (_He draws her -to him_) - -SUZANNE. (_Outraged_) Oh! - -ROGER. Why do you turn from me? (_He puts his arm around her_) - -SUZANNE. Oh!! - -ROGER. Why do you deny me your lips? (_He leans over her_) - -SUZANNE. (_Springing to her feet_) This is too much! - -ROGER. This _is_ too much! - -SUZANNE. Look at me, Suzanne!—Not Lucy, but Suzanne! Do you hear? - -ROGER. And this is Roger! Not Bellac, but Roger, do you hear? - -SUZANNE. Bellac? - -ROGER. My poor child! Then it was true? Oh, Suzanne, Suzanne! How you -have hurt me!—Well, he’s coming—I’ll wait for him! - -SUZANNE. Who? - -ROGER. Don’t you understand, I read the letter! - -SUZANNE. The letter?—I read _your_ letter! - -ROGER. My letter? Bellac’s letter? - -SUZANNE. Bellac’s?—It was from you! - -ROGER. From me? - -SUZANNE. From you! To Lucy! - -ROGER. To Lucy? No! To you! To you! To you! - -SUZANNE. To Lucy! Lucy! Lucy, who lost it! - -ROGER. (_Astonished_) Lost it! - -SUZANNE. I was there when she was asking the servant about it! You -don’t mean to say—? And I found it. - -ROGER. (_Understanding_) You found it? - -SUZANNE. Yes, and I knew everything!—Headache, and rendezvous and all -that. And I wanted to see; so I came and you took me for her—— - -ROGER. I? - -SUZANNE. (_Keeping back her tears_) Yes, you! you!—You took me for her, -you told her you loved her!—Yes, you did!—Then why did you tell me -you didn’t love her? You told me just now—and that you weren’t going -to marry her.—Why did you tell me that? You shouldn’t have done that! -Marry her if you want;—but you shouldn’t have told me. That wasn’t -right—if you loved her—you shouldn’t have—— (_Throwing herself in his -arms_) You shouldn’t have! Oh, don’t marry her! Don’t marry her! - -ROGER. Oh, my dear Suzanne! How happy I am! - -SUZANNE. What? - -ROGER. Then that letter you found wasn’t sent to you? - -SUZANNE. To me? - -ROGER. I didn’t send it—I swear! - -SUZANNE. But I—— - -ROGER. I swear! It was sent to Lucy by Bellac! Now I understand: you -thought—just as I did—— Oh, I see everything now!—Oh, my dear Suzanne, -what an awful fright you gave me! It was fearful! - -SUZANNE. But what about? - -ROGER. What about? Oh—it’s absurd—don’t ask—it was base of me. Forgive -me, I beg you, forgive me! - -SUZANNE. Then you’re not going to marry her? - -ROGER. But I’m telling you——! - -SUZANNE. Then I don’t understand at all. Only tell me you won’t marry -her, and I’ll believe you. - -ROGER. Of course I won’t. What a child you are! Don’t cry, wipe your -eyes, my dear Suzanne, there’s nothing to cry about! - -SUZANNE. I can’t help it! - -ROGER. Why? - -SUZANNE. I have only you in the world! I don’t want you to leave me! - -ROGER. Leave you? - -SUZANNE. (_Sobbing_) You know how jealous I am. You—you can’t -understand that! I saw this evening, when I tried to make you jealous -by talking with M. Bellac, that you didn’t seem to care at all. You -didn’t care anything about me! - -ROGER. I wanted to kill him! - -SUZANNE. To kill him? (_Puts her arms around his neck_) How nice you -are! Then you thought—? - -ROGER. Let’s not say any more about that, it’s all over, forgotten, the -past is dead. Let’s begin all over again: from my arrival—How are you, -Suzanne? How are you, dear? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you! Come -to me, dear, the way you used to! (_He seats himself with her beside -him_) - -SUZANNE. Oh, Roger, how nice you are! What lovely things you say! You -love me better than you love her, then? - -ROGER. (_With feeling_) Love you! But isn’t it my duty to love you? As -a relative, as a tutor, as an honest man? Love you! When I read that -letter I don’t know what happened to me—then I understood how deep my -feelings were—yes, I love you, my dear child, my divine creature! More -than I ever imagined I did! And I want you to know—(_Tenderly_)—don’t -you feel that I love you deeply, dear little Suzanne? - -SUZANNE. (_A little surprised at his vehemence_) Yes—Roger—— - -ROGER. The way you look at me—I frightened you—you don’t believe me—I’m -not used to—I’m not used to saying tender things, I’m awkward—I don’t -know how to say those things—one’s emotions are influenced by maternal -training and you know my mother; she has made a dryasdust scientist -of me. Science has been my sole preoccupation—You have been my sole -distraction—the one ray of sunshine in my dreary youth. You have only -me and I have only you—and I, my dear child, whom else have I to love -but you?—And I didn’t know! You have charmed me as one is charmed by a -child!—With your simplicity, with your grace! I was your teacher, but -your pupil as well. While I was nursing your mind to blossom forth into -thought, you were planting seeds of tenderness in my heart. I taught -you to read, you taught me to—love! It was your tiny pink fingers, the -silk of your golden hair that woke my heart to its first kisses! You -crept into my heart then, and you have grown now until your soul has -filled mine! (_Pause_) Now do you believe me? - -SUZANNE. (_Moved, she rises and speaks in a low voice_) Let’s go! - -ROGER. Why?—Where? - -SUZANNE. (_Troubled_) Away from here. - -ROGER. But why? - -SUZANNE. It’s so dark! - -ROGER. But, just a moment ago—— - -SUZANNE. A moment ago I didn’t see what you meant—— - -ROGER. No, stay, stay! There’s no better place than this. I have so -much to tell you. My heart is so full! I don’t know why I tell you all -this—It’s true—It’s so good to say these things—Ah, Suzanne—stay! Dear -Suzanne—(_He holds her_) - -SUZANNE. No, I beg you! - -ROGER. _You?_[6] - -[6] She uses the formal “vous.” - -SUZANNE. (_More and more troubled_) I—beg you—— - -ROGER. But _only_ a moment ago—— - -SUZANNE. Yes, but now—— - -ROGER. Why? - -SUZANNE. I don’t know, I—— - -ROGER. You’re crying! Have I hurt you? - -SUZANNE. No! No! - -ROGER. Have I offended you, without knowing it? - -SUZANNE. No, no,—I don’t know. I don’t understand. Please, let’s go -away from here! - -ROGER. Suzanne!—I don’t understand!—I can’t see! - - (_The_ DUCHESS _appears_.) - -DUCHESS. And do you know why? It is because neither of you can see -what’s as clear as day! (_She turns up the gas_) There! - -ROGER. Aunt! - -DUCHESS. My dear children, how happy you make me! Go on, kiss your -bride! - -ROGER. (_Not understanding at first_) My bride—Suzanne! (_He looks at -his aunt, then at_ SUZANNE) Ohh! It’s true,—I love her! - -DUCHESS. (_Joyously_) Nonsense! Even when it’s as clear as day? (_To_ -SUZANNE) And how about you? - -SUZANNE. (_With downcast eyes_) Oh, Aunt! - -DUCHESS. It seemed—that you could see all the time! Women’s eyes are a -little better than men’s, eh? That idea of mine to turn down the gas -was splendid. So everything’s going nicely now? Well, there is only -your mother to see! - -ROGER. What? - -DUCHESS. Oh, it will be a little difficult!—Here she is! Here they all -come—The whole tragedy! Shh! Not a word! Leave everything in my hands, -I’ll take care of it. What’s all this? - - (_Enter_ MADAME DE CÉRAN, DES MILLETS, _surrounded by ladies, the_ - GENERAL, BELLAC, LUCY, MADAME DE LOUDAN, MADAME ARRIÉGO, PAUL _and_ - JEANNE; _and the others_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Great news, Aunt! - -DUCHESS. What? - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Revel is dead! - -DUCHESS. You’re fooling! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. It’s in the evening papers. Look! (_She hands her a -paper_) - -DUCHESS. Well—(_Takes the paper and reads it_) - -MME. ARRIÉGO. (_To the Poet_) Beautiful, superb! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Beautiful! Inspired! - -GENERAL. Remarkable! One excellent line! - -Des Millets. Oh, General! - -GENERAL. Yes, indeed! An excellent line! “The”—how does it go? “Honor -is like a god which hath one altar only!” - -PAUL. (_To_ JEANNE) A trifle too many feet! - -BELLAC. (_To_ LUCY, _after looking at paper_) He died at six o’clock! - -SAINT-RÉAULT. (_To his wife, showing her paper_) Yes, at six o’clock. -Oh, I have M. Toulonnier’s promise! - -BELLAC. (_To_ LUCY) Toulonnier gave me a formal promise—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_To the_ DUCHESS) Toulonnier is on our side. - -DUCHESS. Well, where is your Toulonnier? - -SAINT-RÉAULT. He just received a telegram. - -MME. DE CÉRAN. (_Aside_) That confirms the appointment. Good!—But -why—? (_Enter_ TOULONNIER) Ah—At last! - -ALL. It’s he! Ah! Ah! - - (TOULONNIER _comes down-stage, surrounded by the company_.) - -MME. DE CÉRAN. My dear Secretary General! - -SAINT-RÉAULT. My dear Toulonnier! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Well, the telegram——? - -BELLAC. It’s about poor Revel, is it not? - -TOULONNIER. (_Embarrassed_) Yes, about Revel. - -BELLAC. Well, what about him? - -DUCHESS. (_Looking at_ TOULONNIER) It says he isn’t dead! - -MME. DE CÉRAN, BELLAC, _and_ SAINT-RÉAULT. (_Showing the papers_) But -the papers! - -DUCHESS. They’re mistaken! - -ALL. Oh! - -DUCHESS. For once! (_To_ TOULONNIER) Aren’t they? - -TOULONNIER. Well, he’s not exactly dead! - -SAINT-RÉAULT. (_Sinking into a chair_) Yet? - -DUCHESS. And I’ll warrant he’s received another appointment! - -TOULONNIER. Commander of the Legion of Honor. - -SAINT-RÉAULT. Again! - -TOULONNIER. (_Showing his telegram_) It will appear in to-morrow’s -Official! (_To_ SAINT-RÉAULT, _sympathetically_) Believe me, I feel -deeply——! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside, looking at_ TOULONNIER) He knew it before he came -this evening! He’s a good one—I too have some important news to -announce! - -ALL. (_Turning toward the_ DUCHESS) Ahh! - -DUCHESS. Two things! - -LUCY. What? - -MME. DE LOUDAN. What, Duchess? - -BELLAC. What? - -DUCHESS. First, the engagement of our friend, Miss Lucy Watson, to -Professor Bellac! - -ALL. Bellac? What!! - -BELLAC. (_Aside_) Duchess! - -DUCHESS. Ah! You must make some reparation. - -BELLAC. Rep—— Oh! With pleasure! Ah, Lucy! - -LUCY. (_Astonished_) Why, Madame! - -DUCHESS. (_Aside_) Reparation, my child! - -LUCY. None is necessary, because there is nothing to repair! However, -my ideas and my inclinations are in perfect harmony. (_She gives her -hand to_ BELLAC) - -BELLAC. Ah, Lucy! - -DUCHESS. Good! Number one! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. You are the happiest of women, Lucy! - -DUCHESS. Second piece of news! - -MME. DE LOUDAN. Another engagement? - -DUCHESS. Yes. - -MME. DE LOUDAN. It’s a regular festival! - -DUCHESS. The engagement of my dear nephew, Roger de Céran—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Duchess! - -DUCHESS. To a girl who is very dear to my heart—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Oh, Aunt! - -DUCHESS. My sole heir—— - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Your——? - -DUCHESS. My fortune and my family name will be hers! My adopted -daughter, Mademoiselle Suzanne de Villiers de Réville. - -SUZANNE. (_Throwing herself into the_ DUCHESS’S _arms_) Oh, my mother! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. But, Duchess! - -DUCHESS. Find a richer and a nobler name! - -MME. DE CÉRAN. Oh, I’m not saying—and yet—(_To_ ROGER) Consider, Roger—— - -ROGER. I love her, mother. - -DUCHESS. (_Looking about her_) Number two! There remains—(_To_ PAUL) -Come here, will you? What reparation are you going to make? - -PAUL. (_Ashamed_) Ah, Duchess, it was you, then? - -JEANNE. (_Confused_) Ah, Madame, then you heard——? - -DUCHESS. Yes, little trickster, I did. - -PAUL. Oh! - -DUCHESS. But, since you didn’t say too much evil of me, I’ll forgive -you. You’ll be Prefect—— - -PAUL. Oh, Duchess! (_He kisses her hand_) - -JEANNE. Ah, Madame—! “Gratitude,” as Saint-Evremont says—— - -PAUL. What’s the use—now? - - - _Curtain._ - - - - - THE WORLD’S BEST PLAYS - - BY CELEBRATED EUROPEAN AUTHORS - - _A New Series of Amateur Plays by the Best Authors, - Ancient and Modern, Especially Translated with - Historical Notes, Suggestions for Staging, - etc., for the use of Schools, Colleges, - and Dramatic Clubs_ - - BARRETT H. 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A costume piece - laid in 18th century France, the principal character in which is a - good-hearted, though gruff, old uncle. 4 men, 3 women. Price 35 cents. - - - Have you a copy of - “How to Produce Amateur Plays” - BY BARRETT H. CLARK - - - =A Marriage Proposal.= By Anton Tchekoff. 2 men, 1 woman. A comedy - in 1 act, by one of the greatest of modern Russian writers. This - little farce is very popular, and satirizes the people of Russia in an - amusing manner. Price 35 cents. - - =The Green Coat.= By Alfred de Musset and Emile Augier. 3 men, 1 - woman. A slight and comic one-act character sketch of the life of - Bohemian artists in Paris, written by one of France’s greatest poets - and one of her best-known dramatists. Price 35 cents. - - =The Wager.= By Giuseppe Giacosa. 4 men, 4 women. This one-act poetic - comedy, written by the most celebrated dramatist of modern Italy, was - the author’s first work. It treats of a wager made by a proud young - page, who risks his life on the outcome of a game of chess. Price 35 - cents. - - =Phormio.= A Latin comedy in 5 acts. By Terence. 11 men, 2 women. An - up-to-date version of the famous comedy. One of the masterpieces of - Latin drama; the story of a father who returns to find that his son - has married a slave girl. Phormio, the parasite-villain who causes - numerous comic complications, succeeds in unraveling the difficulties, - and all ends happily. Price 35 cents. - - =The Little Shepherdess.= A poetic comedy in 1 act. By Andre Rivoire. - 1 man, 2 women. A charming pastoral sketch by a well-known French poet - and dramatist. Played with success at the Comedie Francaise. Price 35 - cents. - - =The Boor.= By Anton Tchekoff. 2 men, 1 woman. A well-known one-act - farce by the celebrated Russian master; it is concerned with Russian - characters, and portrays with masterly skill the comic side of country - life. 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Price 35 cents. - - - Order a copy to-day through French’s - “How to Produce Amateur Plays” - BY BARRETT H. CLARK - - =The Fan.= Comedy in 3 acts, by Goldoni. Translated by Henry B. - Fuller. 10 males, 4 females. 1 exterior. 18th century costumes. Plays - 2¼ hours. A particularly good translation of this famous and - popular comedy. “The Fan” has long been a favorite, especially for - girls’ Schools and Colleges, because of its grace and charm in showing - the gay and romantic aspects of everyday life in Italy during the - brilliant 18th century. Price 50 cents. - - =The Coffee-House.= Comedy in 3 acts, by Goldoni. Translated by Henry - B. Fuller. 8 males, 2 females. 1 exterior. 18th century costumes. - Plays 2¼ hours. One of the most famous of the Goldoni comedies. - “The Coffee-House” is now for the first time translated into English. - It is a scintillating example of the Italian master at his gayest. For - advanced casts. Price 50 cents. - - =Love in Livery.= (Le Jeu de l’amour et du hasard). Comedy in 3 acts, - by Marivaux. Translated by Harriet Ford and Marie Louise Le Verrier. - 5 males, 2 females. 1 interior. 17th century costumes. Plays a full - evening. A lively and very actable translation of one of the most - delightful and famous of the French classic comedies of manners. “Love - in Livery” has remained a favorite in France for 200 years. It is - pre-eminently suited to production by girls’ schools. A thoroughly - charming old-world comedy. Price 50 cents. - - =Everyman.= The old English morality play, in 1 act. Anonymous. 17 - characters (11 males, 6 females, but these may be taken by all male or - all female cast). Costumes, 16th century. Plays 1¼ hours. The most - beautiful of all the old English religious plays. It is especially to - be recommended to churches and schools. Price 35 cents. - - =The Forest.= Comedy in 3 acts. By Alexander Ostrovsky. 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Price 75 cents. - - -Our new descriptive Catalogue sent free on request - -SAMUEL FRENCH -FOUNDED 1845 INCORPORATED 1899 -Oldest Play Publisher in the World -25 West 45th Street, NEW YORK CITY - - - =The Doctor in Spite of Himself= (Le Medecin malgre lui). By Moliere. - 6 males, 3 females. A famous farce by the greatest of French - dramatists. Sganarelle has to be beaten before he will acknowledge - that he is a doctor, which he is not. He then works apparently - miraculous cures. The play is a sharp satire on the medical profession - in the 17th Century. Price 35 cents. - - =Brignol and His Daughter.= By Alfred Capus. 5 males, 4 females. In - three acts. The first comedy in English of the most sprightly and - satirical of present-day French dramatists. Price 60 cents. - - =Choosing a Career.= By G. A. de Caillavet. Written by one of the - authors of “Love Watches.” A one-act farce of mistaken identity, full - of humorous situations and bright lines. Price 35 cents. - - =French Without a Master.= By Tristan Bernard. 5 males, 2 females. - A clever one-act farce by one of the most successful of French - dramatists. It is concerned with the difficulties of a make-believe - interpreter who does not know a word of French. Price 35 cents. - - =Panurge’s Sheep.= A comedy in one act. By Meilhac and Halevy. A - famous and often-acted little play based upon the obstinacy of a - charming woman, who is finally induced to marry. 1 man, 2 women. Price - 35 cents. - - =The Law-Suit.= (Der Prozess). A comedy in one act. By Roderich - Benedix. A famous comedy by the well-known dramatist—author of “The - Obstinate Family” and “The Third Man.” The play is full of amusing - situations and bright lines. 3 men. Price, 35 cents. - - =The Third Man.= (Der Dritte). A comedy in one act. By Roderich - Benedix. A highly amusing little comedy based upon the obstinacy of - human beings, and proves the truth of the saying that “love finds a - way.” 3 women, 1 man. Price 35 cents. - - =The Sicilian.= (Le Sicilien). A farce in two acts. By Moliere. One of - the lighter comedies of intrigue. This play is laid in Sicily, and has - to do with the capture of a beautiful Greek slave from her selfish and - tyrannical master. 4 men, 3 women. Price 35 cents. - - =Doctor Love.= (L’Amour Medecin). A farce in three acts by Moliere. An - uproarious farce, satirizing the medical profession. Through it runs - the story of a young girl who pretends to be ill in order that she may - marry the man she loves. 5 men, 4 women. Price, 35 cents. - - =The Affected Young Ladies.= (Les Precieuses ridicules). A comedy - in one act by Moliere. The famous satire on intellectual and social - affectation. Like most of Moliere’s plays, the theme in this is - strikingly modern. 3 women, 6 men. Price 35 cents. - - =Crainquebille.= A play in three scenes. By Anatole France. A - delightful series of pictures of Parisian street life, by the author - of “The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife.” 12 men, 6 women. Price 35 cents. - - =The Imaginary Invalid.= Comedy in 3 acts by Moliere. 8 males, 4 - females. 1 interior. Costumes, 17th century. Plays 1¼ hours. A - simple acting version of Moliere’s celebrated comedy. This is an - exceedingly amusing satire not only upon those who imagine they are - ailing but upon human nature in general. Easily produced. Price 50 - cents. - - - Have you a copy of - “How to Produce Amateur Plays” - BY BARRETT H. CLARK - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's Notes - -Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected. Variations -in hyphenation have been standardised but all other spelling, -punctuation and general disregard of accents remains unchanged. - -Italics are represented thus _italic_ and bold thus =bold=. - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Art of being Bored, by Edouard Pailleron - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ART OF BEING BORED *** - -***** This file should be named 53334-0.txt or 53334-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/3/3/53334/ - -Produced by MFR, Les Galloway and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Art of being Bored - A Comedy in Three Acts - -Author: Edouard Pailleron - -Translator: Barret H. Clark - -Release Date: October 21, 2016 [EBook #53334] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ART OF BEING BORED *** - - - - -Produced by MFR, Les Galloway and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - - - - -<p class="blocktext space-below"><span class="large">The Art of Being Bored<br /> -a Comedy in Three Acts:<br /> -by Edouard Pailleron:<br /> -Translated by Barret<br /> -H. Clark</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="large">Samuel French: Publisher</span><br /> -<small>25 West Forty-Fifth St.: New York</small><br /> -Samuel French, Ltd.<br /> -<small>London<br /> -26 Southampton Street, Strand</small></p> - -<p class="center">PRICE 35 CENTS</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - - -<p class="center"><b>THE WORLD’S BEST PLAYS—Continued</b></p> - - -<hr class="full" /> - -<p class="ads"><b>Grammar.</b> (La Grammaire). A farce in 1 act. By Labiche. -An amusing and charming comedy by one of the greatest -of 19th century French dramatists. 4 men, 1 woman. Price -35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>The Two Cowards.</b> (Les deux Timides). A comedy in 1 act. -By Labiche. A very amusing and human little comedy, in -which a strong-willed girl helps her father choose for her -the man she wishes to marry. 2 women, 3 men. Price 35 -cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>Master Patelin, Solicitor.</b> A comedy in 3 acts. One of the most -famous of early French farces. The setting and characters -belong to the late Middle Ages. The play is concerned with -the questionable dealings of a clever lawyer. 7 men, 2 -women. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>Crispin, His Master’s Rival.</b> A comedy in 1 act. By Le Sage. -A famous comedy by the author of “Gil Blas,” concerned -with the pranks of two clever valets. 18th century costumes -and setting. 4 men, 3 women. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>The Legacy.</b> A comedy in 1 act. By Marivaux. A delicate high -comedy of intrigue. Marivaux is one of the masters of old -French comedy, and his play is full of deft touches of -characterization. 2 women, 4 men. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>After the Honeymoon.</b> A farce in 1 act. By Wolfgang Gyalui. -A Hungarian farce full of brilliant dialogue and movement. -1 man, 1 woman. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>A Christmas Tale.</b> A poetic play by Maurice Bouchor. A beautiful -little miracle play of love and devotion, laid in 15th -century Paris. 2 men, 2 women. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>The Fairy.</b> (La Fee). A romantic comedy in 1 act. By Octave -Feuillet. Laid in a hut in Brittany, this little comedy is full -of poetic charm and quiet humor. The element of the supernatural -is introduced in order to drive home a strong lesson. -Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>Jean-Marie.</b> A poetic play in 1 act. By Andre Theuriet. A -dramatic play of Norman peasant life. 2 men, 1 woman. -Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>The Rebound.</b> A comedy in 1 act. By L. B. Picard. A clever -comedy of intrigue, and a satire on social position. 2 women, -5 men. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>Lysistrata.</b> By Aristophanes. An acting version of this brilliant -satire on Athenian foibles. 4 men, 5 women, 1 child. -Chorus of old men and one of Greek matrons, about 15 in -each. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>Rosalie.</b> By Max Maurey. 1 man, 2 women. A “Grand Guignol” -comedy in 1 act, full of bright and clever dialogue. Rosalie, -the stubborn maid, leads her none too amiable master and -mistress into uncomfortable complications by refusing to -open the front door to a supposed guest of wealth and influence. -Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="ads"><b>The Art of Being Bored.</b> (Le Monde ou l’on s’ennuie). A -comedy in 3 acts. By Edouard Pailleron. 11 men, 9 women. -Probably the best-known and most frequently acted comedy -of manners in the realm of 19th century French drama. It is -replete with wit and comic situations. For nearly forty -years it has held the stage, while countless imitators have -endeavored to reproduce its freshness and charm. Price 50 -cents.</p> -<hr /> - -<p class="center"> -Every amateur actor and producer should have<br /> -<big>“How to Produce Amateur Plays”</big><br /> -BY BARRETT H. CLARK<br /> -</p> - - - - -<p class="center spaced"> -<big>THE WORLD’S BEST PLAYS</big><br /> -BY CELEBRATED EUROPEAN AUTHORS<br /> -<small>BARRETT H. CLARK<br /> -General Editor</small><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - - -<h1> -The<br /> -ART OF BEING BORED</h1> - -<p class="center space-below"><i>A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS</i></p> - -<p class="center space-below"><small>BY</small><br /> -EDOUARD PAILLERON</p> - -<p class="center space-below"><i><small>Translated by</small></i><br /> -BARRETT H. CLARK</p> - -<p class="center space-below"><span class="smcap"><small>Copyright, 1920, by Samuel French</small></span></p> - - - - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr> - <td align="center"><small>NEW YORK</small><br /> - SAMUEL FRENCH<br /> - <small>PUBLISHER</small><br /> - 25 WEST 45<span class="smcap">TH</span> STREET - </td> - <td align="center"><small>LONDON</small><br /> - SAMUEL FRENCH, <span class="smcap">Ltd.</span><br /> - <small>26 <span class="smcap">Southampton Street</span></small><br /> - STRAND<br /> - </td> -</tr> -</table></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<h2 id="EDOUARD_PAILLERON">EDOUARD PAILLERON</h2> - - -<p>The author of “Le Monde où l’on s’ennuie” was -born at Paris in 1834. Besides this, his masterpiece, -he wrote numerous comedies, sentimental and satirical. -Pailleron is in no way concerned with problems -or “ideas”; he is content to depict the foibles -and affectations of society, framing his observations -into a harmonious and unified whole. This play was -first produced, at Paris, in 1881, and has since held -the stage.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The scenery and costumes are modern.</p> - -<p>Owing to the large number of characters, some -attention must be paid to the grouping of stage pictures. -The stage-directions, if carefully followed, -will supply sufficient information to enable the -director to group the actors without difficulty.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - - - -<p class="center space-above">THE ART OF BEING BORED</p> -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center">PERSONS IN THE PLAY</p> - - -<ul class="cast"> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Bellac</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Roger de Céran</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Paul Raymond</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">General de Briais</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Virot</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Francois</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Gaiac</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Melchior de Boines</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Des Millets</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Duchesse de Réville</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Madame de Loudan</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Jeanne Raymond</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Lucy Watson</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Suzanne de Villiers</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Countess de Céran</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Madame Arriégo</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Madame de Boines</span></li> -<li class="names"><span class="smcap">Madame de Saint-Réault</span></li></ul> - - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <i class="stage-direction">A drawing-room in</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran’s</span> -<i class="stage-direction">château at</i> <span class="smcap">Saint Germain</span>.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">3</span></p> - - - - -<p class="half-title">The Art of Being Bored</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<h2 id="ACT_I">ACT I</h2> - - - - -<p class="hang"><i class="stage-direction">A drawing-room, with a large entrance at the back, -opening upon another room. Entrances up and -down stage. To the left, between the two -doors, a piano. Right, an entrance down-stage; -farther up, a large alcove with a -glazed door leading into the garden, left; a -table, on either side of which is a chair; to the -right, a small table and a sofa, armchairs, etc.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking among the papers which -litter the table</i>) It couldn’t be on top here—nor -here. <i lang="fr">Revue Matérialiste</i> ... <i lang="fr">Revue des Cours</i>—<i lang="fr">Journal -des Savants</i>——</p> - - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Well, Francois, have you found the letter?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> No, Miss Lucy, not yet.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Pink paper—opened—no envelope?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> Is it addressed to Miss Watson?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Didn’t I tell you it was addressed to me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> But——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> The point is, have you found it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> Not yet, but I shall look everywhere, -and ask——</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">4</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Don’t ask; there’s no need. But it must -be found, so look carefully. Go over every foot -of ground from where you gave us our letters this -morning, to this room. It couldn’t have fallen anywhere -else. Please, please hunt for it! (<i class="stage-direction">She goes -out</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Alone, as he returns to the table</i>) -“Hunt, hunt?” <i lang="fr">Revue Coloniale</i>—<i lang="fr">Revue Diplomatique</i>—<i lang="fr">Revue -Archéologique</i>——</p> - - - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Paul.</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Gaily</i>) Someone here! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Francois</span>) -Madame de Céran——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Taking her hand</i>) Sh! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Francois</span>, -<i class="stage-direction">gravely</i>) Is Madame la comtesse de Céran -in the château at present?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> Yes, Monsieur.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Gaily</i>) Very well, tell her that Monsieur -and Madame Paul——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">As before, coldly</i>) Be good enough to -announce to her that M. Raymond, Sub-prefect<a id="FNanchor_1_1" href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">1</a> -of Agenis, and Mme. Raymond, have arrived from -Paris, and await her pleasure in the drawing-room.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> And that——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">As before</i>) Sh! That’s all, please.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> Very well, M. le sous-préfet. (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) -Newlyweds!—Shall I take Monsieur’s—? (<i class="stage-direction">He -takes their bags and rugs, and goes out</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Now, Paul——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> No “Paul” here: “M. Raymond!”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> What, d’you want me to——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Not here, I tell you.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Laughing</i>) What a scowl!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Please, you mustn’t laugh out loud.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> How is this, Monsieur, you are scold<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">5</span>ing -me? (<i class="stage-direction">She throws herself into his arms, but he -disengages himself, terrified</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Silly! That’s enough to spoil everything!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh! What a bore!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Precisely! That time you struck exactly -the right note. You surely haven’t forgotten -all I told you in the train?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Why, I thought you were joking!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Joking? So you don’t want to be a Prefect’s -wife?—Tell me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Yes, if it would please you.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Very well, dear. I call you dear, as we -are alone, but later on, before the guests, it must be -merely Jeanne. The Comtesse de Céran has done -me the honor of asking me to introduce my young -wife to her, and of spending a few days here at her -château. Mme. de Céran’s circle is one of the -three or four most influential in Paris. We are not -here to amuse ourselves. I come here merely a -Sub-prefect; I am determined to leave a Prefect. -Everything depends on her—upon us—upon you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Upon me? What do you mean?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Of course, on you! Society judges a man -by his wife, and society is right. Therefore be on -your guard.—Dignity without pride: a knowing -smile—ears and eyes open, lips closed! Oh, compliments, -as many as you like, and quotations, short -and authoritative: for philosophy try Hegel; for -literature, Jean Paul; politics——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> But I don’t understand politics.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Here all the women talk politics.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Well, I know nothing whatever about -it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Neither do they, but that doesn’t make -any difference. Cite Pufendorff and Machiavelli as -if they were your own relatives, and talk about the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">6</span> -Council of Trent as if you had presided over it. As -for your amusements: music, strolls in the garden, -and whist—that’s all I can allow. Your -clothes must be chosen with great care, and as for -Latin—use the few words I’ve taught you. In a -week’s time I want it to be said of you: “Ah, that -little Mme. Raymond will be the wife of a Cabinet -Minister some day!” And in this circle, you know, -when they say that a woman will be a Cabinet Minister’s -wife, her husband is not very far from a -portfolio.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> What? Do you want to be Minister?—Why?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> In order to keep from becoming famous.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> But Mme. de Céran belongs to the opposition; -what can you expect from her?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> How simple you are! In the matter of -political positions, there is only the slightest shade -of difference between the Conservatives and their -opponents: the Conservatives ask for places and -their opponents accept them. No, no, my child, -this is the place where reputations are made and unmade -and made over again; where, under the appearance -of talking literature and art, Machiavellian -conspirators hatch their schemes: this is the private -entrance to the ministries, the antechamber of -the Academies, the laboratory of success!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Heavens! What sort of circle is this?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> It is the 1881 edition of the Hotel de -Rambouillet: a section of society where everybody -talks and poses, where pedantry masquerades as -knowledge, sentimentality as sentiment, and preciosity -as delicacy and refinement;—here no one ever -dreams of saying what one thinks, and never believes -what one says, where friendship is a matter -of cold calculation, and chivalry and manners -merely means to an end. It is where one swallows<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">7</span> -one’s tongue in the drawing-room just as one leaves -one’s cane in the hallway: in short, Society where -one learns the art of being serious!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> I should say, the art of being bored!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Precisely!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> But if everyone bores everyone else, -what possible influence can it all have?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> What influence? How simple you are! -You ask what influence can boredom exert, here in -this country? A great deal, I tell you. You see, -the Frenchman has a horror of boredom amounting -almost to veneration. <i lang="fr">Ennui</i> is for him a terrible -god whose worship is celebrated by good form. He -recognizes nothing as serious unless it is in regulation -dress. I don’t say that he practises what he -preaches, but that is only a further reason for believing -more firmly: he prefers believing to finding -out for himself. I tell you, this nation, which is at -bottom gay, despises itself for being so; it has forgotten -its faith in the good common sense of its -generous laughter; this sceptical and talkative nation -believes in those who have little to say, this -whole-hearted and amiable people allows itself to be -imposed upon by pedantic false pride and the pretentious -asininity of the pontiffs of the white dress -necktie: in politics, in science, in art, in literature, -in everything! These they scoff at, hate, flee as -from a pestilence, yet they alone preserve for these -things a secret admiration and perfect confidence! -And you ask what influence has boredom? Ah, my -dear girl, there are just two kinds of people in the -world: those who don’t know how to bore themselves, -and who are nobodies; and those who know -how to bore themselves, and who are somebody—besides -those who know how to bore others!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> And this is the place you’ve brought -me to!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">8</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Do you want to be a Prefect’s wife? Tell -me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, to begin with, I could never——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Oh, never mind! It’s only for a week!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> A week! Without speaking, without -laughing, without being kissed by you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> That’s before company; but when we are -alone—in the dark, oh, then! Why, it will be delightful; -we’ll arrange secret meetings, in the garden, -everywhere—just as we did before we were -married—at your father’s, do you remember?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Very well, very well! (<i class="stage-direction">She opens the -piano and plays an air from La Fille de Madame -Angot</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Terrified</i>) Very well, then! What are -you doing there?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> It’s from the opera we saw last night!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> My poor child, so this is the way you follow -my advice!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> We sat in a box together—wasn’t it -lovely, Paul!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Jeanne! Jeanne!—What if someone -should come in! Please!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Francois</span> <i class="stage-direction">appears at the back</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Too late! (<span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">changes the air she -was playing into a Beethoven Symphony. Aside</i>) -Beethoven,—Bravo! (<i class="stage-direction">He listens to the music with -profound satisfaction</i>) Ah, it’s a fact that the only -place for music is the <i lang="fr">Conservatoire</i>!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> Madame la Comtesse requests Monsieur -le sous-préfet to wait five minutes for her: she -is in consultation with Monsieur le baron Eriel de -Saint-Réault.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> The Orientalist?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> I do not know, Monsieur, he is the -son of the scientist whose father was so talented.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">9</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Who has so many positions -to dispose of! He’s the one!—Ah, M. de Saint-Réault -is here, then. I presume Mme. de Saint-Réault -is with him?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> Yes, M. le sous-préfet; likewise the -Marquise de Loudan and Mme. Arriégo, but these -ladies are at present in Paris, following M. Bellac’s -course—with Mlle. Suzanne de Villiers.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> There are no other guests here?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> There is Madame la duchesse de Réville, -Madame’s aunt.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> I don’t refer to the Duchess or to Miss -Watson; or to Mlle. de Villiers: they are the family! -I mean guests, like ourselves.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> No, M. le sous-préfet, there are no -others.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> And no one else is expected?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> Oh, yes, M. le sous-préfet; M. Roger, -the son of Mme. la comtesse, has just arrived to-day -from his scientific investigations in the Orient. -He is expected any moment.—Ah, and then M. Bellac, -the professor, who is to spend a few days here -when his lecture course is over—at least we hope -so.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Ah, that’s why there are so -many ladies!—Very well, thank you.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> Then M. le sous-préfet will be good -enough to wait?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Yes, and tell Mme. la comtesse not to -hurry. (<span class="smcap">Francois</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes out</i>) Whew! You gave -me a turn with that music! But you got out of it -beautifully, changing Lecocq to Beethoven! Rather -good, that!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Stupid, am I not?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> I know better now! We still have five -minutes; I’ll tell you a little about these people: it’s -best to be on the safe side.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">10</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, never mind!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Come, Jeanne, five minutes! You <em>must</em> -know something about them!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> After each “something” you must kiss -me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> All right, then; what a child you are! I -won’t be long: mother, son, friend, and guest,—everyone -of them very serious!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> How amusing that will be!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Don’t worry, there are two who are not -so serious. I have kept them for the last.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> One moment, please, pay me first! -(<i class="stage-direction">She counts on her fingers</i>) Madame de Céran, one; -her son Roger, two; Miss Lucy, three; the two -Saint-Réault; one Bellac, one Loudan and one Arriégo, -that makes eight! (<i class="stage-direction">She puts her cheek up -to be kissed</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Eight what?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Eight “somethings“—pay.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> <em>What</em> a child! There, there, there! (<i class="stage-direction">He -kisses her</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Not so fast: retail, if you please.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">After having kissed her more slowly</i>) -There, does that satisfy you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> For the present. Now, let’s have the -two who are not serious!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> First, the Duchesse de Réville, the aunt, -a handsome old lady who was a beauty in her -day——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Questioningly</i>) Hmm?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> So they say! A bit brusque and direct—but -an excellent lady and very sensible—as you’ll -see. But last and best, Suzanne de Villiers! She, -is not at all serious—it’s a fault with her.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> At last, somebody who’s frivolous, -thank Heaven!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Girl of eighteen, a tom-boy, chatter-box,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">11</span> -free with her tongue and her manners—with a life-history -that reads like a novel.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Umm! Lovely, let’s hear it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> She’s the daughter of a certain widow—</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Yes?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Well? Daughter of a widow—and that -ass Georges de Villiers, another nephew of the -Duchess; she adored him. A natural child.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Natural? How lovely!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> The mother and father are dead. The -child was left an orphan at the age of twelve with -a princely heritage and an education to match. -Georges taught her Javanese. The Duchess, who -adores her, brought her into the home of Madame -de Céran, who detests her, and gave her Roger -for a tutor. They tried their best to keep her in -a convent, but she ran away twice; they sent her -back a third time and—here she is again! Imagine -that state of affairs! And that’s the end of the -story—good, isn’t it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> So good that you needn’t pay me the -two kisses you owe me.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Disappointed</i>) Ohh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> But I’ll pay you! (<i class="stage-direction">She kisses him</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Silly! (<i class="stage-direction">The door at the back opens</i>) -Oh! Saint-Réault and Madame de Céran! No, she -didn’t see us. Now—ahem—ready!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>. <i class="stage-direction">They -pause in the doorway, not seeing</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> -<span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> No, no, no, my friend, not the -first poll! Listen to me, 15-8-15 the first poll—— There -was a secret ballot on that one and therefore -on the second: it’s very simple!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> Simple? Simple? Now the -second poll, since I have only four votes on the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">12</span> -second poll, with our nine votes on the first poll—that -leaves us only thirteen on the second!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> And our seven on the first—that -makes twenty on the second! Don’t you see?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Enlightened</i>) Ahhh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) Very simple!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I repeat, beware of Dalibert -and his Liberals. At present the Academy is Liberal—at -present—at present! (<i class="stage-direction">They come down-stage, -talking</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> Isn’t Revel also the leader of -the New School?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at him</i>) Ohh! Revel -isn’t dead yet, is he?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> Oh, no!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> He isn’t ill?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Slightly embarrassed</i>) Oh, he’s -always in poor health.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Well, then?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> We must always be prepared, -mustn’t we?—I’ll keep my eyes open.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) There’s something at -the bottom of all this! (<i class="stage-direction">Seeing</i> <span class="smcap">Raymond</span>, <i class="stage-direction">and going -toward him</i>) Ah, my dear Monsieur Raymond, -I was forgetting all about you; pardon me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> My dear Countess! (<i class="stage-direction">Presenting</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) -Madame Paul Raymond!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You are most welcome here, -Madame! Consider yourself in the home of a -friend. (<i class="stage-direction">Presenting them to</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>) Monsieur -Paul Raymond, Sub-prefect of Agenis, Madame -Paul Raymond, Monsieur le baron Eriel de -Saint-Réault.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> I am especially happy to make your acquaintance -since, as a young man, it was my privilege -to know your illustrious father. (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) He -stuck me on my final examinations!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">13</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Bowing</i>) What a pleasant coincidence, -M. le Préfet!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Especially pleasant for me, M. le Baron!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes to the table and writes</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You will find my house a -trifle austere for a person of your youth, Madame. -You have only your husband to blame for your stay -here.—It has its moments of monotony, but you may -console yourself with the thought that resignation -means obedience, and that in coming here you had -no choice.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Gravely</i>) As regards that, Mme. la -comtesse, “To be free is not to do what one wishes, -but what one judges to be best”—as the philosopher -Joubert has said.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking approvingly at</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) -That is quite reassuring, my dear. But I think you -will find that no matter how intellectual our circle -may be, it is not lacking in <i lang="fr">esprit</i>. Indeed this very -evening you will find the <i lang="fr">soirée</i> particularly interesting. -Monsieur de Saint-Réault has been kind -enough to offer to read to us from his unpublished -work on Rama-Ravana and the Sanscrit Legends.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Really! Oh, Jeanne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> How fortunate we are!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> After which I believe I can -promise you something from Monsieur Bellac.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> The Professor?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Do you know him?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> What woman doesn’t? How delightful -that will be!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> An informal talk—<i class="stage-direction">ad usum -mundi</i>—a few words, gems of wisdom; and finally, -the reading of an unpublished play.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Oh! In verse?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> The first work of a young man<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">14</span> -—an unknown poet, who is to be introduced to me -this evening and whose play has just been accepted -by the Théâtre-Francais.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> How fortunate we are to be able to enjoy -among these charming people another of these -wonderful opportunities that one finds nowhere except -beneath your roof.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Doesn’t this literary atmosphere -frighten you, Madame? Your charms will be -wasted at a <i lang="fr">soirée</i> like this.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Seriously</i>) “What appears a waste -to the vulgar is often a gain”—as M. de Tocqueville -has said.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at her in astonishment—aside -to</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) She is charming! (<span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span> -<i class="stage-direction">rises, and goes toward the door</i>) Saint-Réault, -where are you going?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">As he goes</i>) To the station—a -telegram. Excuse me—I’ll be back in ten minutes. -(<i class="stage-direction">He goes out</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> There is certainly something at -the bottom of all this! (<i class="stage-direction">She looks among the papers -on the table—to</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) I beg your -pardon! (<i class="stage-direction">She rings, and after a moment</i> <span class="smcap">Francois</span> -<i class="stage-direction">appears</i>) The papers?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> M. de Saint-Réault took them away -this morning. They are in his room.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Drawing Le Journal Amusant from his -pocket</i>) If you wish the——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Quickly checking him and at the same -time producing the Journal des Debats<a id="FNanchor_2_2" href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">2</a> from her -pocket and offering it to</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>) This is -to-day’s paper, Countess.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> With pleasure—I am curious<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">15</span> -about—please pardon me again! (<i class="stage-direction">She opens the -paper and reads</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To his wife</i>) Bravo! Keep it up! The -Joubert was excellent and the de Tocqueville—I -say!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> It wasn’t de Tocqueville—it was <em>I</em>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Reading</i>) “Revel very ill.” -Just what I thought. Saint-Réault isn’t losing -much time. (<i class="stage-direction">Handing the paper to</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) I -found out what I wanted to know, thank you. But -I shan’t keep you, you shall be shown to your -rooms. We dine sharp at six; you know the Duchess -is very punctual. At four tea is served; at five -we take a stroll and at six have dinner. (<i class="stage-direction">The clock -strikes four</i>) Ah, four already, and here she is! -(<i class="stage-direction">The</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span> <i class="stage-direction">enters, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Francois</span>, <i class="stage-direction">who -brings her chair and her work-basket. A maid brings -tea. The</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span> <i class="stage-direction">sits in the chair placed for her</i>) -My dear Aunt, allow me to present——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Settling herself</i>) Wait a minute—wait -a minute. There! Present whom? (<i class="stage-direction">She looks -through her lorgnette</i>) It isn’t Raymond that you -want to present, is it? I’ve known him for a long -time.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Advancing with</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) No, Duchess, -but Madame Paul Raymond, his wife,—if you -please!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Gazing at</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>, <i class="stage-direction">who bows</i>) She’s -pretty—very pretty! With my Suzanne, and Lucy, -despite her glasses, that makes three pretty women -in my house—and heaven knows that’s not too -many! (<i class="stage-direction">She drinks</i>) And how on earth did a -charming girl like you happen to marry that awful -Republican?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Chaffingly</i>) Oh, Duchess, I a Republican!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">16</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well, you were one, at least! (<i class="stage-direction">She -drinks again</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Oh, well, like everyone else, when I was -little. That is the measles of politics, Duchess, -everybody has to have it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Laughing</i>) Ah, oh, ah, the measles! -Isn’t he funny! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) And you, my dear, -you like a joke once in a while, too?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, Duchess, I have no objection to a -little frivolity—in moderation.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> That isn’t very frivolous, but it’s better -than nothing. Well, well—I like a little frivolity -myself, especially in a person of your age. -(<i class="stage-direction">To the maid</i>) Here, take this away. (<i class="stage-direction">She hands -her cup to the maid</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the maid</i>) Will you show -Madame Raymond to her room, Mademoiselle? (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> -<span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) Your room is this way, just next to -mine——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Thank you, Madame. (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) -Come, dear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Oh, no, I have put your husband -over there on the other side, among the workers: -my son, the Count and Monsieur Bellac, in -the Pavilion, which we call—a little pretentiously, -perhaps—the Pavillion of the Muses. (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) -Francois will show you the way. I thought you -would be able to work better there.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Admirable arrangement, Countess; I -thank you. (<span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">pinches him</i>) Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Sweetly</i>) Go, my dear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to her</i>) You’ll come at least and -help me unpack my trunks?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> How can I?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Through the upper corridor.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>) If you think -it pleases those two to separate them like that——</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">17</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) I’ve gone too far!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) Aren’t you -pleased with this arrangement?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Perfectly, Madame la comtesse; and -you know better than anyone else <i lang="la">quid deceat, quid -non</i>. (<i class="stage-direction">She bows</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) She is perfectly -charming!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">They go out</i>; <span class="smcap">Paul</span> <i class="stage-direction">right</i>, <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">left</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Seated near the table at the left, -working at her fancy-work</i>) Ah, she knows Latin! -She ought to be congenial to the company!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You know Revel is very ill.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> He is never anything else,—what’s -that to me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Sitting down</i>) What do you -mean, Aunt? Revel is a second Saint-Réault. He -holds at least fifteen positions: leader of the New -School, for instance—a position which leads to any -number of others! Just the thing for Roger. He -returns to-day, and I’ve asked the Minister’s secretary -to dinner this evening, you know.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes, a new one: Toulonnier.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I take away his position from -him to-night.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> So you want to make your son the -leader of a school?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> It’ll be another stepping-stone, -you know, Aunt.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> You have brought him up to be a -mere chess-pawn, haven’t you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I have made of him a serious-minded -man, Aunt.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes, I should think so! A man of -twenty-eight, who has never—done a foolish thing -in his life, I’ll wager! It’s a perfect shame!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> At thirty he will enter the In<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">18</span>stitute, -and at thirty-five the Chamber of Deputies.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> So you want to begin again with your -son, and do with him as you did with his father?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Did I make so miserable a -failure of him?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I say nothing about your husband: a -dryasdust creature, with a mediocre intellect—!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Of course, your husband was a fool!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Duchess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> A fool who happened to know how to -behave himself! You forced him into politics, -you’ll admit that. And then, all you could make of -him was Minister of Agriculture and Commerce. -That isn’t much to boast about. But enough of -him; Roger’s another matter: he has brains and -spirit enough—or will have, God willing—or he’s -no nephew of mine. That never occurred to you, -did it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I am thinking of his career.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And his happiness?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I have thought of that, too.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Ah, yes! Lucy, eh? They correspond, -I know that. That’s fine! A young girl who wears -glasses and has a neck like a——! And you call -that thinking of his happiness!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Duchess, you are quite incorrigible!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> A sort of meteorite, who fell among -us, intending to stop two weeks, and remained -two years: a blue-stocking who writes letters to -scholars and translates Schopenhauer!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> A rich, intellectual, highly-educated -and well-born orphan, niece of the Lord-Chancellor, -who recommended her: she would be a -splendid wife for Roger, and——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> That English iceberg? Brrrr! Just<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">19</span> -to kiss her would freeze the nose off his face! But -you’re on a false scent. In the first place Bellac -has his eye on her—yes, the Professor! He’s asked -me too many questions about her to leave any doubt -in my mind. And what is more, she seems fond of -<em>him</em>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Lucy?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes, Lucy,—like all the rest of you! -You’re all mad over him. I know more about this -than you do.—No, no! Lucy is not the woman for -your son!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I know your schemes: Suzanne -is the woman!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I don’t deny it. I have brought Suzanne -here for that very purpose. I arranged that -he should be her tutor and her master, so to speak, -in order that he might marry her,—and marry her -he shall!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You have counted without me, -Duchess; I shall never consent.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And why not? A girl who——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Is of questionable origin, questionable -attraction, without education and manners.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Bursting into laughter</i>) My living -image at her age!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Without fortune! Without -family!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Without family? The daughter of -my poor Georges? My handsome, good, kind -Georges!—And she’s your cousin after all!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> A natural child!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Natural? Aren’t all children natural? -You amuse me! She’s been legally recognized! -And good heavens, when the devil’s put his finger -in the pie why shouldn’t the rest of us? Me, -too, eh?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">20</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> The devil has put his finger in -the pie, but not the way you think. <em>You</em> are on the -false scent.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Oh, the Professor! Yes, Bellac. You -told me that. You think no woman can follow his -lectures without falling in love with him?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> But Suzanne hasn’t missed a -single lecture, Aunt, and she takes notes and corrects -them and copies them—I tell you Suzanne is -in earnest. And while he is speaking she never -takes her eyes off him; she drinks in every word. -And you think that is all for the sake of science! -Nonsense, it isn’t the science she loves, it’s the -scientist. That is as plain as day. You have only -to watch her when she’s with Lucy. She is dreadfully -jealous. And this recently acquired coquetry -in a girl of her disposition—! She sighs, sulks, -blushes, turns pale, laughs, cries——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> April showers! She’s just coming -into bloom. She’s bored, poor child!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Here?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Here? Do you think it’s amusing -here? Do you suppose that if <em>I</em> were eighteen, I -should be here, among all your old ladies and your -old gentlemen? I should say not! I’d associate -with young people all the time; the younger the -better, the handsomer the better, the more admirers -I had the better! There are only two things that -women never grow weary of: loving and being -loved! And the older I grow the more I realize -that there is no other happiness in the world!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> There are more serious things -in life than that, Duchess.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> Duchess.</span> More serious than love? Nonsense! -Do you mean to say that when that is gone, there -is any other happiness left? When we are old, we -have false pleasures, just as we have false teeth,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">21</span> -but there is only one true happiness, and that is -love, love!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Oh, Aunt, you are too romantic!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> The fault of my years! Women find -romance but twice in their lives: at sixteen in their -own hearts, at sixty in the hearts of others. Well, -you want your son to marry Lucy; I want him to -marry Suzanne. You say Suzanne is in love with -Bellac; I say, <span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Perhaps we are both wrong; -it is for Roger to decide.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> How?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I shall explain the whole situation to -him the moment he arrives.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Do you intend——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> He is her tutor! (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) He must -know.</p> - - - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy.</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">In a low-cut evening gown</i>) I believe -your son has arrived, Madame.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> The Count!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Roger!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> His carriage has just come into the court.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> At last!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Were you afraid he wouldn’t return?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I feared he would not return -in time. I was anxious about that place for him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Oh, he wrote me this morning that he -would return to-day, Thursday.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And you missed one of the Professor’s -lectures in order to see him that much sooner. -Hm, that’s lovely!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> That wasn’t the reason, Madame.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>) You see?—No? -Why then?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> No, I was looking for—I—it was another -matter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">22</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I don’t suppose it is for that Schopenhauer -gentleman you are all dressed up like that, -is it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Is there not to be company this evening, -Madame?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>) Bellac, -that’s as plain as day! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>) Let me congratulate -you, then. I have nothing to complain of, -except those frightful glasses. Why do you wear -such awful things?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Because I cannot see without them, Madame.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> A nice reason! (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Isn’t she -practical! I detest practical people! She’ll pass, -she’s not as thin as I thought she was! These English -occasionally disappoint one pleasantly!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Ah, here’s my son!</p> - - - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Roger.</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Mother! Mother! How good it is to see -you again!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> How good it is to see you, my -dear! (<i class="stage-direction">She holds out her hand, which he kisses</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> What a long while it is since I’ve seen -you!—Once more! (<i class="stage-direction">He kisses her hand again</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) That embrace wouldn’t -smother anyone!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> The Duchess, my dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Approaching the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Duchess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Call me Aunt, and give me a kiss!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> My dear Aunt! (<i class="stage-direction">He starts to kiss her -hand</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> No! No! On the cheek! You must -kiss me on the cheek! That is one of the privileges -of age—Look at him now! Same little fellow -as ever! Oh, you’ve let your moustache grow; -isn’t he charming!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">23</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I hope, Roger, you will shave -that off!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Don’t let it disturb you, Mother, I shall -do it at once!—Ah, how do you do, Lucy?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> How do you do, Roger? (<i class="stage-direction">They shake -hands</i>) Have you had a pleasant trip?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Oh, most interesting. Think of it, an -almost unexplored country, a veritable paradise -for the scholar, the poet, and the artist—but I wrote -you all about that!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Sitting down</i>) Tell me about the -women.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Duchess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Astonished</i>) What women do you -mean, Aunt?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Why, the Oriental women they say are -so beautiful. Ah, you villain!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Let me assure you, Aunt, I had no time -to investigate that—detail!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Indignantly</i>) Detail, indeed!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Smiling</i>) Besides, the Government did -not send me there for that!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What did you see, then?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> You will find that in the <i>Revue Archéologique</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> <i>Tombs of Eastern Asia</i>; isn’t that the subject, -Roger?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Yes, Lucy; now among those mounds—</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Ah, the mounds—those <i>Tumuli</i>——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Come, come, you can chatter when -you two are alone! Tell me, aren’t you tired? Did -you just arrive?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Oh, no, Aunt. I’ve been in Paris since -yesterday.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Did you go to the theater last night, -Roger?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> No, I went at once to see the Minister.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">24</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Good! And what did he have -to say to you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> I’ll leave you alone!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You needn’t go, <span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Oh, I think I ought to go. I shall return -in a few minutes. I’ll see you later.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Taking her hand</i>) Until later, Lucy.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) There’s a grand passion indeed!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes out</i>. <span class="smcap">Roger</span> <i class="stage-direction">accompanies her as far as -the door to the left, while</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span> -<i>takes her place in the arm-chair, at the other -side of the table</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Now, let’s hear what the Minister -had to say!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Ah, yes! Let’s hear. We’re anxious -to know.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> He questioned me as to the results of my -trip and asked me to submit my report as soon as -possible, promising me a reward on the day it was -handed in. You can guess what that reward will -be. (<i class="stage-direction">He touches the lapel of his coat, as if to show -the ribbon of the Legion of Honor</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Officer? That’s all very well, -but I have something better. And then?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Then he asked me to convey to you his -kindest regards, and begged you keep him in mind -when that law came up for consideration by the -Senate.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I shall keep him in mind if he -keeps me in mind.—You must set to work on your -report at once.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Immediately!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Did you leave cards for the -Speaker of the House?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Yes, this morning, and for General de -Briais and Mme. de Vielfond.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">25</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Good! It must be known that -you have returned. I’ll have a paragraph sent to the -papers.—And one thing more: those articles you -sent back from the East were very good. But I -noticed with astonishment a tendency toward—what -shall I say?—imagination, “fine” writing; descriptions, -irrelevancies—even poetry—(<i class="stage-direction">Reproachfully</i>) -Alfred de Musset, my son!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes, the article was most interesting: -you must be more careful.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> The Duchess is joking, my -dear. But be careful about poetry; never do it -again! You are concerned with serious subjects; -you must be serious yourself.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But I had no idea, Mother!—How can -you tell when an article is serious?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Holding up a pamphlet</i>) When the -pages aren’t cut!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Your Aunt exaggerates, but -take my advice: no more poetry!—And now, dinner -at six. You have an hour to work on your report. -I shan’t keep you any longer. Go to work, my -dear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Just a moment! Now that this tender -and affecting scene is over let us talk business, if -you please. What about Suzanne?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Oh, the dear child! Where is she?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Attending a course of lectures on -Comparative Literature.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne?!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes, Bellac’s course.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Bellac, who is he?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> One of this winter’s crop! The season’s -fad in scholars. A gallant knight from the -Normal School, who makes love to the ladies, is -made love to by them—and consequently makes a -comfortable living. The Princess Okolitch, who is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">26</span> -mad about him, like all the old ladies, conceived -the idea of having him deliver a course of lectures -in her salon, with literature as an excuse, and gossip -as a result. It appears that your pupil, having -seen all these grand ladies smitten with this young, -amiable, and loquacious genius, has followed in the -footsteps of her elders.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> It is no use, Duchess——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I beg your pardon; Roger is her tutor -and he ought to know everything!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But what does all this mean, Aunt?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> It means that Suzanne is in love with -this gentleman; now do you understand?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne! That child! Nonsense!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> It doesn’t take so long for a child to -change into a woman, you know.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well, at least that is what your mother -says.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I say that that young lady is -openly courting favor with a man much too serious -to marry her, but gallant enough to amuse her, and -to have this going on under my own roof,—though -it isn’t as yet scandalous—is decidedly improper.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Do you hear that?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But, Mother, you surprise me! Suzanne, -a little child I left in short dresses, climbing trees, -a child I used to punish with extra lessons, who -used to jump on my knee and call me Daddy—— Come, -come! It is impossible! Such demoralization -at her age!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Demoralization? Because she is in -love! You are a true son of your mother, if there -ever was one! At “her age”! You ought to have -seen me when I was that old! There was a hussar, -in a blue and silver uniform! He was superb! His -brains were all in his sword-hilt! But at my<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">27</span> -age—! A young heart is like a new land: the discoverer -is seldom the ruler. Now it seems—this -Bellac—oh, it doesn’t seem possible, and yet—young -girls, you know—- We must take care! (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) -I don’t believe a word of it, but I’ll be on my guard!—And -that is why I want you to do me the favor -of burying your <i>Tumuli</i> and giving your attention to -her, and her alone.</p> - - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Stealing up behind</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>, <i class="stage-direction">puts her -hands over his eyes</i>) Who is it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Rising</i>) Ehh?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Stepping in front of him</i>) Here I -am!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Surprised</i>) But,—Mademoiselle!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Naughty man! Not to recognize your -own daughter!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) He’s blushing!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Well, aren’t you going to kiss me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Suzanne, that’s not quite the -thing——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> To kiss your father? The idea!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Kiss her, why don’t -you!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span> <i class="stage-direction">kiss</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> How happy I am! Just think, I had -no idea you were coming home to-day! Mme. de -Saint-Réault told me just now at the lecture; so, -without saying a word—I was right near the door—I -whisked out and ran to the station!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Alone?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Yes, all alone! Oh, it was fun! The -funniest part—wait till I tell you! When I got to -the ticket office I found I didn’t have a sou, and,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">28</span> -what do you think?—a gentleman who was buying -his ticket offered to buy one for me. Oh, he was -a very nice young man! He happened to be going -to St. Germain, too, and when he offered to buy my -ticket, another man offered, too: a respectable-looking -old gentleman,—and then another—and after -him, any number of others, who were standing -there. They were all going to St. Germain. “But, -Mademoiselle, I beg you—I really cannot allow you -to——” “Allow me—no, me,—I beg you, Mademoiselle!” -I let the old respectable gentleman buy -the ticket—for the sake of appearances.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You allowed him to——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I couldn’t very well stay where I was, -could I?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> From a perfect stranger?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> But he was such a respectable old -gentleman! And he was very nice to me! He -helped me into the train. So nice of him! Of -course, all the rest were, too; <em>they</em> all got into the -compartment with us.—And it was so jolly! Such -fun! They offered me their places, every one! -They opened the window for me, and then fell all -over themselves being nice to me! “This way, -Mademoiselle! Not there, you’ll be in the sun!” -And they pulled down their cuffs, and twirled their -moustaches, and bowed and scraped as if I’d been -some grand lady—Oh, it’s fun to go by yourself! -And the respectable old gentleman kept talking all -the time about his immense estates, but what did I -care about that?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Why, this is outrageous!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> But the funniest thing of all was -when we arrived, I found my purse in my pocket; -I paid the respectable old gentleman for the ticket, -made a pretty curtsey to the other gentlemen, and -then I ran off. Oh, you should have seen how they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">29</span> -all looked at me! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Just as you do now! -Why, what’s the matter? Kiss me again!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) There’s an -impropriety even worse than the rest!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Impropriety!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> You see, she’s perfectly innocent!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> A young girl traveling alone -in a train!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Doesn’t Lucy go out alone?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Lucy is not a girl of sixteen!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> No: she’ll never see twenty-four -again!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Lucy is able to take care of -herself.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Why? Because of those glasses of -hers?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Laughing</i>) Now, Suzanne! (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) -I adore that girl!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Lucy wasn’t expelled from the -convent!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> That isn’t fair, and you know it! I -was so bored—!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Your tutor knows——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> But he doesn’t know why—you’ll see -if it wasn’t unfair. When I used to get bored in -class, I sat near the door leading into the garden. -Oh, it was so easy! I had a clever plan! When -everything was as quiet as could be, I shouted at -the top of my voice, “Long live the great Voltaire!” -Sister Séraphine at once ordered me to leave the -room. It was perfectly simple, and it only took a -moment. One day when the sun was shining beautifully, -I was looking out of the window, and all at -once I shouted, “Long live Voltaire!” I listened, -there was no answer. I shouted again, “Voltaire!” -Silence again! Very much surprised, I turned -around: the Mother Superior was there: I had<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">30</span>n’t -heard her come in! Tableau! But she didn’t send -me into the garden, oh, no! She sent me here! I -didn’t care! I had had enough of that convent life.—I’m -a woman now!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Your conduct fails to reveal -the fact.—Mme. de Saint-Réault must be very anxious -about you.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Oh, the lecture was almost over: she -will be here in a moment, with M. Bellac and the -others. Oh, his lecture to-day——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Hm!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> And the way those women applauded! -And the crowd! And what wonderful gowns! It -was like a wedding at Ste. Clotilde! It was—(<i class="stage-direction">Throwing -a kiss</i>) superb!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Hm!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Superb! You ought to have heard -those women! “Charming, charming!” Madame -de Loudan was squeaking like a Guinea-pig. Ugh, -ugh! I detest that woman!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Hm! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) -Are those the notes you took at the lectures?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Oh, I take others besides. (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) -You’ll see!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>, <i class="stage-direction">picking up the notebook -from the table, where</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">had left it on entering</i>) -Well, let’s see—(<i class="stage-direction">The clock strikes five</i>) Oh, -and my walk! (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Now you understand -Bellac’s role in this matter?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> No, I——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Examine it, study it,—it’s a manuscript -worth your while deciphering; that’s your -profession.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I don’t understand anything about this?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> It is your duty, you know, as her -tutor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">31</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) That’s a waste of -time!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside, looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) That has -waked him up!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside, looking at all of them</i>) What -are they all up to?</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">The</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">go out</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Why do you stare at me? Because I -went out alone? Are you angry?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> No, Suzanne, but you ought to know better -than to——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Are you angry with me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> No, only——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Then it’s because you consider me a -woman now, is it? Do you? Tell me, I want so -much to know!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Yes, you are a woman now, and it is for -that very reason that we must respect the conventions.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Snuggling up to him</i>) Scold me, I -love to hear you, dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Gently pushing her away</i>) There now, -stay over there.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> So you don’t want me to call you -“dear,” either?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> It would be better not to.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> That isn’t easy.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> And there are other questions of propriety -which you must consider. That is exactly -what I was objecting to——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Oh, yes, I know, I have no manners. -M. Bellac is never tired of telling me so!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Ah, Monsieur——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> But what can you expect? There is -no help for it! It’s not my fault, I tell you, it’s -not my fault. It is not so easy as you think; I made -a vow with myself that when you came back you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">32</span> -would find me just as formal as Lucy, that I would -wear myself out learning!—Here I’ve been studying -six months—and then all of a sudden you appear -and, whist—there goes six months’ work for -nothing!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Reproachfully</i>) For nothing?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Oh, how glad I am you’ve come! Oh, -how I love you! I adore you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne, Suzanne! I beg of you not to -use words that you cannot possibly understand.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> What? That I don’t understand? I -tell you I adore you! You, you funny old thing, -don’t you love me, too? Why are you so funny? -Do you love me better than Lucy?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Are you sure? You’re not going to -marry her?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> They told me you were.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Nonsense!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Then why do you write to her?—Oh, -I know; you’ve written twenty-seven letters to -her—I’ve counted them, twenty-seven!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Those were nothing but——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> And one more this morning. Were -they all “nothing buts”? What was in that letter -that came this morning?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I merely wrote that I should arrive on -Thursday.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> That you would arrive on Thursday? -Was that all, really? But why didn’t you write to -me? Then I’d have been the first to see you.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But haven’t I written to you—often?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Often? Ten times. And then nothing -but little insignificant notes at the bottom of -someone else’s letter—the kind you’d write to a -baby. I’m not a baby any longer: I’ve been think<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">33</span>ing -a lot these last six months; I’ve learned a heap -of things.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> What have you learned? (<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> -<i class="stage-direction">leans against his shoulder and cries</i>) Why, Suzanne, -what’s wrong?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Wiping her eyes and trying to laugh</i>) -And then I’ve worked—! Oh, how I worked! -Piano, that horrid piano—I’m up to Schumann now, -that’s proper enough, isn’t it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Shall I play you something of his?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Not now, later!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> All right.—And I’ve learned so much!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> You are attending Professor Bellac’s lectures, -aren’t you? So he’s taken my place!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Yes, he’s been so nice! I love him, -too.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Indeed!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Are you jealous of him?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Tell me if you are; I’ll understand. -I’m so jealous! But why should <em>you</em> be? You’re -my father, aren’t you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Oh, your father——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> What’s wrong? Be nice to me, the -way you used to!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> The way I used to? Oh, no!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Yes, the way you used to! (<i class="stage-direction">She attempts -to embrace him</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> No, no, no, Suzanne, don’t do that!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Why not?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Come now, that’s enough! Run away -now! (<i class="stage-direction">Sits on the sofa</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I like you that way!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Be a little bit reasonable.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Oh, we’ve had enough reasonableness -for to-day. (<i class="stage-direction">She ruffles his hair, laughing</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">34</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Run away, now! A big girl like you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Jealously</i>) If I were only Lucy——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Now, now! Please, dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> There, you said “dear.” Forfeit! -(<i class="stage-direction">She sits on his knee and kisses him</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Again!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> All right, again! (<i class="stage-direction">She kisses him</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Repulsing her as he rises</i>) This is too -much!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I’m an awful tease, am I not? Well, -I’ll get my notebooks for you: they’ll calm us -down a little. (<i class="stage-direction">She stops in the doorway and looks -at him</i>) Oh, here are the ladies and M. Bellac! -What! Lucy in an evening gown? Wait one moment! -(<i class="stage-direction">She runs out</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Agitated</i>) This is decidedly too much!</p> - - - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Well——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> How excited you look!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> You see, she was so affectionate—too -affectionate!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes, I advise you to complain! See -what I have found! (<i class="stage-direction">She takes a mounted photograph -from between the leaves of</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne’s</span> <i class="stage-direction">notebook</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> A picture——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Of the Professor, yes——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> In her notebook.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> But look here——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> May I——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The Ladies.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Outside</i>) What a lovely lesson! -Magnificent!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> There’s the beautiful object! Surrounded -by his bodyguard!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">35</span></p> - - - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>, <span class="smcap">Madame Arriégo</span>, <span class="smcap">Madame de -Loudan</span>, <span class="smcap">Madame de Saint-Réault</span>, <span class="smcap">Madame -de Céran</span>, <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Saint-Réault.</span> Superb! Simply superb!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Oh, spare me, Madame de Saint-Réault!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Ideal! I call it ideal!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Marquise!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> Beautiful! It stirred me to the -depths of my being!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Oh, Madame Arriégo!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Ladies, there is only one thing -to say about it all! M. Bellac was so eloquent that -he was positively dangerous! But then—isn’t he -always a little dangerous?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Please, Madame de Loudan!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> I’m simply mad about your -genius! Yes, indeed, mad! And about you, too! -Oh, I don’t hide it. I tell everyone about it! -Brazenly! You are one of the gods on my Olympus! -You have become a fetish to me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> You know, I have his autograph -in my pocket! (<i class="stage-direction">Displays locket</i>) There!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Shows a pen which she carries -in the bosom of her gown</i>) And I carry one of -his pens!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Silly sheep!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>) Ah, -Countess, I didn’t see you at the lecture to-day?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Introducing</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Here is -my excuse! Ladies, my son!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies</span>. Ah, Count!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> The exile has returned!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Bowing</i>) Ladies!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Introduces</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span> <i class="stage-direction">to her -son</i>) Monsieur Bellac—Count Roger de Céran!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">36</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> I see that your excuse was a -good one—but Lucy?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> I was busy here.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> How could <em>you</em> stay away, -his Muse?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Gallantly</i>) Ah, Marquise, I can only -say that <em>you</em> were there!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> He is charming! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>) -You don’t know what you missed.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Oh, I know——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> No, she can have no idea! It -was a burning flame, a fire of passion!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> What flowing eloquence! -What delicacy of imagination!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> With such an audience, who could not -be eloquent?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And what was the subject to-day?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> LOVE!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Of course!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> So poetic!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> And so scientific! He is half -psychologist, half dreamer; he plays with the scalpel -as well as the lyre! It was—there was only one -thing I couldn’t agree with: that the basis of love -is instinct.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But, Marquise, I was speaking of——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Oh, no, no!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> I was speaking of love in Nature!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Instinct! The idea! Ladies, -come, we must defend ourselves! Help me. Come -to the rescue, Lucy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> She will not help you, Marquise; she -agrees with me.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Saint-Réault.</span> Is it possible, Lucy?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Instinct?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Saint-Réault.</span> In love?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> That would be robbing the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">37</span> -soul of its most precious possession: according to -you, then, Lucy, nothing is good, or bad.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Coldly</i>) There is no question about good -or bad, Madame, it is merely a question of the existence -of the species.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Protesting</i>) Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) She’s prosaic enough about -it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Indignantly</i>) Why, you’re -stripping love of all its romance!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Hunter and Darwin——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> No one better than I knows -the weaknesses of the flesh. Matter dominates and -masters us! I know it, I feel it! But leave us at -least the psychic refuge of pure ecstasy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But, Marquise——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Be quiet, you’re a villain! I -will not deny my god; that would be sacrilege. I’m -very angry with you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Little fool!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> I hope we shall be reconciled, after you -read my book.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> But when will that be? The -entire world is waiting for that book! And you -don’t say a word about it! You won’t even tell us -the title!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Tell us the title! At least the title!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> Lucy, you make him tell us.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Well, what is the title?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>, <i class="stage-direction">after a moment’s hesitation</i>) -“Miscellanies.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Oh, how lovely! But when -does it appear?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> I am hurrying it through the press, and -I count on its helping me to the honor to which I -aspire.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> To which you aspire?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">38</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> What more can he wish?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> What more can the child of -Fortune wish?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Poor Revel is on his last legs, you know. -In the event of anything happening to him, I have -announced myself as candidate for the position of -director of the New School.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>) Number three!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Ladies, if Revel should die—which God -forbid!—I recommend myself to your good graces, -and your influence.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> You may count on us, Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Approaching the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) And you, -Duchess, may I hope——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> You mustn’t ask me anything before -dinner. The weakness of the flesh “dominates me,” -as Madame de Loudan says. (<i class="stage-direction">The clock strikes</i>) -There, you have only fifteen minutes! Get dressed -at once, and we’ll talk the matter over at table.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> At table? But M. Toulonnier -hasn’t arrived yet, Duchess.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> That makes no difference to me. We -dine sharp at six, whether he is here or not.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Dine without him, a General -Secretary?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Oh, under the Republic!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>, <i class="stage-direction">with her notebooks under her -arm; she puts them on the table, right</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I am going to meet him. (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> -<span class="smcap">Bellac</span>) My dear Professor, you will be shown to -your room. (<i class="stage-direction">She rings and, a moment later, enter</i> -<span class="smcap">Francois</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Pray don’t trouble, Countess, I have the -good fortune to know the way. (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>) -Did you get my letter?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">39</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Yes, but——</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Bellac</span> <i class="stage-direction">makes a sign for her to be silent, bows and -goes out, right</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> And now, ladies, let us adjourn -and make ourselves beautiful!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> Come!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Come with me, Lucy.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> With pleasure, Madame!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> In that gown? Are you not -afraid of the seductive charm of this spring evening, -my dear?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Oh, I shan’t be cold!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> You are a true daughter of -the Land of Fogs! I am very much afraid of the -night air!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Madame de Loudan</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes out with</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Arriégo</span>, -<i class="stage-direction">left</i>. <i class="stage-direction">As</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i class="stage-direction">starts to follow</i> <span class="smcap">Madame -de Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">into the garden, she is intercepted by</i> -<span class="smcap">Francois</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> I still can’t find the pink paper, Mademoiselle.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Picking up a pink paper which she -has knocked off the table, while putting her notebooks -on it. Aside</i>) A pink paper! (<i class="stage-direction">She looks at -the paper</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Ah, yes, the letter we were looking for -this morning!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside, quickly hiding the letter behind -her back</i>) That you were looking for this -morning!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">As she is leaving the room</i>) Never mind -looking for it now. (<i class="stage-direction">She goes out into the garden</i>; -<span class="smcap">Francois</span> <i class="stage-direction">follows her</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">40</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i class="stage-direction">as</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span> <i class="stage-direction">enters</i>) -The letter this morning!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> How’s this? You’re not ready yet? -Nor you? What are you doing here?</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span> <i class="stage-direction">without answering</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Ah, these are the -notebooks! Give them to me, Suzanne. (<i class="stage-direction">He goes -to her, she hands them to him, looking at him in -silence</i>) What’s the matter with her?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Let me look at those notebooks!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Roger</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes to the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>, <i class="stage-direction">who is seated left</i>. -<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>, <i class="stage-direction">to the right of the table, tries without -being seen to open the paper which she -holds in her left hand</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>—<i class="stage-direction">astonished</i>) -That’s strange!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>, <i class="stage-direction">drawing him toward her</i>) -Come here, closer—my eyes are bad——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Lowering the notebooks, as he steals a -glance at</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> <i class="stage-direction">Suddenly he seizes the</i> -<span class="smcap">Duchess</span> <i class="stage-direction">by the arm, and whispers</i>) Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>, <i class="stage-direction">aside</i>) What’s the matter -now?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Look! But don’t turn your head! She’s -trying to read something! A letter, you see! She’s -trying to hide it, don’t you see?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Who has opened the letter; reading</i>) -“I shall arrive Thursday.” (<i class="stage-direction">Astonished</i>) From -Roger! The one Lucy got this morning! (<i class="stage-direction">She -looks at the letter</i>) But why is it written that way, -without any signature? (<i class="stage-direction">Continues reading</i>)<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">41</span> -“This evening at ten; in the conservatory. Say you -have a headache.” Ah!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What can it be? (<i class="stage-direction">Calling</i>) Suzanne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Surprised; puts the letter behind her -back, and goes toward the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Yes, Aunt?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What are you reading there?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I, Aunt? Nothing.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I thought that—come here!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Slipping the letter under the books -on the table, as she goes toward the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Yes, -Aunt?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) This is curious!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Near the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) What is it, -Aunt?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Get my mantle for me.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Hesitating</i>) But——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> You don’t care to?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Oh, certainly, Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> It’s in my room; hurry! (<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> -<i class="stage-direction">goes out. To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Quick! On the table!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> The letter! She’s hidden it! I saw -her!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Hidden it? (<i class="stage-direction">He goes to the table and -looks for the letter</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> On the corner, there! Under the black -book. Don’t you see anything?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> No—oh, yes!—a pink paper. (<i class="stage-direction">He takes -the letter and brings it to the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>, <i class="stage-direction">reading it -as he walks</i>) Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What is it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Reading</i>) “I shall arrive Thursday.” -From Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Snatching the letter from him and -reading it</i>) From—? But it isn’t signed. And -the handwriting——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Yes, disguised. Oh, he’s a crafty one!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">42</span> -But “I shall arrive Thursday” applies to me as well -as to him!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Reading</i>) “This evening at ten in -the conservatory. Say you have a headache.” A -rendezvous! (<i class="stage-direction">Giving him the letter</i>) Quick, put it -back, I hear her coming!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Agitated</i>) All right. (<i class="stage-direction">Puts letter back -in place</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Come now.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Very well.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Hurry up! (<span class="smcap">Roger</span> <i class="stage-direction">resumes his position -by the side of the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) And be calm! -Here she is. (<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">re-enters. The</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span> -<i class="stage-direction">turns over the leaves in the notebook</i>) Well, these -are very good, very good!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Here’s your mantle, Aunt.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Thank you, dear. (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) -Speak up.</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes to the table, takes the letter, glances -through it, turning away as before</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Agitated</i>) There are—well—er—certain—you -have made wonderful progress—er—I -am astonished—(<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>, <i class="stage-direction">pointing to</i> -<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Yes, she’s picked it up -again; I saw her. (<i class="stage-direction">The dinner-gong sounds</i>) The -second bell! Hurry and get dressed, Suzanne! -You’ll never be ready in time.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside as she looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) A -rendezvous! With Lucy! Oh!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">She goes up to</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span> <i class="stage-direction">without saying a word and, -looking him straight in the eye, takes her notebooks -out of his hand, tears them and throws -the pieces angrily to the floor; then she goes -out</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">43</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Astonished; turning to the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) -Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> A rendezvous!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> With Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Nonsense!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Falling into a chair</i>) Who could have -imagined such a thing!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Voices heard outside. The door at the back opens.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking out</i>) Ah, here comes Toulonnier! -And everybody, <em>and</em> dinner, too! Quick, -go and dress! It will calm your nerves; you’re -very pale.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne! It’s not possible! (<i class="stage-direction">He goes -out</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> No, it’s not possible! And yet——!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>, <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>, M. <i class="stage-direction">and</i> -<span class="smcap">Mme. de Saint-Réault</span> <i class="stage-direction">and a moment later</i>, -<span class="smcap">Lucy</span>, <span class="smcap">Madame de Loudan</span>, <span class="smcap">Madame Arriégo</span>, -<i class="stage-direction">with</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span> <i class="stage-direction">in their midst</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Introducing</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span> <i class="stage-direction">to -the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) The Secretary General, Aunt.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Bowing</i>) Madame la duchesse!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> My dear Monsieur Toulonnier, we -were just going to sit down without you.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> I hope you will pardon me, my -dear Duchess, but—business, you know! We are -literally up to the ears in work. You’ll permit me -to leave early, I trust?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> With pleasure!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Embarrassed</i>) Ah, Monsieur -Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To whom</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">introduces</i> -<span class="smcap">Bellac</span>) Monsieur! (<i class="stage-direction">He and</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span> -<i class="stage-direction">shake hands and talk</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">44</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Coming to the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Be -nice to him, Aunt; please.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Your Republican friend? Nonsense! -A man who gives us twenty minutes of his time as -if he were a king! The idea!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You will at least allow him to -escort you to the table?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I should think not! Keep him yourself! -I’ll take little Raymond. He’s much more -amusing.</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>, <i class="stage-direction">dressed for dinner</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>, <i class="stage-direction">frightened</i>) Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well, what is it now?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Oh, something—I just overheard something -in the corridor upstairs. It’s unbelievable.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well, what?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I didn’t see who was speaking, but I’m -sure I heard——</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Raymond</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">enter furtively</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well, what?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> The sound of a kiss! What do you think -of that?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Of a what?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Yes, I’m sure I heard it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well, who——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Introducing to</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>) -Monsieur Paul Raymond, Sub-prefect of Agenis.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Raymond.</span> Monsieur le Secrétaire-Géneral! (<i class="stage-direction">Introducing</i> -<span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) Madame Paul Raymond.</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">enters, wearing an evening gown.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Seeing</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) Ohh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Ah, my young pupil!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Murmurs of astonishment.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">45</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Look, Aunt! <i lang="fr">Décolletée!</i> -It’s disgraceful!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I don’t think so. (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) She’s been -crying.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francois.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Announcing</i>) Dinner is served.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Approaching</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>, <i class="stage-direction">who is conversing -with</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>) I must know! (<i class="stage-direction">Offering her -his arm</i>) Suzanne! (<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">looks at him coldly -and takes the arm of</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>, <i class="stage-direction">who is speaking with</i> -<span class="smcap">Lucy</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) How the rest will envy -me, Mademoiselle!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) This is too much! (<i class="stage-direction">He offers -his arm to</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What does this mean?—Come, Raymond, -give me your arm. (<span class="smcap">Raymond</span> <i class="stage-direction">approaches -her</i>) My friend, one must suffer much before one -becomes a Prefect!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> The suffering is by no means unpleasant, -Duchess.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> You’re going to sit next to me at the -table. We’ll slander the Government!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Oh, Duchess! And I one of her servants! -Oh, no!—But there is nothing to prevent my listening -to you!</p> - - -<p class="center"><i class="stage-direction">Curtain.</i></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">46</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="ACT_II">ACT II</h2> - - -<p class="center">(<i class="stage-direction">Same scene as</i> <span class="smcap">Act I.</span>)</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Bellac</span>, <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>, <span class="smcap">Roger</span>, <span class="smcap">Paul Raymond</span>, -<span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>, <span class="smcap">Madame de Loudan</span>, <i class="stage-direction">the</i> -<span class="smcap">Duchess</span>, <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>, <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>, <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>, <i class="stage-direction">seated in -a semi-circle, listening to</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>, <i class="stage-direction">who -is finishing his lecture</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> And make no mistake about it! -Profound as these legends may appear because of -their baffling exoticism, they are merely—my illustrious -father wrote in 1834—elemental, primitive -imaginings, in comparison with the transcendental -conceptions of Brahmin lore gathered together in -the Upanishads, or indeed in the eighteen Paranas -of Vyasa, the compiler of the Veda.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) Are you asleep?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> No, no—I hear some kind of gibberish.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> Such, in simple terminology, is -the <i lang="la">concretum</i> of the doctrine of Buddha.—And at -this point I shall close my remarks.</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Murmurs. Some of the audience rise.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Several Voices.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Weakly</i>) Very good! Good!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> And now—(<i class="stage-direction">He coughs</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Eagerly</i>) You must be tired, -Saint-Réault?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> Not at all, Countess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> Oh, yes, you must be; rest yourself. -We can wait.</p> - -<p><i class="stage-direction">Several Voices.</i> You must rest!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">47</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> You can’t always remain in -the clouds. Come down to earth, Baron.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> Thank you, but—well, you see, -I had already finished.</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Everybody rises.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Several Voices.</span> So interesting!—A little obscure!—Excellent!—Too -long!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the ladies</i>) Too materialistic!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) He’s bungled it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Calling</i>) Monsieur Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Mademoiselle?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Come here, near me.</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Bellac</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes to her</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) She’s doing it on -purpose!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Coming to table</i>) One word -more! (<i class="stage-direction">General surprise. The audience sits down -in silence and consternation</i>) Or, rather a favor!—This -study of mine, of which, in spite of the narrow -limits and popular character made necessary by my -audience——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> He is polite, isn’t he?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> The importance will perhaps -have been realised,—this study, I say, was in 1821, -sixty years ago, begun, or—I will go so far as to -say, discovered by the genius whose son I have the -honor to be——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) He’s standing in a dead -man’s shoes!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> This trail which he has blazed, -I, too, have followed, and not without distinction, if -I may be permitted to say so. Another, coming<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">48</span> -after us, has tried to snatch a few words of wisdom -from the eternal Verity of the Sphinx, until our -time unfathomed in any theogony. I speak of -Revel, highly esteemed both as scholar and gentleman. -My illustrious father is dead, and Revel is -not long for this earth—if he has not already passed -away. Therefore I alone am left monarch of this -new domain of science of which my father, Guillaume -Eriel de Saint-Réault, was the discoverer. I, -alone! (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>) May those who -govern us, those who are invested with power and -authority, those upon whom will devolve the delicate -task of choosing a successor to our lamented -colleague—whom perhaps we shall mourn to-morrow—may -these eminent men (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>, -<i class="stage-direction">who is speaking with</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>) in spite of the -more or less legitimate solicitations to which they -are prey, make an impartial, enlightened choice, determined -solely by the threefold requirements of -age, aptitude and acquired experience—a choice of -a successor worthy to my illustrious father, and of -the great work which is his,—and of which, I repeat, -I am the sole living representative.</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Everyone rises. Applause and general confusion. -Meanwhile servants enter with refreshments.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Several Voices.</span> Splendid! Bravo!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> At last I understand what he’s driving at!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> A candidate for Revel’s place!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> In the Academy, the New School, in -everything!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) I might have expected -it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Servant.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Announcing</i>) The General! Comte -de Briais!—Monsieur Virot!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter the</i> <span class="smcap">General</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">M. Virot</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">49</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Kissing</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran’s</span> <i class="stage-direction">hand</i>) -Countess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Ah, Senator——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Virot.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Kissing</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran’s</span> <i class="stage-direction">hand</i>) -Madame la comtesse!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Virot</span>) Too late! my -dear Deputy, too late!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Gallantly</i>) One cannot come too -early to your salon, Countess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Monsieur de Saint-Réault was -speaking; can one say more?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Bowing to</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>) My loss!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Virot.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Taking the</i> <span class="smcap">General</span> <i class="stage-direction">to the left</i>) Well, -Senator, if the House passes the law, will you vote -it down?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> Of course—at least the first time! -The Senate must do that much.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Virot.</span> Ah! Duchess!</p> - - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Together with the</i> <span class="smcap">General</span>, <i class="stage-direction">they go to greet the</i> -<span class="smcap">Duchess</span>. <span class="smcap">Paul Raymond</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">slip -out of the room into the garden</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>) You -surpassed yourself this evening, Saint-Réault!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> Yes, you surpassed yourself. -There is no other word for it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Ah, Baron, Baron, what a -world you have opened up to us! How captivating -are these first stammering professions of primitive -faith! And that Buddhist Trinity, oh, I’m -quite mad about it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>) Pardon my boldness, -Monsieur, but in your enumeration of the -Sacred Books, it seemed to me that you omitted -something.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint Réault.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Piqued</i>) Ah, you think so, -Mademoiselle?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">50</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> I did not hear you mention either the -<i lang="sa">Mahabarata</i> or the <i lang="sa">Ramayana</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint Réault.</span> But those are not the Sacred -Books, they are merely poems whose ancient origin -rendered them objects of veneration to the Hindoos. -They are works of literature, merely.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> But nevertheless, the Academy of Calcutta——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> I merely give you the opinion -of the Brahmins! You have another of your own?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Loudly</i>) Monsieur Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Mademoiselle?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Give me your arm; let’s take a little -walk. I want the air!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But, Mademoiselle——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Don’t you wish to?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But just at this time——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Do come! (<i class="stage-direction">She almost drags him -out</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) She’s going out with -him!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Follow them!—Wait, I’ll go with you—I -need a breath of air myself; he’s put me to -sleep with his Brahmins, the old fakir! (<i class="stage-direction">They go -out</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>) Very learned -and full of new ideas—(<i class="stage-direction">In an undertone</i>) I caught -that hint of yours, my dear Baron. There was -really no need. We are all on your side. (<i class="stage-direction">They -shake hands</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>) I beg -your pardon! (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>) You won’t -forget my boy?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> I shall no more forget my promise -than—I will yours.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You understand, you will receive -your six votes in the Senate. You under<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">51</span>stand -also that on the publication of his report——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> You are well aware, Countess, that -we are all on your side.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>, <i class="stage-direction">as they come in from the -garden</i>) That time they <em>did</em> see us!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> It was too dark to see anything under -the trees.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> We were almost caught before dinner. -Twice would be too much! I don’t want to risk -it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Didn’t you promise to kiss me every -time we were in the dark? Yes or no?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Excitedly</i>) Do you want to be the wife -of a Prefect? Yes or no?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Equally excited</i>) Yes, but meanwhile -I’m not going to be his widow!</p> - - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes to them</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) The Countess! (<i class="stage-direction">Aloud</i>) -Really, Jeanne, you prefer the <i lang="sa">Bhagavata</i>?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, the <i lang="sa">Bhagavata</i>, my dear——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Did you understand any of -that mass of erudition, Madame? Poor Saint-Réault -seemed particularly wordy and obscure this evening!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) The jealous rival!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> But towards the end, Countess, he was -clear enough.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Ah, yes, about his candidacy; -you understand?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Well, after all, if faith requires science -to support it, has not science some need of faith?—as -Monsieur de Maistre has said.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Very good indeed! I must introduce -you to a gentleman who will be very useful -to you: General de Briais, the Senator.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">52</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> And how about the Deputy, Countess?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Oh, the Senator is more powerful!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> But the Deputy is more active!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Really, my dear Raymond, -you are very fortunate. (<i class="stage-direction">Pressing</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne’s</span> <i class="stage-direction">hand</i>) -And so am I! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) Good—I’ll introduce -you to both!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Following</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>, <i class="stage-direction">who follows</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. -de Céran</span>) Angel!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Aren’t we going where it’s dark pretty -soon?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Yes, my angel, but wait until the rest are -gone! I’ll tell you: while the tragedy is being read!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Servant.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Announcing</i>) Madame la baronne -de Boines—Monsieur Melchior de Boines!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Boines</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Melchior</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>, <i class="stage-direction">who is about -to receive her</i>) Ah, my dear, am I in time?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You are too late for Science, -too early for Poetry! I am waiting for my poet.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> Who is he?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> An unknown.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> Young?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I know nothing whatsoever -about him, but I am assured that this is his first -work. Gaiac is bringing him—you know Gaiac, of -the <i lang="fr">Conservateur</i>? They should have been here at -nine. I can’t imagine what keeps them.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> I shall profit by the circumstance, for -I came to see neither scholar nor poet. I came to -see <em>him</em>, my dear: Bellac! Think of it, I’ve never -met him! He is so attractive, they tell me! Princess -Okolitch is quite mad about him, you know. -Where is he? Oh, show him to me, Countess!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">53</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I was just looking for him, and -I—(<i class="stage-direction">Seeing</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span> <i class="stage-direction">enter with</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) There!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> Is that he, coming in with Mlle. de -Villiers?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Astonished</i>) Yes!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> How lovely he is, dear! Isn’t he -handsome! And you let him go about with that -young girl!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside—looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> -<i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>) That’s strange——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Melchior.</span> And may I shake hands with Roger?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I doubt if you can at this moment. -He must be hard at work. (<i class="stage-direction">Enter the</i> -<span class="smcap">Duchess</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>. <i class="stage-direction">Aside, looking at these latter</i>) -What’s this—and with the Duchess?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>, <i class="stage-direction">greatly agitated</i>) -Well, did you hear, Aunt?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes, but I saw nothing.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> It was certainly a kiss, that time!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And a good smack! Who is there -here who would kiss like that?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Who, indeed?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Seeing</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>, <i class="stage-direction">as she -approaches them</i>) Your mother!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> How is this, Roger, aren’t you -supposed to be at work?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> No, Mother, I——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Well, well, what about your -<i>Tumuli</i>?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I have plenty of time: I can work on -it to-night, and later in the week.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> The idea! The Minister is -waiting!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Let him wait, Mother! (<i class="stage-direction">He goes away</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Stupefied</i>) Duchess, what -does this mean?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Tell me, isn’t someone going to read<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">54</span> -us some sort of nonsense this evening? Some -tragedy——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Yes.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Your reading is to be in the next -room, isn’t it? Get the people out of here, will -you? I shall need this room at once.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Why?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I’ll tell you during the tragedy.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Servant.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Announcing</i>) Monsieur le vicomte -de Gaiac! Monsieur des Millets!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">de Gaiac</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">des Millets</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well—I—look at your poet! There -he is!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Several Voices.</span> The poet!—The young poet!—Where?—Where -is he?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Gaiac.</span> Will you ever forgive me, Countess? I -was kept at the office. (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) I was writing up -your <i lang="fr">soirée</i>!—Monsieur des Millets, my friend the -tragic poet, whose talent you will soon have an opportunity -of appreciating.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Des Millets.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Bowing</i>) Madame la comtesse!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) So that is the young -poet! He’s an odd one!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to the other ladies</i>) -How awful!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> He’s gray!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Saint-Réault.</span> Bald!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> He has no talent: he’s much -too ugly, my dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> We are very happy, Monsieur, -my guests and I, to be favored with your presence!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Approaching him</i>) A virgin -triumph, Monsieur! How grateful we are!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Des Millets.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Confused</i>) Ah, Madame!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> And it is really your first -work, Monsieur?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">55</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Des Millets.</span> Oh, but I have written several -poems!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Gaiac.</span> Crowned by the Academy, Madame la -comtesse.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>, <i class="stage-direction">admiringly</i>) Crowned!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) <i lang="la">Mediocritas!</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> And this is your first attempt -in the realm of the drama? Ah, well, maturity of -years guarantees maturity of talent!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Des Millets.</span> Alas, Madame la comtesse, the -play was written fifteen years ago!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Fifteen years!—Is it possible?! -Really?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Gaiac.</span> Ah, Des Millets has faith in his work! -We must encourage those who have faith, should -we not, ladies?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Of course! We must encourage -the tragic form, must we not, General? -Tragedy——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Interrupting himself in his conversation -with</i> <span class="smcap">Virot</span>) Eh? Oh, yes, tragedy! <i>Horace!</i> -<i>Cinna!</i> Of course, we must! Tragedy is necessary -for the masses—(<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Des Millets</span>) May we have -the title?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Des. Millets.</span> <i>Philippe-Auguste!</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> Fine subject! Good military subject!—In -verse, isn’t it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Des Millets.</span> Oh, General! A tragedy——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> A good many acts, I suppose?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Des Millets.</span> Five.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> Ha! Ha! Good! Good!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) Five acts! How -lovely! We’ll have plenty of time——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Sh-h!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> The road to Parnassus is -long!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Saint-Réault.</span> What a mighty effort!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">56</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> It must be encouraged!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Suzanne’s</span> <i class="stage-direction">laugh is heard above the murmur of -the conversation</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Suzanne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>) Lead out -young Euripides and his press agent! Get rid of -the lot of them!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Now ladies, shall we go into -the large drawing-room and hear the reading? (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> -<span class="smcap">Des Millets</span>) Are you ready, Monsieur?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Des Millets.</span> As you please, Madame la comtesse.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) Age before beauty!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Come, ladies!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Intercepting her</i>) Oh, but -first, Countess, let us—the ladies and me—carry -out our little plot! (<i class="stage-direction">Going to</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>, <i class="stage-direction">and saying -with an air of supplication</i>) Monsieur Bellac?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Marquise?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> I want to ask a great favor -of you.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Graciously</i>) The favor which you ask -me becomes as nothing in comparison with the -favor you do me in asking it so charmingly.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Oh, how lovely!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> This poetic tragedy will -doubtless occupy the remainder of the evening; it -will certainly prove a fitting climax!—Please say -a few words beforehand—as few as you like! Of -course, Genius must not be overtaxed! But, please -just a few words. They will be received like the -Manna of old!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Please, Monsieur Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> Be generous!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> We throw ourselves at your feet!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">57</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Defending himself</i>) Oh, ladies!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Come to our assistance, Lucy—you, -his Muse! <em>You</em> plead with him!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Of course; I ask him now.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> And I, I want him too!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Voices.</span> Oh, oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Suzanne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Well, since you force me——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Oh, he will! Quick, a chair!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Commotion about</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> A table.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Shall we make a circle?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Give him a little room, ladies.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Pray, no formality!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Virot.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">General</span>) You must be careful, -the law is very popular.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Sh-h!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Please, no stage-setting—nothing that—</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Virot.</span> Well, yes—but the voters?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> My position is perfectly safe!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Sh-h! Oh, General!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Nothing to suggest the school-room, -the platform, or pedantry. Please, ladies, let it be -an informal chat: ask me no questions.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">With clasped hands</i>) Oh, -Monsieur Bellac, tell us about your book!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">With clasped hands</i>) Yes the -book!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">With clasped hands</i>) Your book, -yes!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">With clasped hands</i>) Oh, Monsieur -Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Irresistible supplications! And yet I -must protect myself; until everyone shall have the -opportunity of seeing my book, no one shall.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">58</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">With meaning</i>) Mm—<em>no</em> -one?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Ah, Marquise, “Take care! There -may be a secret!” as Fontenelle said to Mme. de -Coulanges.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Charming! Charming!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan</span>) How -clever!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> He is more than clever.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> What then?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> His wit has wings; you’ll see.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> This is neither the time nor the place, -you will admit, ladies, to plumb the depths of certain -of those eternal problems and mysterious enigmas -of life and the Beyond which harass and torment -noble souls, like your own!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Ah, the “Beyond,” my dear, the “Beyond!”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But, aside from this, I am quite at -your service. There is one point, however, which -comes to my mind, a point eternally discussed and -never settled, upon which I ask your leave to say -a few words.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> DO, do!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> I shall speak, then with a threefold -purpose:—first, to fulfill your request, ladies; -(<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Mme de Loudan</span>) to bring back a -friend who has been led away.——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan</span>, <i class="stage-direction">who -modestly drops her eyes</i>) That is you, my dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>) And to combat an -adversary who has proved exceedingly dangerous—in -more ways than one.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> That means Lucy!—It is Lucy!—Lucy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> My subject is—Love!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Approving</i>) Ahh!—Ahh!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">59</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> For a change!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Bravo!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Low murmurs.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) That young lady is feeling -very fit, it seems!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Concerning love!—The weakness -which is a strength!—The sentiment which is a -faith! The only religion, perhaps, which knows no -scoffers!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Ah!—Charming!—Charming!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Baroness</span>) Ah, the -wings, my dear—the wings!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> I spoke this morning—in the course of -my lecture on German Literature at the Princess’s—of -a certain philosopher who made instinct -the basis and the rule of all our actions and all our -thoughts.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Protesting</i>) Oh!—Oh!—Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> And now, ladies, I take occasion emphatically -to declare that that opinion is not my -opinion, and that I deny the theory with every fiber -of my soul and being!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Good! Excellent!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan</span>) What -pretty hands!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> No, ladies, no! Love is not, as the -German philosopher has it, a purely specific passion; -a deceitful illusion shackling mankind in order -to work its own ends! No, a hundred times no! -if we have souls!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Yes!—Yes—</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Bravo!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) She is certainly -doing that on purpose!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Leave to the Sophists and to vulgar -natures such soul-stunting theories; do not even<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">60</span> -consider them; answer them with silence, the language -of the outcast!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Charming!—Charming!——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> God forbid I should go so far as to -deny the sovereign influence of beauty over the uncertain -wills of men! (<i class="stage-direction">Looking about him</i>) I see -too much about me by way of refutation to that -argument!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Ah!—Ah!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) He looked at <em>her</em>!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But above this material and mortal -beauty, there is another, time-defying, invisible to -the naked eye, which the soul of purity serenely -contemplates and cherishes with an unearthly love. -That love, ladies, is the true Love, the mingling of -two spirits, their flight far from the terrestrial -mire—into the infinite blue of the ideal!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Bravo!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To herself, rather loudly</i>) Nonsense!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at her</i>) That love, mocked -at by some, unknown to most,—I declare, my hand -on my heart, that it does exist! In the souls of the -elect, as Proudhon says——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Voices.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Protesting</i>) Oh, Proudhon——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Oh, Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> A writer whom I am astonished to find -myself quoting—I beg your pardons! In the souls -of the elect, there is nothing of earth.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> How delicate! Charming!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Bursting forth</i>) Nonsense!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Oh, Duchess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Bowing to the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) And yet, it -exists. Noble spirits have felt it, great poets sung -its praises, and in the seats of Heaven, the apotheosis -of our dreams, we see, enshrined about with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">61</span> -haloes of ethereal brightness, those immortal figures, -everlasting proof of an undying and psychic -love: Beatrice, Laura——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Laura, the mother of eleven, my dear -Monsieur!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Duchess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Eleven! And you call her love -psychic!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> They were not Petrarch’s, -Duchess; let’s have fair play.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Héloise——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Oh, she!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> And their sisters of more recent date: -Elvira, Eloa, and many others, known and unknown. -That cohort of pure and unknown loves, is -growing from day to day—I call all womankind to -witness!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Ah, my dear, how true!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> The soul has a language all its own; -its aspirations, its pleasures and its tortures belong -to it: are its very existence. And if it be chained -to the body, it is like the wing of a bird: in order -to raise it to the heights!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Ah, bravo!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Rising</i>) This is what modern science -ought to take into consideration—(<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> -<span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>) that science which a leaden materialism -drags down to earth—I shall add, since -our venerable master and friend made an allusion -not long since—perhaps a trifle over-hasty—to a -loss which science, I hope, will not have to complain -of—I shall add—(<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>, -<i class="stage-direction">to whom</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span> <i class="stage-direction">is speaking</i>) in fine, this is -what <em>he</em> should teach to the youth who have been -under the guidance of Revel, he—whoever he may -be—who will be chosen to carry on the work; and -not only (asking the pardon of our illustrious col<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">62</span>league) -upon the insufficient authority vested in -those who have “acquired the right,” or erudition, -or age—ought he to base his claim, but upon the -irresistible power of a mind imbued with the spirit -of youth and of a fiery ardor which is not to be -extinguished!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Voices.</span> Bravo!—Charming!—Exquisite!—Delicious!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Everyone rises. Confused murmurs of conversation. -The ladies surround</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) That for you, Saint-Réault!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Candidate number two!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Ah, Monsieur Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Dear Professor!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> A veritable banquet of the soul!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> Beautiful!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Oh, ladies, I have but given words to -your ideas.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Flatterer! Charmer!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Are we reconciled yet, Marquise?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> How can one be angry with -you? (<i class="stage-direction">Introducing the</i> <span class="smcap">Baroness</span>) Madame la -baronne de Boines—another conquest! She is at -your feet already!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> You made me weep, Monsieur.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Oh, Madame la baronne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> Isn’t it superb!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Baroness.</span> Superb!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> And how warm he is! (<span class="smcap">Bellac</span> -<i class="stage-direction">looks for his handkerchief</i>) You haven’t one? -Here! (<i class="stage-direction">She gives him her handkerchief</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Oh, Mademoiselle!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Suzanne! The idea!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>, <i class="stage-direction">as he returns her handkerchief</i>) -Oh, keep it, I’m going to get you a drink.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Going toward the table be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">63</span>fore -which</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span> <i class="stage-direction">spoke, upon which is a -tray and glasses of sugar-and-water</i>) Here, drink!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Look, Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> She’s too brazen about it to be in -earnest.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>) And are you convinced?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Oh, for my part, the concept of love—No, -I’ll tell you later!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> In a little while?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Yes—would you like a glass of water? -(<i class="stage-direction">She goes up-stage</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Arriving with a glass of -water</i>) No! Let me! The god must pardon me: -I can offer you only water, as the secret of Nectar-making -is lost!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Arriving with a glass of -water</i>) A glass of water, Monsieur Bellac?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> No, no—take mine! Mine!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> No, mine!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Embarrassed</i>) Well, I——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Handing him a glass of water</i>) Here!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Oh, he’ll choose Lucy, I -know!—I’m so jealous!—No, mine! mine!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Arriving with another glass of water -and forcing it upon</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>) No, no, he’ll take -mine! Ha, ha! the fourth thief!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> But, Mademoiselle—!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) That little girl has -impudence!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>, <i class="stage-direction">indicating</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) -Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What’s the matter with her?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> It’s just since Bellac has come!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">The doors are opened and the large drawing-room -is seen, lighted.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">64</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> At last! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>) -Take away your company—now is your chance!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Come, ladies, our tragedy is -about to be read! In the large drawing-room! -After the reading we shall take tea in the conservatory.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy</span>, <span class="smcap">Bellac</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) In the -conservatory!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Did you notice -Suzanne? She started!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And so did Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Come, ladies, the Muse is -calling us.</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">The guests pass slowly into the large drawing-room.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) What is that, my dear -Sub-prefect—three years!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Come, General!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Still talking with</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) Ah, yes, -Countess, the tragedy!—You are right, one must -encourage Art!—Five acts! Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) It’s settled then, about—later?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Yes, yes, it’s settled.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Returning to</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) Three years, -you say, as Sub-prefect in the same place? And -they say the government isn’t conservative!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> That’s pretty good, Senator; excellent!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Loudan</span>) That’s -understood, Marquise! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Madame Arriégo</span>) -At your service, my dear madame!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>) Well, General Secretary, -may I hope——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Giving him his hand</i>) It is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">65</span> -merely what is due you; you may count on us! -(<i class="stage-direction">He goes off</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">As he comes down to</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) And -what is the spirit of your <i lang="fr">Department</i>,<a id="FNanchor_3_3" href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">3</a> my dear -Sub-prefect? By Jove, you ought to know it, after -three years!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Well, General, its spirit—why, it—the—its -spirit—it hasn’t any!! (<i class="stage-direction">They go out at the back. -As</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">passes the piano she runs her hand -across the keys, making a terrible noise</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Severely to</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) But, -Su-zanne! What——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">As if astonished</i>) What is it, -cousin?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Stopping her and looking into her -face</i>) What is the matter with you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">With a nervous smile</i>) Me? Oh, -I am just amusing myself!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What is the matter?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Nothing, Aunt, I tell you I am just -amusing myself!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What is the matter with you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Stifling a sob</i>) Oh, I feel so badly! -(<i class="stage-direction">She goes into the large dining-room and slams -the door violently after her</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> She’s in love, or I’m no judge—and -I <em>am</em> a judge!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) But what -is the matter? (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Why aren’t you at -work on your report? What has happened? -Please?!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> You were right all the while!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. De Céran.</span> Suzanne——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne—and that man!!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">66</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Stop! You’re going to say something -foolish!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But I——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>) We discovered -a letter in her possession.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> From Bellac?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I haven’t the slightest idea.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Disguised handwriting—unsigned—not -the slightest idea!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Oh, you must have! He’s not running -any risks.—I say——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Keep still! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> -<span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>) Listen to this: “I shall arrive -Thursday——”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> To-day!—Therefore either he or I -wrote that letter!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Will you be still? “This evening at -ten, in the Conservatory.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> “Say you have a headache.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Oh, yes, I forgot: “Say you have a -headache.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Why, it is a rendezvous!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> There’s no doubt about it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> With <em>her</em>!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I don’t know about that!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But I think——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> You think! You think!—When it -comes to accusing a woman,—it’s not enough to -“think,” you must <em>see</em>, and when you have seen, -and seen and seen again—then, well then, it’s not -true anyway! (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) It’s good to say these -things to the young!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> A rendezvous, what did I tell -you?! Well, well, what more could be expected -of her, after all? And in my house! Like a girl -of the streets! Now, Duchess, what are you going<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">67</span> -to do, tell me that? I asked them to begin in there -without me, but I can’t wait here all evening! I -hear the poet; they’ve begun. Please, what are you -going to do?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Do? Stay here.—Quarter to ten; if -she keeps the appointment she must come through -here, and then I’ll see him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But if she goes, Aunt?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> If she goes, my dear nephew? Well! -I shall go too! And without saying a word, I’ll -see where they go. And when I see how matters -stand, then and then only, will it be time to act.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Sitting down</i>) I’ll wait.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> It’s useless for you to wait, -my dear, we are here. You have your <i>Tumuli</i>, run -along! (<i class="stage-direction">She urges him to the door</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Please, mother! It’s a matter that——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> It concerns your position. Go -now, run away!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Resisting</i>.) I should be very sorry to -disobey you, but——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Now, Roger!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Please, mother!—I couldn’t write a line -this evening, I am too—I don’t know what—I am -very disturbed. My conscience tells me that I -have not acted toward that young girl as I ought. -I’m very—Think of it, Mother—Suzanne!—It -would be awful—! I am in a fearful position.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Surely you exaggerate!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Flaring up</i>) Really!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Roger! Roger! What do you -mean!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I am her tutor; it is my duty to look -after her moral welfare!—Think of my responsibility; -that child’s honor is in my hands! It is a -sacred charge placed in my keeping; if I violate -my trust I should be worse than a criminal. And<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">68</span> -then you talk to me about <em>Tumuli! Tumuli! Tumuli!</em> -The devil take the <em>Tumuli</em>!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Terrified</i>) Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well, well!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> And I say, if this is true, if that cad has -dared take advantage of our hospitality and her innocence, -I’m going straight to him and demand a -public apology, do you hear?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> My son!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Before everyone!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> This is madness!—Duchess, -forgive him, he’s——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Oho! I like to see him like that, you -know!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Roger!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> No, mother, this is my affair. I’ll wait -here. (<i class="stage-direction">He sits down</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Very well, then, I’ll wait, too.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> You?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Yes, and I’ll talk to him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> But be careful!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Oh, I’ll be careful enough; -but if she persists, I shall give her my opinion on -the subject! I’ll wait. (<i class="stage-direction">She sits down</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Not long! Five minutes to ten! If -she is going to have her headache, it is due about -now. (<i class="stage-direction">The door at the back swings open slowly</i>) -Shhh——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> There she is!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">As the door opens, the voice of the poet is heard -declaiming.</i>)</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Poet.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Outside</i>) “Then let me cleanse the earth of this vile brood!</div> -<div class="verse">Death’s portal shall not check my vengeance, nor</div> -<div class="verse">Shall I retreat before the yawning grave——”</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">appears; closes the door</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">69</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> The Sub-prefect’s wife!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Astonished at seeing them</i>) Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Come in, don’t be afraid. It would -seem that you have had enough?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, no, Duchess, but you see, I——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> You don’t care for tragedy?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, yes, I do!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Oh, you needn’t say so to be polite; -there are seventeen others who feel as you do! -(<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) What can she be up to?—It wasn’t interesting, -was it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Quite the contrary!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> “Quite the contrary,” as you say to the -person who asks you whether it hurt when he -stepped on your foot?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, not at all! There were some very -interesting things—there was one beautiful line.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> A whole line?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> And the applause was great. (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) -What shall I do?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Ha! Ha! What was the beautiful -line?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> “Honor is like a god, a god which—” -I’m afraid I misquote it, and spoil the effect.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Keep it, my child, keep it! And now -you’re running away like this in spite of the beautiful -line?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> I very much regret having to leave. -(<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) What shall I say? (<i class="stage-direction">Brightening</i>) Oh!—it -was either that I was so uncomfortable where I -was sitting, or because it was so warm—I don’t feel -very well!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Ah!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> My eyes are—I can’t see straight—I -have a headache——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>, <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>, <span class="smcap">Roger</span>. (<i class="stage-direction">Rising</i>) A -headache?!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">70</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Alarmed—aside</i>) What’s the matter -with them?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">After a short pause</i>) That’s not surprising: -there is an epidemic of headaches.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> You have one too?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I? No! One doesn’t have them at -my age! You must do something for it, my child.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> I’m going to take a little walk. You’ll -excuse me, won’t you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Of course; by all means!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Holding her head between her hands, -and going toward the door</i>) Oh, how it aches! -Ah! (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Paul will find an excuse to get away! -(<i class="stage-direction">She goes out through the door leading to the garden</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Do you think so? Do -you think so?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Oh, Aunt, it’s only a coincidence!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Possibly; you know how easily one -may be mistaken, and one must never—(<i class="stage-direction">The door -of the drawing-room opens</i>) Ahh, <em>this</em> time!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Voice of the Poet.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Heard through the partially -opened door as before</i>)</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“And though there were a hundred, nay a thousand——”</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Euripides is still at it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Voice of the Poet.</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Unarmed, unaided, would I brave their threats,</div> -<div class="verse">And make the cowards own their cowardice!”</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i class="stage-direction">appears</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>. Lucy!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes to the door leading into the garden</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">71</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What, Lucy! Why did you leave the -reading?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Stopping</i>) I beg your pardon; I didn’t -see you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And yet they say there was a beautiful -line:</p> - -<p> -“Honor is like a god——”<br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Starting to go</i>) “Like a god which——”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes, that’s the one. (<i class="stage-direction">The clock strikes -ten.</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i class="stage-direction">is now at the door</i>) And in spite of -that, you are determined to go?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Yes, I want a breath of fresh air: I have -a headache. (<i class="stage-direction">She goes out</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess</span>, <span class="smcap">Roger</span>, <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Cèran</span>. (<i class="stage-direction">Sitting -down</i>) Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well, well! This is getting interesting!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Another coincidence!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Another? No, not this time! Don’t -you think so? Then all of them are—! Except -Suzanne’s case! Come, now, there’s something in -the air. She will not come! I’m willing to wager -she won’t come. (<i class="stage-direction">The drawing-room door opens -suddenly, and through it is heard a voice in the -throes of tragic agony</i>) There she is!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">hastily, as though looking for -someone</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Rising</i>) You are leaving the -reading, Mademoiselle!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Impatiently</i>) Yes, cousin!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Stay here!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> But, cousin——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Stay! Sit down!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">72</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Dropping on to a piano-stool, and -abruptly turning to each person who addresses her</i>) -Well?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> And why, may I ask, did you -leave the reading?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Why should I let myself be bored by -that old gentleman?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Is that the true reason?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I went out because Lucy went out, if -you must know!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Miss Watson, Mademoiselle?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Yes, indeed: Miss Watson, the pink -of perfection, the <i lang="la">rara avis</i>—she may do as she likes, -but I——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> You, Suzanne?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Let me speak to her! But you -Mademoiselle, run about the streets alone!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> The way Lucy does!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> And you dress most outrageously.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> The way Lucy does!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You monopolise M. Bellac and -talk to him affectedly——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> The way Lucy does! I suppose she -doesn’t speak to him, does she? And to Monsieur, -too! (<i class="stage-direction">Indicating</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Oh, but in private! You understand -me perfectly.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Let’s not talk about “in private!” -When anyone has a secret, he <em>writes</em> it—(<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> -<span class="smcap">Roger</span> <i class="stage-direction">between her teeth</i>) in a disguised hand!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Shh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Well?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Well, Lucy speaks to whomever she<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">73</span> -likes; Lucy goes out whenever she wants to; Lucy -dresses just as she likes. I want to do just like -Lucy, because every one loves her!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> And do you know why everyone -loves her, Mademoiselle? Because, in spite of -her plainness—a necessary consequence of her -nationality—she is serious, dignified and cultured—</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Rising</i>) And what about me? -Haven’t I been all that? For the last six months up -to this very evening at five o’clock, I worked hard -without resting, and I studied as much as she did; -and I learned as much as she did: “objective” and -“subjective” and all that! And what good did it -all do me? Does anyone love me better for it? -Doesn’t everyone always treat me just as if I were -a little girl? Everyone!! Everyone!! (<i class="stage-direction">Looking -sidewise at</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Who pays any attention to me? -Suzanne, Suzanne!! What does Suzanne count -for! And all because I’m not an old English -woman!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Yes, defend her! Oh, I know what -to do in order to please you! Here! (<i class="stage-direction">Taking the</i> -<span class="smcap">Duchess’s</span> <i class="stage-direction">lorgnette and putting it up to her eyes -and looking through it</i>) How esthetic! Schopenhauer! -The Ego, the non-Ego! Et Cetera, nyah! -nyah!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> We can dispense with your impertinence, -Mademoiselle!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Bowing ceremoniously</i>) Thank you, -cousin!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Yes, impertinence! and your -absurd pranks——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Well, what can you expect from a -“street gamin” like me! No wonder I don’t behave -any better! (<i class="stage-direction">A little excited</i>) Of course I misbehave! -I do it on purpose and I’ll continue to do it!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">74</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Not under my roof!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I did go out with Monsieur Bellac, -and I spoke with Monsieur Bellac, and I have a -secret with Monsieur Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> You dare——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> And he knows more than you do! -And he’s more of a man than you are! And I like -him better than you! I love him! I love him! I -love him!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I sincerely hope that you do -not realize the gravity of what you are saying!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I <em>do</em> realize it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Then listen to me! Before -you commit any more of the follies you are threatening -us with, think the matter over! You, least -of all, Mademoiselle de Villiers, can afford to have -a scandal connected with <em>your</em> name!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Take care, take care!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Well, Duchess, she ought to -know, at least——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Holding back her tears</i>) I do know!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> You know? What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Throwing herself into the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess’s</span> -<i class="stage-direction">arms and crying</i>) Aunt! Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> There, there, Suzanne, my child! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> -<span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>) That was considerate of you—to -start that here! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) There, there, -what is it you know? (<i class="stage-direction">She takes</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">on her -knees</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Weeping and talking at the same -time</i>) W-what? I—I don’t know! But I do know -there is something against me—and there has been -for a long time!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Why, what makes you think——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Nobody, everybody. People look at -you and whisper and stop talking when you come -into the room and kiss you, and call you poor little<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">75</span> -thing!—If you think children don’t notice those -things!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Wiping her eyes</i>) Now, dear, dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> And it was just the same at the convent! -I knew I wasn’t like the other girls. Oh, I -could see that. They always talked to me about -my father and my mother, and why? Because I -didn’t have any! And once, during recess, I was -playing with a girl!—I don’t remember what I’d -done to her—She was furious—and all of a sudden -she called me “Miss Foundling!” She didn’t know -what it meant, neither did I! Her mother had used -the word in speaking about me. She told me afterward, -after we had made up.—Oh, I was so unhappy! -(<i class="stage-direction">Sobbing</i>) We looked the word up in the -dictionary, but we didn’t find anything—or we didn’t -understand—(<i class="stage-direction">Angrily</i>) What did they mean? -What have I done that makes me any different from -anybody else? That everything I do is bad? Is it -my fault?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Kissing her</i>) No, my child, no my -dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I am sorry——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Sobbing</i>) Well, then, why does -everybody blame me if it isn’t my fault? Here I -seem to be in the way! I know I don’t want to stay -any longer. I am going! Nobody loves me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Deeply moved</i>) Why do you say that, -Suzanne? It’s not so. Everybody here—I——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Angrily as she rises</i>) You!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Yes, I? And I swear——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> You!—Go away from me! I hate -you and I never want to see you again! Never! -Do you hear! (<i class="stage-direction">She goes toward the door leading -into the garden</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne! Suzanne! Where are you -going?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">76</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I’m going for a walk! For that matter, -I am going where I please!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But why now? Why are you going out?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Why? (<i class="stage-direction">She comes down to him</i>) -Why?? (<i class="stage-direction">Looking him in the eye</i>) Why? I have -a headache! (<i class="stage-direction">All rise</i>. <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes out</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Agitated</i>) Well, Aunt, it’s clear now, -isn’t it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Less and less!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I shall see him at once!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> What are you going to do?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Merely to do as my aunt has suggested: -get to the bottom of the affair. And I swear if that -man—that if it’s true—if he has dared—!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> If he has I shall show him to -the door!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> If he has, I’ll see that he marries her! -(<i class="stage-direction">Following</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) Only, if it isn’t true—well, -we’ll see! Come! (<i class="stage-direction">She tries to make</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de -Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">go out. Loud applause is heard from the -adjoining room; indistinct murmurs of conversation -and moving of chairs</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Well!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What’s that I hear? Another beautiful -line? No, it’s the end of the act. Quick, before -they come in!!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> But my guests?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> They’ll go to sleep again without your -help! Come, come!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">They go out. The door at the back opens. Through -it are seen guests in groups, with</i> <span class="smcap">Des Millets</span> -<i class="stage-direction">in the centre of one</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ladies.</span> Beautiful!—Great Art!—Very noble!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">On the threshold of the door</i>) That act -is charming! Don’t you think so, General?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">77</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Yawning cavernously</i>) Charming! -Four to come!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Paul</span> <i class="stage-direction">skilfully maneuvers so that he reaches the -door leading to the garden and disappears -through it</i>.)</p> - - -<p class="center"><i class="stage-direction">Curtain.</i></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">78</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="ACT_III">ACT III</h2> - - -<p class="dir"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <i class="stage-direction">A large conservatory lighted by gas. A -tiny fountain playing in the center of a basin; -furniture, chairs, clumps of shrubbery; large -plants behind which one might easily slip and -hide.</i></p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">The</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">enter, right. -They look about stealthily and consult together -in low tones.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> No one?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> No one.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Good! (<i class="stage-direction">She walks toward the center -of the stage, then pauses</i>) Three headaches!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> It’s atrocious that I should be -forced to leave the poet to——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Oh, well, your poet is reading his -poetry! A poet who can read his poems is happy -enough!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> But Roger’s conduct has disturbed -me! I have never seen him act that way. -What are you doing there, Aunt?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I’m stopping the water so that I can -hear better, my dear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Why?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> So that I can hear better, my dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> He is in the garden somewhere—following -her, watching for her. What will happen?—Oh, -the poor little thing!—Why, Duchess! -You are putting out the gas!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> No, I’m only turning it down.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Why?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">79</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> So that I can see better, my dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> So—?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Heavens, the less we are seen the more -we’ll see. Three headaches,—and only one rendezvous! -Aren’t you beginning to see, my dear?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> But what I can’t understand is -that Monsieur Bellac——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And what I can’t understand is that -Suzanne——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Oh, she!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> She? Well, you’ll see! They may -come now as soon as they wish: everything’s ready.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> If Roger finds them here together, -he might——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Bah! Wait till you see! Wait until -you <em>see</em>!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> But——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Shh! Didn’t you hear something?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Yes!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Pushing</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">toward -the plant at the right, down-stage</i>) Just in time!—Come!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> What, you are going to listen?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Hidden</i>) I should think so! There -is nothing else to be done but to listen! There! -In that corner we’ll be snug as weasels. If it becomes -necessary, we can come out, rest assured of -that! Has somebody come in?</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">enters quietly</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking through the branches -which hide her</i>) Yes!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Which of the two?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> <i class="stage-direction">It is she!</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Suzanne?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> No! She’s not in <i lang="fr">décolletée</i>. -It’s someone else!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">80</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Someone else? Who?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> I can’t distinguish!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> But come on, Paul!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> The little Sub-prefect’s wife!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Again!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Paul</span> <i class="stage-direction">enters, right, at the back</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> What on earth are you doing to that -door?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Still in the corner, busied with something</i>) -Necessity is the mother of invention!—I’m -just inventing a little necessity.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> That!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Eh? (<i class="stage-direction">Nervously</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Coming in</i>) A great success!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> What do you mean?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> That! A little burglar alarm I’ve just -installed. Yes, a piece of wood in the door-hinge. -By this means, if anyone should come—oh, not any -one in love,—that would be hardly likely in this -place!—but someone who was trying to take refuge -here and avoid the tragedy—there wouldn’t be any -danger. He gives the door a push, there is a squeak -and we—whht!—by the other door, eh? Isn’t that -a clever invention? I tell you, we statesmen—! -And now, Madame, since we are at last sheltered -from the eyes of the world, I shed the responsibilities -of the public man; the private citizen reappears, -and is ready for the flight of sentiment too -long concealed; I now permit you to call me Paul!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, what bliss! You are too good, -P A U L!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> I am good because I am at peace; but, -kissing me in the corridors, you know—the way -you did when you came to unpack my trunk, -that——</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">81</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) So it was they!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> And in the garden, this evening, too——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Again!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Never again, please! It’s entirely too -imprudent for this house!—And what a place! -Didn’t I tell you? It’s a shame that in order to -become a Prefect one has to yawn himself to death -in this palace of boredom!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Eh?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>) Listen to -that! Listen to that!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Drawing</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span> <i class="stage-direction">down beside her</i>) Come, -dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Sits down, then gets up and walks about, -agitated</i>) What a house! And the hosts, and the -guests, and everybody else! And Madame Arriégo! -And that poet! And the Marquise! And that English -iceberg! And Roger the wooden man! The -Duchess is the only one with any common-sense!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> That for me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">With conviction</i>) But the rest, oh, my, -oh, my!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And that for you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, come, dear, sit by me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Seating himself, and rising again as before</i>) -And the lectures and the Literature! And -Revel’s candidacy! Clever old fox who keeps dying -every evening and coming back to life every morning! -(<i class="stage-direction">He starts to sit down, then he pauses</i>) And -Saint-Réault! Ah! Saint-Réault! And the <i lang="sa">Ramas-Ravanas</i> -and all the clap-trap about Buddha!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Indignantly</i>) Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Laughing to herself</i>) Oh, he’s so -funny!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> And the other one, he’s a wonder! Bellac -of the many conquests, with his Platonic love!!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Dropping her eyes</i>) He’s silly!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">82</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Sitting</i>) Don’t you think so? And that -tragedy! Oh, that tragedy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> But, Paul, what is it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> And old Phillippe-Auguste with his beautiful -verse! Why, everybody has written verse! -That’s no reason why he should read it! I’ve done -it myself!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> You, dear?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Yes, I! When I was a poor student I -even used to sell it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> To a publisher?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> No, to a dentist! “Fill-iad, Or the Art -of Filling Teeth.”—Poem in three hundred lines!—Thirty -Francs—Listen!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, no!</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> “O Muse, be there an ill, to man the greatest curse,</div> -<div class="verse">Which Heaven in its wrath spreads o’er the universe,</div> -<div class="verse">And sorely, you’ll admit, O Muse, good taste offends,</div> -<div class="verse">It is that one which oftentimes upon the teeth descends!—</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, Paul!</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> “Ah, to tear out that tooth, my cup of joy were full!</div> -<div class="verse">Nay, friend, it can be cured, stop! do not let them pull!</div> -<div class="verse">Oh, never pull a tooth, e’en when it rots—you’ll rue it!</div> -<div class="verse">Let it be filled; but choose a clever man to do it!</div> -<div class="verse">Protect that little tooth, bi-cuspéd or incisor,</div> -<div class="verse">’Twill sweeten every meal—’twill make your smile seem nicer!”</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Laughing</i>) Isn’t he amusing!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> What nonsense you talk! Who would<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">83</span> -ever believe it to see you in the drawing-room! -(<i class="stage-direction">Imitating him</i>) Ah, yes, Monsieur le sénateur, the -tide of democracy—the treaties of 1815—Oh! Oh! -OH!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> And you, dear! You certainly have made -an impression on the hostess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Hmmm?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> My compliments!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> But, dearie, I only did what you suggested!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Imitating her</i>) “I only did what you -suggested!”—Ah, little Miss Saintliness with her -little voice! Oh, you filled the Countess full—of -Joubert and Latin and Tocqueville—your own manufacture, -too!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> What, her own manufacture?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> She is lovely! I like her all the more!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Well, I don’t feel any remorse—A woman -who puts us in separate rooms!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Rising</i>) And suppose I tell -her to leave!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Be still!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> And it’s just horrid of her! Yes, she -does it on purpose! A woman knows very well that -new-married people always—have things to say to -each other.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Tenderly</i>) Yes, always!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Always? Really?—Always like this?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> What a sweet voice you have! I heard it -a little while ago—talking about the treaties of 1815! -Soft, sweet, all-enveloping. Ah, the voice is the -music of the heart—as Monsieur de Tocqueville -says!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, Paul! I don’t like you to laugh at -such serious things!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Oh, let me be a little nonsensical, please, -dear! I’m so happy here! By Jove, just now I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">84</span> -don’t care a rap whether I’m Prefect of Carcassonne -or not!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> It’s always “just now” with me, Monsieur! -That’s the difference!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Dear little wife! (<i class="stage-direction">He kisses her hands</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> But such impropriety, I nev—</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I can’t say that I object to that!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> I have a lot of back accounts to settle -before I even begin to collect for the present! -When can we get away? Dear little girl, you don’t -know how I adore you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Yes, I know—I can judge for myself!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> My Jeanne!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, Paul, say it like that always! Always!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Always! (<i class="stage-direction">Close to her, and very tenderly</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> But, Duchess!!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Oh! They’re married, aren’t they!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">The door squeaks</i>; <span class="smcap">Paul</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">spring up, -startled</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>. Eh?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Somebody’s coming!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> We must flee—as they say in the tragedy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Quick! Quick!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> You see? My little invention!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> So soon! What luck! (<i class="stage-direction">They go out, -right</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Going left</i>) Well, it is a fortunate -thing that they were interrupted.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Following her</i>) I’m sorry they went—but -the funny part is over now!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Bellac</span> <i class="stage-direction">enters right, at the back</i>; <span class="smcap">Madame de -Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">and the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span> <i class="stage-direction">hide themselves, left</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> What a noise that door makes!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">85</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>, <i class="stage-direction">as before</i>) -Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> One can’t see very well here!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> You see, it’s true!—Everything -is true!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Everything? No!—Only a little bit.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> The rest is far away.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> In any case, it’s only a lark, a schoolgirl’s -frolic! It can’t be that—(<i class="stage-direction">The door squeaks</i>) -There she is! Oh, my, how my heart beats! In -cases like this, it’s better to be sure; one can never -tell. Can you see her?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Peering out</i>) Yes, it’s she; -Roger will be here in a moment, on the lookout for -them. Hadn’t we better show ourselves, Duchess?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> No, no. I want to see where they -stand. I want to catch them red-handed.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Still looking</i>) I’m dying of -suspense—<i lang="fr">Décolletée</i>—It’s certainly she.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Oh, the little coquette! Let me see! -(<i class="stage-direction">She looks through the leaves</i>) What’s that?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Look!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Lucy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Lucy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> What does that mean?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> I don’t know, but I like that better!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Paul</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">re-enter, and</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> -<i class="stage-direction">conceal themselves, right</i>. <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">is behind</i> -<span class="smcap">Paul</span>, <i class="stage-direction">holding him back</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) No, no, Paul, no!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Yes, yes! Let me go a second! I want -to see! Nobody could be here but lovers, at this -hour;—and yet, in this house! No, that would be -too much!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">86</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Take care!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Shhh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Are you there, Monsieur Bellac?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> The English girl!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Yes, Mademoiselle!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> And the Professor—the English girl and -the Professor! It’s impossible! Scandal! Would -you believe it! An intrigue—a rendezvous! We’ll -stay right here and see what happens!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> After this, you don’t mean to say you -want to go?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Oh, no! (<i class="stage-direction">They hide themselves behind -the plants, at the back, left</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Are you on this side?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Here!—I beg your pardon! The conservatory -is usually better lighted—I don’t know -why, this evening—(<i class="stage-direction">He walks toward her</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Lucy!—But -what about Suzanne? I’m sure I can’t make -it out!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Wait a while; we’ll soon see.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> But, M. Bellac, what do you mean by -this? And your letter this morning? Why did you -write me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Because I wanted to talk with you, my -dear Miss Lucy. Is this the first time we have left -the others and talked, and exchanged ideas?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Struggling to control his laughter</i>) Oh, -exchange ideas! I never heard it called that before!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Surrounded as I am here, what other -means had I of speaking with you, alone?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> What other means? You might simply -offer me your arm and leave the room with me. -I’m no French girl!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But you are in France.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">87</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> I may be in France, but I still do as I -please. I have no use for secrets, much less such -mysteries as this! You disguise your handwriting, -you did not sign your name, you even wrote on pink -paper—how French you are!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) He’s a born villain!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> How wonderful you are, austere Muse -of Knowledge, superb Polymnia, proud nymph of -the cold Pierian Spring—please sit down!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> No, no! Now see what all your precautions -have come to; I have lost that letter!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Rather loudly</i>) I see!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i class="stage-direction">starts</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> What is it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Didn’t you hear——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> No.—You say you lost——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> What do you suppose the finder of that -letter will think?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>) Now do -you understand?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Of course; there was no envelope or address——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Nor my handwriting, nor my signature. -You see I wasn’t so stupid after all! In any case, -my intentions were good, my dear Miss Lucy. Forgive -your Professor, your friend, and—and—Sit -down, please!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> No! Tell me what you have to tell me -with so much secrecy, and we’ll return to the drawing-room!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Detaining her</i>) Wait! Why didn’t -you come to my lecture this afternoon?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Simply because I spent my time looking -for that letter. What have you to say to me now?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Are you very anxious to leave me?<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">88</span> -(<i class="stage-direction">He gives her a packet of papers tied with a red -ribbon</i>) There!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> The proofs!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Agitated</i>) Of my book!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Also moved</i>) Of your—? Oh, M. Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> It was my wish to have you see it before -anyone else! You only!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Taking his hand—effusively</i>) Oh, my -dear friend! My dear friend!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">As before</i>) Oh, my, what a gift of love!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Bellac</span> <i class="stage-direction">moves a little to the left</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> What is it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Nothing—nothing.—I thought—Read -this book in which I have put my inmost thoughts, -and you will find that we are in perfect accord, I -am sure—except upon one point—Oh, that question——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Which?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Tenderly</i>) Is it possible that you -really do not believe in Platonic love?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> I? Not in the least!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Graciously</i>) Very well, but what of -our relations?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Simply</i>) Our relations? Friendship!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Playing with the idea</i>) I beg your -pardon! More than friendship, better than love!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Well, if it’s more than the one and better -than the other, then it’s neither! And now, thank -you once more; thank you a thousand times! But -let us go back, shan’t we? (<i class="stage-direction">She starts to go</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Detaining her</i>) Wait a moment!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> No, no, let us go back!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) She won’t take the bait!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Always holding her back</i>) Please wait,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">89</span> -I beg you!—Two words! Two words! Explain to -me, tell me—it’s worth the trouble! Come, Lucy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Come, Bellac! (<i class="stage-direction">Becoming animated, as -she passes to the right</i>) But see, my friend, listen, -M. Bellac—your Platonic love has absolutely no -philosophical basis——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Pardon me, that love is a kind of friendship——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> If it’s friendship it is no longer love.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But it’s a double concept!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> If it’s double, it cannot be a unit!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But there is a fusion! (<i class="stage-direction">He seats himself</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> If it is a fusion, it has no longer an individuality. -I’ll explain my meaning! (<i class="stage-direction">She seats -herself</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) She’s swallowed the hook!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> I deny that any fusion is possible between -love, which is based upon indivisibility, and friendship, -which is largely composed of sympathy; that -is to say, that in which the Ego becomes, in a way, -the Non-Ego. I deny absolutely, absolutely——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>) I have often -heard people talk about love, but never that way!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But, Lucy——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> But, Bellac—Yes or no, the principal factor——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> But, Lucy—Here’s an example: suppose -two beings, two abstractions, two entities—any -man, any woman,—who love each other, but with -an ordinary physiological love—you follow me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Perfectly!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Let us suppose these two in the following -circumstances; they are alone at night, together—what -would happen?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>) I don’t -know, do you?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">90</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Without fail—now pay close attention—without -fail, this phenomenon will take place.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) It’s so funny!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Do you think so, Madame?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Both of them, or more probably, one of -them, the man——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) The male entity!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Would approach her whom he believes -he loves—(<i class="stage-direction">He approaches her</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Drawing back a little</i>) But——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Gently holding her</i>) No, no, you’ll -see! They gaze fixedly into each other’s eyes, she -feels his breath on her cheek, her hair brushes -against his face——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> But, M. Bellac——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> And then—and then, their Egoes mingle, -independently of the Ego itself, an uninterrupted -series of involuntary acts which, by a natural -succession, progressing slowly and inevitably, hurls -them, if I may be permitted the expression, into the -maelstrom which, though foreseen, cannot be -avoided—in which Reason and Soul are powerless!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> One moment! This process——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Listen, listen! Suppose now another -couple and another love: a psychological, not a -physiological love—an exception; you still follow -me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Yes.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> These two, seated side by side, come -nearer to each other——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Drawing away</i>) But that’s the very -same thing.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Bringing her back</i>) Listen to me; there -is the slightest shade of difference. Let me illustrate: -they too gaze into each other’s eyes and they -too——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Well? (<i class="stage-direction">She rises</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">91</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Making her sit down</i>) But—but—They -are oblivious of physical beauty: it is their -souls which commune. They no longer hear each -other’s voices, but rather the palpitation of their -thoughts! And then, finally, by an entirely different -process—though springing from the same source—they -too arrive at that obscure and turbulent state -of mind in which the being is ignorant even of its -own existence—a delicious atrophy of the Will -which seems the <i lang="la">summum</i> and the <i lang="la">terminus</i> of human -happiness; they leave the earth to awaken in -a free Heaven, for <em>their</em> love transports them far -above the murky clouds of earthly passion into the -pure Ether of the sublimely Ideal! (<i class="stage-direction">A pause</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) They’re going to kiss!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Lucy!! Dear Lucy, don’t you understand? -Say that you understand me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Troubled</i>) But—it seems to me that -these two concepts——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Oh, the concepts! That’s too much!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> The two concepts are identical.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Passionately</i>) Identical?! Oh, Lucy, -you are cruel! Identical! You must understand -that in this case it is entirely subjective.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Subjective! Oh, I say!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Growing more excited</i>) Subjective! -Lucy! You must understand me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Greatly moved</i>) But, Bellac—subjective!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) He’ll never kiss her!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Then I’ll kiss you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Defending herself</i>) Paul! Paul!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Kisses are heard.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>. (<i class="stage-direction">Getting up, frightened</i>) -What——?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">92</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Astonished; rising</i>) What’s this? -Are they kissing?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> Someone—someone’s there!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Come, take my hand!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> There’s someone listening! I’m sure!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Come!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> I’m fearfully compromised! (<i class="stage-direction">She goes -out at the back, left</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Following her</i>) I’ll do all in my -power—(<i class="stage-direction">He follows her out</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Who, with</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>, <i class="stage-direction">comes out from the -hiding-place</i>) Platonic love! Ha! Ha!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Raymond!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> The Ego! The process! The <i lang="la">terminus</i>! -Ha! Ha!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Leaving her hiding-place; aside</i>) -Naughty children! Just wait! (<i class="stage-direction">Quietly approaching -them</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Oh, he’s a regular Tartufe,<a id="FNanchor_4_4" href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">4</a> with his -double-meanings! (<i class="stage-direction">Imitating</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>) “My dear -Mademoiselle; Love is a double concept”——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Imitating</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>) “But the principal -factor”——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> “But, Lucy”——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> “But, Bellac”——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> “But there is the slightest shade of a difference—Let -me illustrate”——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> “But they are identical.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> “Identical! You are cruel! It is entirely -subjective.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> “Oh, Bellac, subjective.”</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">The</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span> <i class="stage-direction">imitates the sound of kisses by clapping -her hands</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>. (<i class="stage-direction">Rising in alarm</i>) What——?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">93</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Someone!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Caught!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Someone has been listening!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Trying to take her away</i>) Come, come!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">As they go out</i>) Perhaps they heard -what we said before!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> “I’ll do all in my power”—! (<i class="stage-direction">They go -out left</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Laughing</i>) Ha! Ha! Those ridiculous -children! They’re nice, but they deserve a -lesson! I have to laugh! Oh—Lucy—think of it!—She’s -all right! Ah, well, now do you see how -matters stand! Suzanne—the rendezvous—the letter——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Oh, it was Bellac’s letter to -Lucy that Suzanne found!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> She thought it was Roger’s letter to -Lucy; that is why she was so jealous, so furious!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Jealous? You don’t mean to -tell me she loves my son?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Do you still want him to marry the -other girl?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> The other girl? Certainly not! -But never Suzanne, Aunt, never!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> We haven’t come to that yet! Meanwhile, -go and take care of your tragic poet, and -Revel’s successor! I’ll find your son for you, and -see that he gets back his honor! All’s well that -ends well! I’m not nervous now, after all this ado -about nothing! But now it’s over; let’s go!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">They are about to go out, left, when the door at -the right opens.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess</span> <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>. What’s this?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Again!? Your Conservatory is thick -with them! This is lovely!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">94</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Who else can it be?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Who? (<i class="stage-direction">Struck with an idea</i>) Oh! -(<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>, <i class="stage-direction">placing her in a corner, left</i>) -Go back to the drawing-room; I’ll tell you later.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> But, I——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> You can’t leave your guests all evening!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Trying to see the newcomers</i>) -Who can it be?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Still urging her out</i>) I’ll tell you -everything. Quick now, before—— You can’t——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> That’s so. I’ll come back for -the tea.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes, do that! Quick, quick, now!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span> <i class="stage-direction">goes out, left</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Who can it be? Roger, who is spying -on Suzanne, or Suzanne, who is spying on Roger? -(<i class="stage-direction">Looking to the right</i>) Yes, it’s he, my Bartolo—(<i class="stage-direction">Looking -to the left</i>) And my little jealous girl, -who thinks Roger is with Lucy, and who would like -to see how things are coming on. That’s it. Headache -number three: total quite correct! Oh, if Fortune -doesn’t make something out of this, she is insufferably -stupid! (<i class="stage-direction">Carefully turning down the gas</i>) -We need a little added effect!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Hiding</i>) I knew very well when he -had finished walking around the garden he would -end here in the conservatory; he couldn’t miss it!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Roger</span> <i class="stage-direction">enters</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">As he hides</i>) She’s here, I saw her -come in! I knew very well when she had finished -walking around the garden she would end here in -the conservatory!—Now I know what to expect!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">95</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Hide-and-seek!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Listening</i>) It seems that—his English -lady is late!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Listening</i>) Ahh! Bellac isn’t here yet!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> They’ll keep this up forever unless I -stop it!—Sst!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> She’s giving him a signal! Oh, if I only -dared, I’d take his place, since he hasn’t come. -That’s the way to find out how they feel toward -one another!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Come, come!—Sst!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Well, I might as well learn what I can!—Ssst!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> He thinks I’m Lucy!—Oh, I should -like to know what he’d say to her!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">In an undertone</i>) Is it you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Softly</i>) Yes! (<i class="stage-direction">Aside; resolutely</i>) -I’ll do it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> She thinks I’m Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Ahh!—Good! They’re off! (<i class="stage-direction">She -disappears behind the plants at the back, -left</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Did you get my letter?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside—angrily</i>) Yes, I got your -letter! I got it! And you had no idea that I did, -either! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Roger</span>; <i class="stage-direction">sweetly</i>) How else should I -have come to meet you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) “Meet you”—! This is plain -enough!—Oh, the poor child—Now we’ll see!—(<i class="stage-direction">To</i> -<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) I was so afraid you wouldn’t come, -my dear——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) “My dear!” Oh! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> -<span class="smcap">Roger</span>) And yet you saw me leave the drawing-room -a moment ago, my dear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) They’re on very familiar terms, -aren’t they? There’s no denying that! I’ve got to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">96</span> -know! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) Why don’t you come -nearer? (<i class="stage-direction">He approaches her</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Oh, he’ll notice that I’m -smaller than Lucy. (<i class="stage-direction">She sits down</i>) This way!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Would you like me to sit beside you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Very much!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Oh-ho! “Very much!” Strange -she does take me for Bellac! My voice is nothing -like his—well, let’s see how this will come out. (<i class="stage-direction">He -sits beside her and, turning his back</i>) How good -of you to come!—You love me just a little bit dear?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Turning her back to him</i>) Oh, yes!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside; as he rises</i>) She loves him! -Oh, the villain, the rascal!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) What’s the matter with him?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Sitting beside her again</i>) Let me be -near you, as I used to be! (<i class="stage-direction">He takes her hand</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside, indignantly</i>) He’s taking her -hand!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside, indignantly</i>) She lets him take -her hand! It’s horrible!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> You’re trembling!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Why—— You’re trembling——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> No, it’s you!—Can it be—? (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) -We’ll see! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) Are you afraid?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside, indignantly, as she rises</i>) -“You!”<a id="FNanchor_5_5" href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">5</a></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside, breathing heavily</i>) Well, they -haven’t got that far anyway?</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span> <i class="stage-direction">comes back, resolutely, and re-seats herself -near him in silence</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside, agitated</i>) What? More? Well!—(<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) -Then you’re not afraid?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Afraid? With you?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">97</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) With—! So the cad has gone -as far as that! I’ll get to the bottom of this! It’s -my duty! Her moral welfare is in my hands. (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> -<span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) Well! In that case, why do you avoid -me? (<i class="stage-direction">He draws her to him</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Outraged</i>) Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Why do you turn from me? (<i class="stage-direction">He puts -his arm around her</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Oh!!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Why do you deny me your lips? (<i class="stage-direction">He -leans over her</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Springing to her feet</i>) This is too -much!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> This <em>is</em> too much!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Look at me, Suzanne!—Not Lucy, -but Suzanne! Do you hear?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> And this is Roger! Not Bellac, but -Roger, do you hear?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Bellac?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> My poor child! Then it was true? Oh, -Suzanne, Suzanne! How you have hurt me!—Well, -he’s coming—I’ll wait for him!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Who?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Don’t you understand, I read the letter!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> The letter?—I read <em>your</em> letter!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> My letter? Bellac’s letter?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Bellac’s?—It was from you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> From me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> From you! To Lucy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> To Lucy? No! To you! To you! To -you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> To Lucy! Lucy! Lucy, who lost it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Astonished</i>) Lost it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I was there when she was asking the -servant about it! You don’t mean to say—? And -I found it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Understanding</i>) You found it?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">98</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Yes, and I knew everything!—Headache, -and rendezvous and all that. And I wanted -to see; so I came and you took me for her——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Keeping back her tears</i>) Yes, you! -you!—You took me for her, you told her you loved -her!—Yes, you did!—Then why did you tell me -you didn’t love her? You told me just now—and -that you weren’t going to marry her.—Why did you -tell me that? You shouldn’t have done that! -Marry her if you want;—but you shouldn’t have -told me. That wasn’t right—if you loved her—you -shouldn’t have—— (<i class="stage-direction">Throwing herself in his arms</i>) -You shouldn’t have! Oh, don’t marry her! Don’t -marry her!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Oh, my dear Suzanne! How happy I -am!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Then that letter you found wasn’t sent -to you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> To me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I didn’t send it—I swear!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> But I——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I swear! It was sent to Lucy by Bellac! -Now I understand: you thought—just as I did—— Oh, -I see everything now!—Oh, my dear Suzanne, -what an awful fright you gave me! It was fearful!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> But what about?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> What about? Oh—it’s absurd—don’t ask—it -was base of me. Forgive me, I beg you, forgive -me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Then you’re not going to marry her?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But I’m telling you——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Then I don’t understand at all. Only -tell me you won’t marry her, and I’ll believe you.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Of course I won’t. What a child you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">99</span> -are! Don’t cry, wipe your eyes, my dear Suzanne, -there’s nothing to cry about!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I can’t help it!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Why?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I have only you in the world! I don’t -want you to leave me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Leave you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Sobbing</i>) You know how jealous I -am. You—you can’t understand that! I saw this -evening, when I tried to make you jealous by talking -with M. Bellac, that you didn’t seem to care at -all. You didn’t care anything about me!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I wanted to kill him!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> To kill him? (<i class="stage-direction">Puts her arms around -his neck</i>) How nice you are! Then you thought—?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Let’s not say any more about that, it’s -all over, forgotten, the past is dead. Let’s begin -all over again: from my arrival—How are you, -Suzanne? How are you, dear? It’s been so long -since I’ve seen you! Come to me, dear, the way you -used to! (<i class="stage-direction">He seats himself with her beside him</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Oh, Roger, how nice you are! What -lovely things you say! You love me better than you -love her, then?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">With feeling</i>) Love you! But isn’t -it my duty to love you? As a relative, as a tutor, -as an honest man? Love you! When I read that -letter I don’t know what happened to me—then I -understood how deep my feelings were—yes, I love -you, my dear child, my divine creature! More than -I ever imagined I did! And I want you to know—(<i class="stage-direction">Tenderly</i>)—don’t -you feel that I love you deeply, -dear little Suzanne?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">A little surprised at his vehemence</i>) -Yes—Roger——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> The way you look at me—I frightened -you—you don’t believe me—I’m not used to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">100</span>—I’m -not used to saying tender things, I’m awkward—I -don’t know how to say those things—one’s emotions -are influenced by maternal training and you know -my mother; she has made a dryasdust scientist of -me. Science has been my sole preoccupation—You -have been my sole distraction—the one ray of sunshine -in my dreary youth. You have only me and -I have only you—and I, my dear child, whom else -have I to love but you?—And I didn’t know! You -have charmed me as one is charmed by a child!—With -your simplicity, with your grace! I was your -teacher, but your pupil as well. While I was nursing -your mind to blossom forth into thought, you -were planting seeds of tenderness in my heart. I -taught you to read, you taught me to—love! It was -your tiny pink fingers, the silk of your golden hair -that woke my heart to its first kisses! You crept -into my heart then, and you have grown now until -your soul has filled mine! (<i class="stage-direction">Pause</i>) Now do you -believe me?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Moved, she rises and speaks in a low -voice</i>) Let’s go!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Why?—Where?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Troubled</i>) Away from here.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But why?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> It’s so dark!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But, just a moment ago——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> A moment ago I didn’t see what you -meant——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> No, stay, stay! There’s no better place -than this. I have so much to tell you. My heart -is so full! I don’t know why I tell you all this—It’s -true—It’s so good to say these things—Ah, -Suzanne—stay! Dear Suzanne—(<i class="stage-direction">He holds her</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> No, I beg you!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> <i class="stage-direction">You?</i><a id="FNanchor_6_6" href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">6</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">101</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">More and more troubled</i>) I—beg -you——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> But <em>only</em> a moment ago——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> Yes, but now——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Why?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> I don’t know, I——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> You’re crying! Have I hurt you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> No! No!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Have I offended you, without knowing -it?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> No, no,—I don’t know. I don’t understand. -Please, let’s go away from here!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Suzanne!—I don’t understand!—I can’t -see!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">The</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span> <i class="stage-direction">appears</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And do you know why? It is because -neither of you can see what’s as clear as day! -(<i class="stage-direction">She turns up the gas</i>) There!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> My dear children, how happy you -make me! Go on, kiss your bride!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Not understanding at first</i>) My bride—Suzanne! -(<i class="stage-direction">He looks at his aunt, then at</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) -Ohh! It’s true,—I love her!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Joyously</i>) Nonsense! Even when -it’s as clear as day? (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Suzanne</span>) And how -about you?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">With downcast eyes</i>) Oh, Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> It seemed—that you could see all the -time! Women’s eyes are a little better than men’s, -eh? That idea of mine to turn down the gas was -splendid. So everything’s going nicely now? Well, -there is only your mother to see!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Oh, it will be a little difficult!—Here<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">102</span> -she is! Here they all come—The whole tragedy! -Shh! Not a word! Leave everything in my hands, -I’ll take care of it. What’s all this?</p> - -<p class="dir">(<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Madame de Céran</span>, <span class="smcap">des Millets</span>, <i class="stage-direction">surrounded -by ladies, the</i> <span class="smcap">General</span>, <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>, <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>, -<span class="smcap">Madame de Loudan</span>, <span class="smcap">Madame Arriégo</span>, <span class="smcap">Paul</span> -<i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>; <i class="stage-direction">and the others</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Great news, Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Revel is dead!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> You’re fooling!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> It’s in the evening papers. -Look! (<i class="stage-direction">She hands her a paper</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well—(<i class="stage-direction">Takes the paper and reads it</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. Arriégo.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the Poet</i>) Beautiful, superb!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Beautiful! Inspired!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> Remarkable! One excellent line!</p> - -<p>Des Millets. Oh, General!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">General.</span> Yes, indeed! An excellent line! -“The”—how does it go? “Honor is like a god -which hath one altar only!”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Jeanne</span>) A trifle too many feet!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>, <i class="stage-direction">after looking at paper</i>) He -died at six o’clock!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To his wife, showing her paper</i>) -Yes, at six o’clock. Oh, I have M. Toulonnier’s -promise!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>) Toulonnier gave me a -formal promise——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">To the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Toulonnier -is on our side.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Well, where is your Toulonnier?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> He just received a telegram.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) That confirms the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">103</span> -appointment. Good!—But why—? (<i class="stage-direction">Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>) -Ah—At last!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> It’s he! Ah! Ah!</p> - -<p class="dir">(<span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span> <i class="stage-direction">comes down-stage, surrounded by the -company</i>.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> My dear Secretary General!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> My dear Toulonnier!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Well, the telegram——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> It’s about poor Revel, is it not?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Embarrassed</i>) Yes, about Revel.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Well, what about him?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>) It says -he isn’t dead!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran</span>, <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>, <i class="stage-direction">and</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>. -(<i class="stage-direction">Showing the papers</i>) But the papers!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> They’re mistaken!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> For once! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>) Aren’t -they?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> Well, he’s not exactly dead!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Sinking into a chair</i>) Yet?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> And I’ll warrant he’s received another -appointment!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> Commander of the Legion of -Honor.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Saint-Réault.</span> Again!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Toulonnier.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Showing his telegram</i>) It will -appear in to-morrow’s Official! (<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Saint-Réault</span>, -<i class="stage-direction">sympathetically</i>) Believe me, I feel deeply——!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside, looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Toulonnier</span>) He -knew it before he came this evening! He’s a good -one—I too have some important news to announce!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Turning toward the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess</span>) Ahh!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">104</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Two things!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> What, Duchess?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> What?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> First, the engagement of our friend, -Miss Lucy Watson, to Professor Bellac!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">All.</span> Bellac? What!!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Duchess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Ah! You must make some reparation.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Rep—— Oh! With pleasure! Ah, -Lucy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Astonished</i>) Why, Madame!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Aside</i>) Reparation, my child!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span> None is necessary, because there is nothing -to repair! However, my ideas and my inclinations -are in perfect harmony. (<i class="stage-direction">She gives her hand -to</i> <span class="smcap">Bellac</span>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bellac.</span> Ah, Lucy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Good! Number one!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> You are the happiest of -women, Lucy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Second piece of news!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> Another engagement?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Loudan.</span> It’s a regular festival!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> The engagement of my dear nephew, -Roger de Céran——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Duchess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> To a girl who is very dear to my -heart——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Oh, Aunt!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> My sole heir——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Your——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> My fortune and my family name will -be hers! My adopted daughter, Mademoiselle Suzanne -de Villiers de Réville.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">105</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Suzanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Throwing herself into the</i> <span class="smcap">Duchess’s</span> -<i class="stage-direction">arms</i>) Oh, my mother!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> But, Duchess!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Find a richer and a nobler name!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mme. de Céran.</span> Oh, I’m not saying—and yet—(<i class="stage-direction">To</i> -<span class="smcap">Roger</span>) Consider, Roger——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roger.</span> I love her, mother.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Looking about her</i>) Number two! -There remains—(<i class="stage-direction">To</i> <span class="smcap">Paul</span>) Come here, will you? -What reparation are you going to make?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Ashamed</i>) Ah, Duchess, it was you, -then?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> (<i class="stage-direction">Confused</i>) Ah, Madame, then you -heard——?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> Yes, little trickster, I did.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Oh!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Duchess.</span> But, since you didn’t say too much -evil of me, I’ll forgive you. You’ll be Prefect——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> Oh, Duchess! (<i class="stage-direction">He kisses her hand</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jeanne.</span> Ah, Madame—! “Gratitude,” as Saint-Evremont -says——</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paul.</span> What’s the use—now?</p> - - -<p class="center"><i class="stage-direction">Curtain.</i></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - - -<h2><a name="THE_WORLDS_BEST_PLAYS" id="THE_WORLDS_BEST_PLAYS">THE WORLD’S BEST PLAYS</a><br /> - -<small>BY CELEBRATED EUROPEAN AUTHORS</small></h2> - - -<p class="center"> -<i>A New Series of Amateur Plays by the Best Authors,<br /> -Ancient and Modern, Especially Translated with<br /> -Historical Notes, Suggestions for Staging,<br /> -etc., for the use of Schools, Colleges,<br /> -and Dramatic Clubs</i><br /> -</p> - -<p class="center"><big>BARRETT H. CLARK</big><br /> - -<i>General Editor</i></p> - -<p class="center">Author of “A Study of the Modern Drama,” “Contemporary -French Dramatists,” “How to Produce Amateur -Plays,” etc.</p> - -<p>These plays may be produced by amateurs without the -payment of a royalty fee.</p> - -<div class="small"> -<p class="hang"><b>The Romancers.</b> A comedy in 3 acts. By Edmond Rostand. -8 men, 1 woman (extra woman as supers). New translation of -this celebrated and charming little romantic play by the famous -author of “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “Chantecler.” Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Merchant Gentleman.</b> (Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme). By -Moliere. New translation of one of Moliere’s comic masterpieces. -9 men, 3 women. Price 75 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Pater Noster.</b> A poetic play in 1 act. By Francois Coppee. 3 -men, 3 women. A dramatic incident of the time of the Paris -Commune, in 1871. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Indian Summer.</b> A comedy in 1 act. By Meilhac and Halevy. -2 men, 2 women. This little play, by two of the most famous -writers of comedy of the last century, has been played at the -Comedie Francaise at Paris for upwards of forty years, and is one -of the brightest and most popular works of the period. Price 35 -cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Modesty.</b> By Paul Hervieu. 2 men, 1 woman. A delightful trifle -in 1 act by one of the most celebrated of modern dramatists. -Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>I’m Going.</b> A comedy in 1 act. By Tristan Bernard. A delightful -comedy of obstinacy and reconciliation. 1 man, 1 woman. -Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Village.</b> (Le Village). A comedy in 1 act. By Octave -Feuillet. The author here paints the picture of an elderly couple, -and shows that they have not realized their happiness until it -is on the point of being taken from them. 2 women, 2 men. -Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Beneficent Bear.</b> A comedy in 3 acts. By Goldoni. One -of the best-known comedies of the Father of Italian comedy. A -costume piece laid in 18th century France, the principal character -in which is a good-hearted, though gruff, old uncle. 4 men, 3 -women. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> -<p class="center"> -Have you a copy of<br /> - -“How to Produce Amateur Plays”<br /> - -BY BARRETT H. CLARK -</p> -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="hang"><b>A Marriage Proposal.</b> By Anton Tchekoff. 2 men, 1 woman. A -comedy in 1 act, by one of the greatest of modern Russian writers. -This little farce is very popular, and satirizes the people of Russia -in an amusing manner. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Green Coat.</b> By Alfred de Musset and Emile Augier. 3 men, -1 woman. A slight and comic one-act character sketch of the -life of Bohemian artists in Paris, written by one of France’s -greatest poets and one of her best-known dramatists. Price 35 -cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Wager.</b> By Giuseppe Giacosa. 4 men, 4 women. This one-act -poetic comedy, written by the most celebrated dramatist of -modern Italy, was the author’s first work. It treats of a wager -made by a proud young page, who risks his life on the outcome -of a game of chess. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Phormio.</b> A Latin comedy in 5 acts. By Terence. 11 men, 2 -women. An up-to-date version of the famous comedy. One -of the masterpieces of Latin drama; the story of a father who -returns to find that his son has married a slave girl. Phormio, -the parasite-villain who causes numerous comic complications, -succeeds in unraveling the difficulties, and all ends happily. -Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Little Shepherdess.</b> A poetic comedy in 1 act. By Andre -Rivoire. 1 man, 2 women. A charming pastoral sketch by a -well-known French poet and dramatist. Played with success at -the Comedie Francaise. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Boor.</b> By Anton Tchekoff. 2 men, 1 woman. A well-known -one-act farce by the celebrated Russian master; it is concerned -with Russian characters, and portrays with masterly skill the comic -side of country life. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Black Pearl.</b> By Victorien Sardou. Comedy in 3 acts. 7 -men, 3 women. One of Sardou’s most famous comedies of intrigue. -A house has, it is thought, been robbed. But through skilful -investigation it is found that the havoc wrought has been done -by lightning. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Charming Leandre.</b> By Theodore de Banville. 2 men, 1 woman. -In 1 act. The author of “Gringoire” is here seen in a poetic vein, -yet the Frenchman’s innate sense of humor recalls, in this satirical -little play, the genius of Moliere. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Post-Script.</b> By Emile Augier. 1 man, 2 women. Of this -one-act comedy Professor Brander Matthews writes: “... one -of the brightest and most brilliant little one-act comedies in any -language, and to be warmly recommended to American readers.” -Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Twins.</b> By Plautus. 7 men, 2 women. A Latin farce in 5 -acts, upon which Shakespeare founded his Comedy of Errors. -Price 35 cents.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> -<p class="center"> -Order a copy to-day through French’s<br /> - -“How to Produce Amateur Plays”<br /> - -BY BARRETT H. CLARK -</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Fan.</b> Comedy in 3 acts, by Goldoni. Translated by Henry -B. Fuller. 10 males, 4 females. 1 exterior. 18th century costumes. -Plays 2¼ hours. A particularly good translation of this -famous and popular comedy. “The Fan” has long been a favorite, -especially for girls’ Schools and Colleges, because of its grace -and charm in showing the gay and romantic aspects of everyday -life in Italy during the brilliant 18th century. Price 50 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Coffee-House.</b> Comedy in 3 acts, by Goldoni. Translated -by Henry B. Fuller. 8 males, 2 females. 1 exterior. 18th century -costumes. Plays 2¼ hours. One of the most famous of -the Goldoni comedies. “The Coffee-House” is now for the first -time translated into English. It is a scintillating example of -the Italian master at his gayest. For advanced casts. Price 50 -cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Love in Livery.</b> (Le Jeu de l’amour et du hasard). Comedy in 3 -acts, by Marivaux. Translated by Harriet Ford and Marie Louise -Le Verrier. 5 males, 2 females. 1 interior. 17th century costumes. -Plays a full evening. A lively and very actable translation -of one of the most delightful and famous of the French classic -comedies of manners. “Love in Livery” has remained a favorite -in France for 200 years. It is pre-eminently suited to production -by girls’ schools. A thoroughly charming old-world comedy. Price -50 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Everyman.</b> The old English morality play, in 1 act. Anonymous. -17 characters (11 males, 6 females, but these may be taken by -all male or all female cast). Costumes, 16th century. Plays 1¼ -hours. The most beautiful of all the old English religious plays. -It is especially to be recommended to churches and schools. Price -35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Forest.</b> Comedy in 3 acts. By Alexander Ostrovsky. Translated -by Florence Noyes and George Rapall Noyes. 9 males, -3 females. 1 interior, 2 exteriors. One of the great masterpieces -of the Russian stage. Price 75 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Ralph Roister Doister.</b> Comedy in 5 acts. By Nicholas Udall. -9 males, 4 females. This is the first English comedy ever written. -Price 50 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Ladies and Hussars.</b> Comedy in 3 acts. By Alexander Fredro. -Translated from the Polish by Florence Noyes and George Rapall -Noyes. 6 males, 7 females. 1 interior. A masterpiece by one -of Poland’s greatest playwrights. Price 50 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Thunderstorm.</b> Drama in 5 acts. By Alexander Ostrovsky. -Translated by Florence Whyte and George Rapall Noyes. 7 males, -5 females (extras). Russian costumes. 1 interior, 4 exteriors. -One of the great masterpieces of the Russian stage. Price 75 -cents.</p> - - -<p class="center space-above">Our new descriptive Catalogue -sent free on request</p> - -<p class="center"><big>SAMUEL FRENCH</big><br /> - -FOUNDED 1845 INCORPORATED 1899</p> - -<p class="center">Oldest Play Publisher in the World</p> - -<p class="center"> -25 West 45th Street,<span class="indent6">NEW YORK CITY</span></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Doctor in Spite of Himself</b> (Le Medecin malgre lui). By -Moliere. 6 males, 3 females. A famous farce by the greatest -of French dramatists. Sganarelle has to be beaten before he -will acknowledge that he is a doctor, which he is not. He -then works apparently miraculous cures. The play is a sharp -satire on the medical profession in the 17th Century. Price -35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Brignol and His Daughter.</b> By Alfred Capus. 5 males, 4 females. -In three acts. The first comedy in English of the -most sprightly and satirical of present-day French dramatists. -Price 60 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Choosing a Career.</b> By G. A. de Caillavet. Written by one of -the authors of “Love Watches.” A one-act farce of mistaken -identity, full of humorous situations and bright lines. Price -35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>French Without a Master.</b> By Tristan Bernard. 5 males, 2 females. -A clever one-act farce by one of the most successful -of French dramatists. It is concerned with the difficulties of -a make-believe interpreter who does not know a word of -French. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Panurge’s Sheep.</b> A comedy in one act. By Meilhac and Halevy. -A famous and often-acted little play based upon the obstinacy -of a charming woman, who is finally induced to marry. -1 man, 2 women. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Law-Suit.</b> (Der Prozess). A comedy in one act. By Roderich -Benedix. A famous comedy by the well-known dramatist—author -of “The Obstinate Family” and “The Third Man.” -The play is full of amusing situations and bright lines. 3 -men. Price, 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Third Man.</b> (Der Dritte). A comedy in one act. By Roderich -Benedix. A highly amusing little comedy based upon the -obstinacy of human beings, and proves the truth of the saying -that “love finds a way.” 3 women, 1 man. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Sicilian.</b> (Le Sicilien). A farce in two acts. By Moliere. -One of the lighter comedies of intrigue. This play is laid in -Sicily, and has to do with the capture of a beautiful Greek -slave from her selfish and tyrannical master. 4 men, 3 -women. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Doctor Love.</b> (L’Amour Medecin). A farce in three acts by -Moliere. An uproarious farce, satirizing the medical profession. -Through it runs the story of a young girl who pretends -to be ill in order that she may marry the man she -loves. 5 men, 4 women. Price, 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Affected Young Ladies.</b> (Les Precieuses ridicules). A comedy -in one act by Moliere. The famous satire on intellectual -and social affectation. Like most of Moliere’s plays, the -theme in this is strikingly modern. 3 women, 6 men. Price -35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>Crainquebille.</b> A play in three scenes. By Anatole France. A -delightful series of pictures of Parisian street life, by the -author of “The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife.” 12 men, -6 women. Price 35 cents.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>The Imaginary Invalid.</b> Comedy in 3 acts by Moliere. 8 males, -4 females. 1 interior. Costumes, 17th century. Plays 1¼ -hours. A simple acting version of Moliere’s celebrated comedy. -This is an exceedingly amusing satire not only upon -those who imagine they are ailing but upon human nature in -general. Easily produced. Price 50 cents.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> -<p class="center"> -Have you a copy of<br /> - -“How to Produce Amateur Plays”<br /> - -BY BARRETT H. CLARK -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<h3 id="FOOTNOTES">FOOTNOTES:</h3> -<div class="footnotes"> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1_1" href="#FNanchor_1_1" class="label">1</a> -A prefect is the officer in charge of the administrative -affairs of the Department, one of the ninety-six divisions -of France.</p></div> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2_2" href="#FNanchor_2_2" class="label">2</a> -The “Journal Amusant” is a comic paper, the “Journal -des Debats” a very old and conservative organ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3_3" href="#FNanchor_3_3" class="label">3</a> -Modern France is divided into ninety-seven “Departments” -which roughly correspond to the states in the -United States.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4_4" href="#FNanchor_4_4" class="label">4</a> -The principal character in Moliere’s famous comedy, -“Tartufe,” a hypocrite, whose name has become proverbial.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5_5" href="#FNanchor_5_5" class="label">5</a> -Roger uses the familiar “tu.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6_6" href="#FNanchor_6_6" class="label">6</a> -She uses the formal “vous.”</p></div> -</div> - -<div class="transnote"> - - -<h3>Transcriber's Notes</h3> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected. Variations -in hyphenation have been standardised but all other spelling, -punctuation and the general disregard of accents remains unchanged.</p> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Art of being Bored, by Edouard Pailleron - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ART OF BEING BORED *** - -***** This file should be named 53334-h.htm or 53334-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/3/3/53334/ - -Produced by MFR, Les Galloway and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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