[While speaking this speech, she searches for the rose she has taken fromManuel,and, on finding it, places it in her bosom.
[While speaking this speech, she searches for the rose she has taken fromManuel,and, on finding it, places it in her bosom.
Des.No?
Mar.No!
Des.What a pity—
Mar.Eh?
Des.That I can't stay to luxuriate in your friendship. I have only time to say good-bye to your mother, then I must be off.
Mar.Well, now, I'll tell you what I'll do. To prove I'm in earnest, I'm going to take my horse, and bear you company part of the way.
Des.My child, it will be dark before I get there.
Mar.But there'll be a lovely moon, and I want to see the ruined tower of Elfen by moonlight. So say no more, for I'm resolved.
Des.Well, my experience, professional and personal, has taught me that when a woman is determined—
EnterMadame Laroque—De Bevannes.
Mad. L.You are right, my dear Bevannes, I confess it.
Bev.Oh, there's no doubt he is, absolute perfection, therara avis, so long sought for, found at last.
Mad. L.Laugh as you please, I positively adore him.
Bev.You'll ask me to the wedding, I hope?
Mad. L.Go along with you. Well, my child, have you persuaded that obstinate man to stay till morning?
Des.That obstinate man regrets he must go within the hour.
Alain.[without.] Go away, you troublesome little thing!
EnterChristineandAlain.
Mad. L.What's the matter?
Alain.This little girl will insist on searching the park for some gentleman she wishes to see, belonging to the Chateau.
Mad. L.That will do—leave her here.
[ExitAlain.
Bev.Now small specimen of rustic humanity, what do you want?
Mad. L.What is your name, little one?
Christine.Christine, Madame. My grandfather—
Bev.Never mind your pedigree—which of us do you want?
Mad. L.Be quiet. Well my dear?
Chris.My grandfather is very old and blind, if you please, and—and—oh! I want to see thenice,goodgentleman.
Des.Bevannes, she don't wantyou.
Chris.Thehandsomegentleman.
Bev.Doctor, she don't wantyou.
Chris.Please, Madame, may I tell you what happened yesterday?
Mad. L.Yes, child, go on.
Chris.My grandfather has a dog that leads him about—poor old Spot—such a pet—
EnterMadame Aubrey.
Mad. A.A pet! are you talking of a pet?
Bev.Yes; but don't weep, Madame—it isn't a donkey. Go on, little girl.
Chris.Well, yesterday, we three—grandfather, Spot and I, were sitting near the stream, in the village, by the mill-dam, when some wicked boys—oh! such dreadful wicked boys, came by. They seized poor Spot and threw him into the water. He was nearly being crushed by the mill-wheel, when a dear, kind gentleman, who was riding by on a beautiful black horse—
EnterManuel.
Oh! there he is. Oh, sir! I'm so glad I've found you.
Man.[Aside.] Oh, confound it! what brings you here, you little pest?
Chris.Don't be angry, sir—you rode away so fast, yesterday, I had no time to thank you, and I wish to do so now.
Bev.Beautiful subject for a nautical drama: "The Desperate Diver; or, The Drowning Dog of the Dam."
Man.Ridiculous enough, I admit. However, I did jump into the water after poor Spot.
Chris.You did, you did, indeed! Ah! sir, [toBevannes,] you laugh—but perhaps if you were old and blind, you wouldn't think it such a joke.
Bev.I assure you, my dear, it would have given me infinite pleasure to have saved your dog.
Des.You save a dog? Why you can't swim.
[All laugh.
Bev.Here are ten francs, child, go away.
Chris.And now, sir, [ToManuel.] I'll go directly, if you'll give me just one kiss.
Man.[Angrily.] Upon my word—
Mad. L.Now I insist upon it you do. Poor little thing, I'm sure she deserves it.
Man.[Laughing.] Well, then, [Kisses her.] now, go home, there's a dear.
Chris.Oh! I will, I will, good-bye.
Mad. L.Well, haven't you got one for me?
Chris.Oh, dear, yes, Madame.
[KissesMad. L.
Bev.You're forgetting your money.
Chris.Oh, dear, no, sir.
[Takes it and curtsies.
Bev.Now a kiss for me?
Chris.Oh, dear, no, sir!
[Curtsies and exits. All laugh exceptMadame Aubrey.
Mad. A.Oh!
[Weeps.
Bev.Weeping for my disappointment, Madame?
Mad. A.No—sir—no.
Mad. L.A most interesting little girl.
Mad. A.That's it, that's it. She reminds me of a circumstance that occurred in my youth, before my marriage. You must know I had a little—
Des.Hallo!
[TakesMargueritehastily up stage.
Bev.Ahem!
[TakesMadame Laroque.
Mad. A.Eh! What! [Calling after them as they go off.] You don't understand me! A littleniece—Oh! this is too dreadful!
[Sinks into chair.
Interior of a room in the Tower of Elfen. A large breach in the wall at back, through which the distant country is dimly seen. Night coming on.Yvonnetdiscovered upon the balcony, listening. Singing in the distance. When the singing is done, EnterManuel.
Interior of a room in the Tower of Elfen. A large breach in the wall at back, through which the distant country is dimly seen. Night coming on.
Yvonnetdiscovered upon the balcony, listening. Singing in the distance. When the singing is done, EnterManuel.
Man.What are you at there, my good fellow?
Yvonnet.[Startled.] I was listening to the singing, sir.
Man.Who are the singers?
Yvon.The reapers, sir, returning home.
Man.You, I suppose, are the keeper of these ruins?
Yvon.Yes, sir. I am the shepherd that minds the sheep, and shows the tower to strangers.
[Shows key.
Man.[Giving money.] There.
Yvon.Thank you, sir.
Man.Are you never afraid here all alone?
Yvon.Afraid! No, indeed. That is, not in the day-time, but at night—
Man.Ah, ah, then you have fairies, or spirits, or ghosts here, eh!
Yvon.[Disdainfully.] Sir, do you take me for a superstitious fool! It's all very well for people who don't know any better, but I—
Man.Then you do not believe in anything of the kind?
Yvon.I should think not, indeed. But if you come to talk about the white lady, that's quite another matter.
Man.Oh! so there's a white lady, is there?
Yvon.Yes, sir, there is indeed, and she walks about on the top of that tower over there, and where there are no stairs either. But she is never seen in the day, only in the night, when it is quite dark.
Man.[Laughing.] Yes, she is seen when it is too dark to see.
Yvon.[Looking out.] Ah! Confound those sheep, at their old tricks again. [Shouts.] Hi! Hi! I don't believe there's such a troublesome set of brutes in the whole country, always climbing where they have no business. Hi! Hi!
[Throws a stone.
Man.Why don't you jump down there?
Yvon.Try it yourself, if you want to break your neck, my fine gentleman. Are you going to stay long? It is getting late.
Man.Don't be uneasy, I shall go presently.
Yvon.The sooner the better. I ain't a coward, but I feel more comfortable away from here.
[Exit.
Man.This is a fine old ruin. How is it that I have never found it out before? I must bring my sketch-book here some day. Alas! I forgot that for me there is no future here, to-morrow—'Tis but a sad farewell that I must bid the scenes I had begun to love so well. Wretched heart! Is it, then, because reason, honor, everything, forbids my loving her that—Ah! were I not the guardian of an existence more precious than my own, I should long ago have fled this torture!
[Goes up.
EnterMarguerite.
Mar.This is most fortunate, when the moon rises the view will be charming. [Suddenly seesManuel.] Sir, I beg your pardon. I was not aware, indeed—
[Going.
Man.Excuse me, Mademoiselle, I am not at home here—permitmeto retire.
[Going.
Mar.[Crossing.] Stay, sir. As we happen to be alone, will you answer me fully and frankly, one question. They tell me my manner towards you is abrupt, unkind, even at times, offensive.
Man.I have never complained.
Mar.But you would leave us?
Man.Mademoiselle.
Mar.And they say that I am the cause. Your departure, sir, would occasion my mother sincere sorrow, which I am anxious to spare her, if it be in my power; but I am at a loss to know what explanation to make you—what am I to say? that the language which has offended you, is not always sincere—that perhaps, after all, I myself can appreciate joys and pleasures more exalted than those which the mere possession of wealth can give. Well, it is possible—but am I so much to blame, that I use my powers to stifle thoughts which are forbidden me.
Man.Forbidden?
Mar.Yes, forbidden. It may, perhaps, appear like affectation, to complain of a destiny which so many envy—but, like my mother, I believe that were I less rich, I should be the more happy. You have reproached me with my continual distrust. But in whomcanI trust? I, who from my infancy have been surrounded—do I not know it too well—but by false friends, grasping relatives, and suspicious suitors! Do you suppose that I am weak and foolish enough to attribute to my own attractions, the care, the solicitude, with which so many of these parasites surround me; and even if a pure and noble heart, (should such a thing exist in this world,) were capable of seeking and loving me for what Iam—not for what Ihave—I should never know it—[with meaning]—for I should never dare the risk! And this is why I shun, repulse, almost hate, all that is beautiful and good—all that speaks to me of that heaven, which is, alas! forbidden me. [The reapers are again heard singing in the distance—with emotion and in an undertone.] What is that?
[Listens—lets her head fall upon her hands, and weeps.
Man.Tears!
Mar.[With transport.] Well, yes, I can weep. Enough—I did not intend, sir, to burthen you with so much of my confidence; but now you know me better. You see I have a heart, and if ever I have wounded yours, I hope you will forgive me. [Gives her hand, which he kisses, respectfully.] See; the pledge of our friendship shall be this flower, which I rudely demanded from you this morning. [Gives rose.] Now let us go, [returning,] and never let this subject be revived between us.
Man.Never!
Mar.But before I go, I must see the view from yonder height.
Man.I beg you will not venture—do not run such a risk.
Mar.Oh! I am not afraid.
Man.At least take my hand, then.
[She mounts the platform outside of the window. It begins to grow dark.
Mar.The height is fearful, but the view is very beautiful. I could gaze on it forever.
EnterYvonnet.He looks round without seeing them.
Yvon.Ah! he's gone at last. I shan't be long in following him; I don't like this place.
[Exit, locking door after him.
[Night comes on, the moon lighting the scene beyond.Margueritecomes down from tower, aided byManuel.
[Night comes on, the moon lighting the scene beyond.Margueritecomes down from tower, aided byManuel.
Mar.There comes the night, in good earnest; fortunately, the moon will help us to regain our horses. Come, sir, let us hasten.
[Low music from orchestra.Manueltries to open door.
Man.That stupid fellow has fastened it while we were upon the tower.
Mar.[Anxiously.] Call to him, he cannot be far off.
Man.[Upon platform.] Hallo! Come back, will you? Now he sees me, but he only runs the faster—takes me for the white lady, I suppose. Confound the fool!
Mar.[Looking about.] No other means of egress! What is to be done?—they will die with anxiety at home.
Man.Stay! I can descend by those trees, perhaps—
Mar.'Tis useless—there is an inclosed court-yard below.
Man.It is in vain—this door resists all my efforts. I know not what to do.
[WhileMargueritehas gone upon platform.
Mar.Great Heaven! I see it all. [ToManuel,with restrained passion.] Marquis de Champcey!
Man.[Turns quickly.] My name!
Mar.[Slowly.] You boast a long ancestral descent. Pray tell me, sir, are you the firstcowardof your name?
Man.Madame!
Mar.[Violently.] It is you—youwho have bribed this boy to imprison us here!
Man.Merciful Heavens!
Mar.Ah, I comprehend your purpose. I understand it all. To-morrow thisaccidentwill be noised abroad; the ever-ready tongue of scandal will be busy with my name, a name which, if less ancient than your own, is full as stainless, and you trust to my despair to make me yours! But this vile trick, which crowns all your base maneuvering, I will thwart. I tell you, sir, that I would incur the world's contempt, the cloister, anything—even death itself—rather than the disgrace, the ignominy, the shame, of uniting my life to yours!
Man.[Calmly.] I entreat you to be calm. Call reason to your aid. I understand and respect your distress, but let not your anxiety prompt you to do me wrong. Consider! How could I have prepared such a snare, and even were it in my power, how have I ever given you the right to think me capable of such baseness?
Mar.[PassingL.] All that I know of you gives me that right. For what purpose do you enter our house, under a false name, in a false character? We were happy before you came. You have brought us sorrow, misery, which we dreamed not of. To attainyour object, to repair the breach in your fortune, you have usurped our confidence, sported with our purest and most holy sentiments. Have I not seen all this? And when you now pledge to me your honor—that honor which was too poor and weak to save you from these unworthy actions—have I not reason to doubt? Have I not the right to scorn and disbelieve?
Man.Marguerite, listen to me! I love you, it is true, and never did love more ardent, more disinterested, more holy, live in the heart of man. But here, with the eyes of Heaven upon us, I swear that, if I outlive this night, all beloved as you are, were you upon your knees at my feet, never would I accept a fortune at your hand. Never! My heart is yours, yours to break, to crush, to trample in the dust, if it so please you, but my honor, Madame, is my own and that I will preserve. And now pray—pray for a miracle. It is time.
[Runs to the tower.
Mar.What would you do? God of mercy! You shall not—you shall not!
Man.Think, Marguerite, your name!
Mar.You shall not! Forgive me!If you love me, forget what I have said, for pity's sake, for mine!
Man.[Disengaging himself.] Loose your hold.
[He repulses her, and leaps upon tower. Singing heard afar off.
Mar.[Falling on her knees.] Manuel! Manuel! Madman! hear me. It is death!
Man.It is honor!
[Throws himself down.
[Margueritewith a shriek, falls insensible.
Handsomely furnished Room in Chateau Laroque—DoorsR.andL.,andU.—Candles lit.
De Bevannes,Mad. Laroque,Mad. Aubrey,Alain,Mlle Helouindiscovered—Mad. Laroqueis walking about in much agitation.
Mad. L.[ToAlain.] You say she went out on horseback?
Alain.Yes, Madame.
Mad. L.Did she say at what hour she would be back.
Alain.No, Madame.
Bev.Did she not tell you she would be early in the ball-room this evening?
Mad. L.She did; and that only makes me the more apprehensive. This anxiety is torture.
Bev.Be assured, Madame, she is safe. You know she is often out late on fine evenings.
Mad. L.But never after dark. Can nobody even tell which way she went?
Mlle H.There is one person, I think, might give us some information.
Mad. L.Oh! who? Why did you not say so before?
Mlle H.I have no doubt M. Manuel could enlighten us, if he chose.
Mad. L.Monsieur Manuel! what shouldheknow about it?
Bev.Exactly. I do not clearly perceive why the steward must be better informed of the young lady's movements, than her mother.
Mlle H.Nor I. Yet I think it would be worth while to ask him.
Mad. L.Alain, ask Monsieur Manuel, if he will be so good as to come to me, at once.
Alain.Monsieur Manuel has also gone out on horseback, Madame, and has not yet returned.
Mlle H.Ahem!
Mad. A.Ah, ha!
Bev.And pray, at what time did he go out?
Alain.Just before Mademoiselle Marguerite, sir.
[A pause.
Mad. L.You are all marvellously silent! What do you imagine? what do you infer? Speak, if you would not drive me mad! Still silent! [ToMlle Helouin.] Mademoiselle, your looks convey some hidden meaning. [ToMad. Aubrey.] Cousin.
Mad. A.Oh!
[Weeps.
Mad. L.What's the use of that, Madame? speak out. I always knew you were a fool—don't make me think you are a complete idiot! Bevannes,whatdoes all this mean?
Bev.Alain.
Alain.Sir?
Bev.Did Mademoiselle go out alone?
Alain.No, sir; with the Doctor.
Mad. L.Ah! then all is well.
Bev.Humph!
Mad. L.Bevannes, whatdoyou mean? will you explain or not?
Mlle H.Madame, your generous nature and partiality for the steward, has somewhat blinded your judgment; those who love you have been more watchful. This Monsieur Manuel is—
EnterManuel—His dress disordered—His face pale, with slight marks of blood upon his forehead.
Man.Here, Madame, you did me the honor to send for me.
Mlle H.You have just returned, sir?
Man.This moment—I met Alain on the stair.
Mad. L.But you are hurt, Monsieur—there's blood upon your forehead.
Man.Nothing of importance, I assure you; the horse fell with me, and got a few scratches—nothing more—a little cold water will set all to right.
Mad. L.This seems to be a night of misfortunes.
Mad. A.[Sighs.] Ah!
Mad. L.Dobe quiet.
Man.What has happened, Madame?
Mad. L.Marguerite went out on horseback just after you, and has not yet returned.
Man.Oh, don't be alarmed—I met her.
Mad. L.Oh! when? where?
Man.About six o'clock, on the road to Elfen—she told me she was going on to look at the ruins.
Mad. L.Good heavens! the ruins are in the midst of the forest, and the roads dreadful! She must have lost her way! Alain!
EnterAlain.
Order the carriage. [ExitAlain.] I will send directly—I will go myself.
Man.You may rest certain, Madame, that you will find her. In the meantime, I will get rid of the evidences of my trifling fall. Be assured your daughter is quite safe.
[Exit.
Mad. L.Come, Bevannes, order your horse, and ride by the carriage.
Bev.Thank you, but, with your permission, I'll rideinthe carriage. The roadisa bad one, and if one horse stumbles, another may.
Mad. L.Well, well, any way you please, only come.
[Exit.
Mad. A.Ah, poor girl, poor girl—
[Weeps.
Bev.Don't be so distressed, Madame. It's not your little niece.
Mad. A.Monsieur de Bevannes, you are a brute!
Bev.So is a donkey, Madame, and yet one died rich in your affection. Ah, if I could only have inherited a portion of his wealth.
[Exit.
Mad. A.I wonder if he means that. He never said anything so civil before. I've a great mind to—
[Going.
Mlle H.Stay—that letter of the steward's which you found in the park—
Mad. A.Well?
Mlle H.Have you got it with you?
Mad. A.Of course.
Mlle H.Give it to me.
Mad. A.Toyou! Why?
Mlle H.No matter. Suffice it that my hopes, and yours—the very life of all our plans—depend on the use I shall make of that letter.
Mad. A.Oh, well, take it. [Gives letter.] I'm sure you'll make much better use of it than I can. [Aside.] Upon my life I'll go and ask Bevannes what he meant by that.
[Exit.
Mlle H.Why, why did nature endow me with a heart to suffer, an intellect to comprehend? Had I been born a fool, like that woman, this dependent state would have brought with it calm endurance, if not happiness. But, as Iam, it is misery. How easy is bounty to the rich. How natural is virtue to the happy. He heard my words as he came in—must have divined their purport. Well, well, if I have taught him to despise me, he shall learn to fear me, too. He dared to read me a lesson, and I hate him for it, even though I profit by it. If I must fall, he shall share the ruin he has caused.
EnterMarguerite.
Mar.Helouin!
Mlle H.Marguerite!
Mar.Hush! To prevent remark, I came by the small stairway, through the conservatory. My mother has been anxious?
Mlle H.Much alarmed. She has gone to seek you.
Mar.I know it. I have sent Alain to overtake and bring her back. Before she comes, I have a word to say to you. It is of Monsieur Manuel. I have strong reason to believe that you have most strangely misjudged his character and his intentions.
Mlle H.I know him to be the Marquis de Champcey.
Mar.AndIknow that if his birth be noble, his heart is no less so.
Mlle H.It is very recently, then, that you have made the discovery.
Mar.True. Now mark. You have seen the ruins of Elfen?
Mlle H.I have. I was once there with a party, and was the only woman who dared ascend the tower.
Mar.You know the danger, then. Well, I care not now if all the world should hear it. We were alone. By accident, imprisoned in those ruins. I rashly, blindly,falselyaccused him, and he, to save my honor and his own, plunged from that tower in to the gulf beneath!
Mlle H.But he escaped.
Mar.I know it and have thanked God for the miracle. I had not strength to implore.
Mlle H.Upon my word, this is an extraordinary man.
Mar.Mademoiselle—
Mlle H.And understands so well how to turn his talents to the best account. Why, poor child, and you don't see through all this? Yesterday it was a swimming match, producing an admirably planned and effectual scene. To-night, it is an exhibition of daring activity. The gentleman has been brilliantly educated.
Mar.You evidently hate him.
Mlle H.And why? On my own account? No! What is he tome? But when I see that he dares to bring his plots and machinations here, and intends you for their victim, I am free to confess, Idodespise and hate him!
Mar.These are grave accusations. What proof have you to support them?
Mlle H.Ah, you suspect me. For the sake of this stranger, you doubt the truth of one you have known for years? Well, be it so—I will give you proof, since you demand it. Do you know his handwriting?
Mar.I do. I have had to look over many papers he has copied for my mother.
Mlle H.Look at that letter. Now listen: [Reads.] "My dear Desmarets: I follow your instructions exactly. But will they avail to win for me the bright reward for all I have to endure. I do not think the dowry wilt be as large as I had hoped.—
Mar.Great Heavens!
Mlle H."But I have sworn to win it, and though there are many obstacles here to make the task a hard one, yet, to achieve it, I will serve, like Jacob, for forty years, if need be—What a pity he did not finish it. This was found under the window of his room by Madame Aubrey and, by her, handed to me.
Mar.Enough. My resolution is taken.
EnterMadame LaroqueandBevannes.
Mad. L.Oh, my dear child! What a state I have been in about you. How did you get back? What happened?
Mar.The shepherd, who locks up the tower of Elfen, happened to fasten it before I left. Some reapers returning home, heard my cries and brought him back to release me, that is all.
EnterManuel.
Mad. L.Ah, Monsieur, you have recovered from the effects of your fall, I hope?
Man.Entirely, Madame.
Mad. L.[ToMarguerite.] But you, my child, must be fatigued, nervous—
Mar.On the contrary, dearest mother, I never felt better or more cheerful than to-night, which I will prove to you whenever the ball commences.
Bev.The ball! why, surely, you'll never think of—
Mar.Dancing? Indeed but I shall though—and you, M. de Bevannes, will be my first partner, will you not?
Bev.With the greatest delight—but pray, let me advise—
Mar.Advise nothing—you shall be my chief cavalier for the evening.
Bev.But my dress—
Mar.Your residence is hardly two miles from this; you can go home, dress, and be here again—all within an hour.
[Speaks toMadame Laroque.
Bev.[Aside.] This anxiety portends something. Bevannes, my boy, the chase is nearly over, for the quarry is in sight.
Mar.Nonsense, my dear mother! I will have my own way for once.
Mad. L.Foronce!
Mar.My carriage shall take M. de Bevannes, and bring him back. Where are all the servants? Here, some one—oh! the steward! go and order my carriage.
Mad. L.[Surprised at her tone of voice.] My dear.
Man.[Quietly rising and ringing a bell, which summonsAlain,who enters.] I believe Mlle Marguerite has some orders for you.
Alain.Mademoiselle—
Mar.I have none—you may leave the room.
[ExitAlain.
Bev.Come, come, this sort of thing won't do.
Mar.Monsieur de Bevannes.
Bev.As you please—but permit me to regret that I have not the right to interfere here.
Man.Your regret is unnecessary, sir—for if I did not see fit to obey the lady's orders, I hold myself at yours.
Bev.Enough, sir; I shall act accordingly.
Mad. L.Gentlemen, I beg, I entreat—
Mar.Monsieur de Bevannes.
Bev.Mademoiselle?
Mar.Have the goodness to follow me—I must speak with you in the presence of my mother only. Not a word, if you would ever speak with me again—follow me now, at once.
[Exit withMadame Laroque.
Bev.[ToManuel.] I believe, sir, we comprehend each other?
Manuelbows—ExitBevannes—Manuelturns and encounters the look ofMlle Helouin,who curtsies and exits.
Man.I see plainly now to whom I owe all this. Well, well, what matters it to whom? The one thin ray of light upon my desolate and gloomy path has vanished. Pshaw! This is no time for dreams or vain regrets.
[Rings.
EnterAlain.
Has Dr. Desmarets returned?
Alain.No, Monsieur.
Man.The moment he arrives I must see him.
Alain.I know—I know all about it. I overheard. Oh, sir, this is most unfortunate.
Man.It is, but unavoidable. I did not seek it—
Alain.And that devil of a Bevannes is a fine swordsman, and the best pistol-shot in Brittany.
Man.So much the better. The contest will be the more equal.
Alain.Indeed!
Man.I have had much practice with both weapons.
Alain.Oh then, pray do me one favor, sir. Don't kill him, but hit him in the leg. He's so deuced proud of his leg and foot.
Man.There, that will do. Let me know the instant the Doctor arrives.
Alain.I will sir, I will, but don't forget. Pray don't forget the leg—the leg, sir, if you love me.
[Exit.
Man.For myself, it matters not, but my sister, my little darling, helpless sister—should I fall—Oh! Heaven, let my errors be so atoned, and look down in pity on the orphan child, bereaved of earthly succor, to be the more dependent upon thine.
[As he raises his head, he perceivesBevannesapproaching, and his bearing becomes calm and resolute.
EnterBevannes.
Bev.Monsieur Manuel, can I have a few words with you?
Man.I am at your service, sir.
Bev.What I am about to say, considering our position, may seem irregular, but I obey orders which cannot be disputed. Besides, I believe no man can doubt my courage—
Man.Not I, be assured, sir.
Bev.To be brief, I am commissioned by the ladies to express their regret for what has just occurred. M'lle Marguerite, in a moment of forgetfulness, gave you certain orders, which it was plainly not your province to fulfil. Your susceptibility was justly wounded. We admit it, and—
Man.Not one word more, sir, I entreat.
Bev.Your hand. [Manuelgives his hand.] The ladies also desire me to express their hope that this momentary misunderstanding will not deprive them of your good offices, the value of which they fully appreciate, and I am extremely happy in having acquired within the last few minutes, the right to join my entreaty to theirs. My most ardent wish is about to be gratified.
Man.Indeed?
Bev.And I shall feel personally obliged if you will not refuse us your aid upon the eve of an event which family affairs and the failing health of old Monsieur Laroque compels us to hasten.
EnterAlainwith a box containing deeds, &c.
Oh, thank you. Place it on the table. [Alaindoes so and exits.] These are the private papers and memoranda of Mons. Laroque, and the ladies beg, as a proof of their entire confidence, that you will examine them and take notes of such matters as will prove important to the marriage contract.
Man.I shall obey their orders to the best of my ability.
Bev.Thank you, my dear fellow. I feel assured you will, and now, I trust, we shall in future, understand one another better. I do not think that, hitherto, either of us has formed a correct estimate of the other. I protest to you that I'm disposed to likeyouimmensely. For myself, I'm a very nice man, but I must be cultivated. Cultivateme, my dear sir, and I give you my word you'll find me one of the most agreeable fellows you ever knew; you will, indeed. Cultivate me, I beg.
[Exit.
Man.Well, well. He is her equal in fortune, and therefore, of course, above suspicion. Poor girl! She is unaware that, in this world the greatest beggars are not, always the poorest. She would see how I can support the torture she inflicts. She shall be gratified, for she shall see me even at the foot of the altar. But she will not triumph there, for her pride, lofty as it is, shall pale before my own. Now to my work. [Sits and turns over papers.] Nothing here that I have not seen before. "Title Deeds to"—Umph! "Legacies to my children." "Marriage portion for Marguerite" and—Ah! What's this? My name! "The Antilles"—yes, I remember, our family had large estates there, but that, was long ago. Let me see, let me see. [He reads, and as he does so his face expresses, first, surprise, and then conviction and triumph.] Great Heaven! And can this be so? Miserable old man. This, then, is the secret of your wanderings, your visions, and of my unsought influence. And now,nowI have them in my power. They shall find that there is still some blood left in the heart that they would crush. This proud, unfeeling girl, has yet to learn the meaning of that bitter word,humility, and sheshalllearn it.
[Margueritespeaks without.
Mar.He will soon return, dear mother. Meantime I will prepare for the ball.
[She enters, crosses slowly, and exit, after a look atManuel.
Man.No—no—I cannot! Never, never, by my act, shall the blush of shame crimson that noble face. Laroque cannot live long. Let his crime and his confession die before him! [Music.] To my deep love I consecrate the sacrifice.
Burns paper.While he contemplates it burning,Madame Aubreylooks in unseen by him.
EnterBevannesandAlain,meeting.
Bev.Alain, who arrived just now?
Alain.The Doctor, sir. He's gone to Monsieur Laroque's room.
Bev.Is Mademoiselle Marguerite's carriage ready for me?
Alain.Quite ready, Monsieur.
Bev.Very well. Tell the ladies I shall be back in an hour, at most.
Alain.You'll have to drive fast, sir, to do it in the time.
Bev.I shall make my toilette less perfect than usual, and take an elaborate revenge another time.
EnterDesmarets.
Des.Bevannes that you? where are you off to?
Bev.Home, for a short time.
Des.Better stay where you are—the ladies may want your assistance.
Bev.I know—at the ball—
Des.Ball? stuff! If I don't mistake, you'll have something else to think of. Alain, let that prescription be sent to the village immediately.
Alain.Yes, Doctor.
[Exit.
Bev.Why, what's the matter?
Des.Old Laroque is very ill to-night. By the by, what's this he told me about a marriage in the family?
Bev.Quite true. The fair Marguerite has become alive to my merits—she knows me at last.
Des.And accepts you?
Bev.Of course.
Des.Little fool.
Bev.Sir!
Des.I don't meanyou.
Bev.Ah!
Des.I tell you what, my friend, you hardly know what you've undertaken. I wish you joy—I wouldn't have the management of girl for a trifle. Ecod! if she takes a fancy to themoon, she'll expect you to give it her.
Bev.Oh, I'm not afraid. However, I'll go and dress, as it is her wish, and take the chance of the ball coming off.
Des.And you've determined to marry her?
Bev.Most certainly.
Des.Spite of all her caprices?
Bev.Decidedly—
Des.And if she wants the moon—
Bev.She must fetch it herself.
[Exit.
Des.Queer match—what does it mean? As to her loving that fellow, I don't believe a word of it. Now to the old man—it won't do to leave him alone—he's got one of his wandering fits on him, and he'll be all over the house if I don't look to him. What a nice quiet life a doctor's is.
[Exit.
Manueldiscovered asleep—Mad. Aubreyopens door and looks in.
Mad. A.Worn out with the day's excitement, he's asleep at last. [Comes in.] What could that paper have been, I saw him burn? Ah! there's the envelope he threw away, when he put it in the flame. [Picks it up.] So, so—what's that? a footstep.
[Exit.