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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/8079-h.zip b/8079-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d8af2ac --- /dev/null +++ b/8079-h.zip diff --git a/8079-h/8079-h.htm b/8079-h/8079-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..300a87c --- /dev/null +++ b/8079-h/8079-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4560 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Pamela Giraud, by Honore de Balzac + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Pamela Giraud, by Honore de Balzac + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Pamela Giraud + +Author: Honore de Balzac + +Release Date: July 24, 2009 [EBook #8079] +Last Updated: April 3, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAMELA GIRAUD *** + + + + +Produced by John Bickers, David Widger and Dagny + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + PAMELA GIRAUD + </h1> + <h2> + A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Honore de Balzac + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Presented for the First Time at Paris at the<br /> Theatre de la Gaite, + September 26, 1843 + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + </h3> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> PERSONS OF THE PLAY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <big><b>PAMELA GIRAUD</b></big> </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> ACT I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> ACT II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> ACT III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> ACT IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> ACT V </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PERSONS OF THE PLAY + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + General de Verby + Dupre, a lawyer + Rousseau, a wealthy merchant + Jules Rousseau, his son + Joseph Binet + Giraud, a porter + Chief of Special Police + Antoine, servant to the Rousseaus + + Pamela Giraud + Madame du Brocard, a widow; aunt of Jules Rousseau + Madame Rousseau + Madame Giraud + Justine, chambermaid to Madame Rousseau + + Sheriff + Magistrate + Police Officers + Gendarmes +</pre> + <p> + SCENE: Paris + </p> + <p> + TIME: During the Napoleonic plots under Louis XVIII. (1815-1824) + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + PAMELA GIRAUD + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT I + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FIRST + + (Setting is an attic and workshop of an artificial flower-maker. It is + poorly lighted by means of a candle placed on the work-table. The + ceiling slopes abruptly at the back allowing space to conceal a man. + On the right is a door, on the left a fireplace. Pamela is discovered + at work, and Joseph Binet is seated near her.) + + Pamela, Joseph Binet and later Jules Rousseau. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Pamela + Monsieur Joseph Binet! + + Joseph + Mademoiselle Pamela Giraud! + + Pamela + I plainly see that you wish me to hate you. + + Joseph + The idea! What? And this is the beginning of our love—Hate me! + + Pamela + Oh, come! Let us talk sensibly. + + Joseph + You do not wish, then, that I should express how much I love you? + + Pamela + Ah! I may as well tell you plainly, since you compel me to do so, that + I do not wish to become the wife of an upholsterer's apprentice. + + Joseph + Is it necessary to become an emperor, or something like that, in order + to marry a flower-maker? + + Pamela + No. But it is necessary to be loved, and I don't love you in any way + whatever. + + Joseph + In any way! I thought there was only one way of loving. + + Pamela + So there is, but there are many ways of not loving. You can be my + friend, without my loving you. + + Joseph + Oh! + + Pamela + I can look upon you with indifference— + + Joseph + Ah! + + Pamela + You can be odious to me! And at this moment you weary me, which is + worse! + + Joseph + I weary her! I who would cut myself into fine pieces to do all that + she wishes! + + Pamela + If you would do what I wish, you would not remain here. + + Joseph + And if I go away—Will you love me a little? + + Pamela + Yes, for the only time I like you is when you are away! + + Joseph + And if I never came back? + + Pamela + I should be delighted. + + Joseph + Zounds! Why should I, senior apprentice with M. Morel, instead of + aiming at setting up business for myself, fall in love with this young + lady? It is folly! It certainly hinders me in my career; and yet I + dream of her—I am infatuated with her. Suppose my uncle knew it!—But + she is not the only woman in Paris, and, after all, Mlle. Pamela + Giraud, who are you that you should be so high and mighty? + + Pamela + I am the daughter of a poor ruined tailor, now become a porter. I gain + my own living—if working night and day can be called living—and it + is with difficulty that I snatch a little holiday to gather lilacs in + the Pres-Saint-Gervais; and I certainly recognize that the senior + apprentice of M. Morel is altogether too good for me. I do not wish to + enter a family which believes that it would thus form a mesalliance. + The Binets indeed! + + Joseph + But what has happened to you in the last eight or ten days, my dear + little pet of a Pamela? Up to ten days ago I used to come and cut out + your flowers for you, I used to make the stalks for the roses, and the + hearts for the violets; we used to talk together, we sometimes used to + go to the play, and have a good cry there—and I was "good Joseph," + "my little Joseph"—a Joseph in fact of the right stuff to make your + husband. All of a sudden—Pshaw! I became of no account. + + Pamela + Now you must really go away. Here you are neither in the street, nor + in your own house. + + Joseph + Very well, I'll be off, mademoiselle—yes, I'll go away! I'll have a + talk in the porter's lodge with your mother; she does not ask anything + better than my entrance into the family, not she; she won't change her + mind! + + Pamela + All right! Instead of entering her family, enter her lodge, the + porter's lodge, M. Joseph! Go and talk with my mother, go on!— (Exit + Joseph.) Perhaps he'll keep their attention so that M. Adolph can get + up stairs without being seen. Adolph Durand! What a pretty name! There + is half a romance in it! And what a handsome young man! For the last + fifteen days he has absolutely persecuted me. I knew that I was rather + pretty; but I never believed I was all he called me. He must be an + artist, or a government official! Whatever he is, I can't help liking + him; he is so aristocratic! But what if his appearance were deceitful, + and there were anything wrong about him!—For the letter which he has + just sent me has an air of mystery about it— (She draws a letter from + her bosom and reads it) "Expect me this evening. I wish to see you + alone, and, if possible, to enter unnoticed by any one; my life is in + danger, and oh! if you only knew what a terrible misfortune threatens + me! Adolph Durand." He writes in pencil. His life is in danger—Ah! + How anxious I feel! + + Joseph (returning) + Just as I was going down stairs, I said to myself: "Why should Pamela" + + (Jules' head appears at the window.) + + Pamela + Ah! + + Joseph + What's the matter? + + (Jules disappears.) + + Pamela + I thought I saw—I mean—I thought I heard a sound overhead. Just go + into the garret. Some one perhaps has hidden there. You are not + afraid, are you? + + Joseph + No. + + Pamela + Very well! Go up and search! Otherwise I shall be frightened for the + whole night. + + Joseph + I will go at once. I will climb over the roof if you like. + + (He passes through a narrow door that leads to the garret.) + + Pamela (follows him) + Be quick! (Jules enters.) Ah! sir, what trouble you are giving me! + + Jules + It is to save my life, and perhaps you will never regret it. You know + how much I love you! + + (He kisses her hand.) + + Pamela + I know that you have told me so; but you treat me— + + Jules + As my deliverer. + + Pamela + You wrote to me—and your letter has filled me with trouble—I know + neither who you are— + + Joseph (from the outer room) + Mademoiselle, I am in the garret. I have looked over the whole roof. + + Jules + He is coming back—Where can I hide? + + Pamela + But you must not stay here! + + Jules + You wish to ruin me, Pamela! + + Pamela + Look, hide yourself there! + + (She points to the cranny under the sloping roof.) + + Joseph (returning) + Are you alone, mademoiselle? + + Pamela + No; for are not you here? + + Joseph + I heard something like the voice of a man. The voice came from below. + + Pamela + Nonsense, more likely it came from above—Look down the staircase— + + Joseph + Oh! But I am sure— + + Pamela + Nonsense. Leave me, sir; I wish to be alone. + + Joseph + Alone, with a man's voice? + + Pamela + I suppose you don't believe me? + + Joseph + But I heard it plain enough. + + Pamela + You heard nothing. + + Joseph + Ah! Pamela! + + Pamela + If you prefer to believe the sounds which you say reached your ears, + rather than the words I speak, you would make a very bad husband. That + is quite sufficient for me. + + Joseph + That doesn't prove that I did not hear— + + Pamela + Since I can't convince you, you can believe what you like. Yes! you + did hear a voice, the voice of a young man, who is in love with me, + and who does whatever I wish—He disappears when he is asked, and + comes when he is wanted. And now what are you waiting for? Do you + think that while he is here, your presence can be anything but + disagreeable to us? Go and ask my father and mother what his name is. + He must have told them when he came up stairs—he, and the voice you + heard. + + Joseph + Mlle. Pamela, forgive a poor youth who is mad with love. It is not + only my heart that I have lost, but my head also, when I think of you. + I know that you are just as good as you are beautiful, I know that you + have in your soul more treasures of sweetness than you ever show, and + so I know that you are right, and were I to hear ten voices, were I to + see ten men here, I would care nothing about it. But one— + + Pamela + Well, what of it? + + Joseph + A single one—that is what wounds me. But I must be off; it seems + funny that I should have said all that to you. I know quite well that + there is no one here but you. Till we meet again, Mlle. Pamela; I am + going—I trust you. + + Pamela (aside) + He evidently does not feel quite sure. + + Joseph (aside) + There is some one here! I will run down and tell the whole matter to + her father and mother. (Aloud) Adieu, Mlle. Pamela. (Exit.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SECOND + + Pamela and Jules. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Pamela + M. Adolph, you see to what you are exposing me. That poor lad is a + workman, a most kind-hearted fellow; he has an uncle rich enough to + set him up in business; he wishes to marry me, and in one moment I + have lost my prospects—and for whom? I do not know you, and from the + manner in which you imperil the reputation of a young girl who has no + capital but her good behavior, I conclude that you think you have the + right to do so. You are rich and you make sport of poor people! + + Jules + No, my dear Pamela. I know who you are, and I take you at your true + value. I love you, I am rich, and we will never leave one another. My + traveling carriage is with a friend, at the gate of St. Denis; we will + proceed on foot to catch it; I intend embarking for England. You must + come with me. I cannot explain my intentions now, for the least delay + may prove fatal to me. + + Pamela + What do you mean? + + Jules + You shall see— + + Pamela + Are you in your right senses, M. Adolph? After having followed me + about for a month, seen me twice at a dance, written me several + declarations, such as young men of your sort write to any and every + woman, you point-blank propose an elopement! + + Jules + Oh, I beg of you, don't delay an instant! You'll repent of this for + the rest of your life, and you will see too late what mischief you + have done. + + Pamela + But, my dear sir, you can perhaps explain yourself in a couple of + words. + + Jules + No,—for the secret is a matter of life and death to several persons. + + Pamela + If it were only to save your life, whoever you are, I would do a good + deal; but what assistance could I be to you in your flight! Why do you + want to take me to England? + + Jules + What a child you are! No one, of course, would suspect anything of two + runaway lovers! And, let me tell you, I love you well enough to + disregard everything else, and even to brave the anger of my parents— + Once we are married at Gretna Green— + + Pamela + Oh, <i>mon Dieu</i>! I am quite non-plussed! Here's a handsome young man + urges you—implores you—and talks of marriage— + + Jules + They are mounting the staircase—I am lost!—You have betrayed me!— + + Pamela + M. Adolph, you alarm me! What is going to happen? Wait a moment, I + will go and see. + + Jules + In any case, take and keep this twenty thousand francs. It will be + safer with you than in the hands of the police—I have only half an + hour longer and all will be over. + + Pamela + There is nothing to fear—It is only my father and mother. + + Jules + You have the kindness of an angel. I trust my fate with you. But you + must know that both of us must leave this house at once; and I swear + on my honor, that nothing but good shall result to you. + + (He hides again under the roof.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE THIRD + + Pamela, M. Giraud and Mme. Giraud. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Pamela (who stands in such a way as to prevent her parents from + entering fully into the room; aside) + Evidently here is a man in danger—and a man who loves me—two reasons + why I should be interested in him. + + Mme. Giraud + How is this, Pamela—you the solace of all our misfortunes, the prop + of our old age, our only hope! + + Giraud + A girl brought up on the strictest principles. + + Mme. Giraud + Keep quiet, Giraud! You don't know what you are talking about. + + Giraud + Certainly, Madame Giraud. + + Mme. Giraud + And besides all this, Pamela, your example was cited in all the + neighborhood as a girl who'd be useful to your parents in their + declining years! + + Giraud + And worthy to receive the prize of virtue! + + Pamela + Then what is the meaning of all these reproaches? + + Mme. Giraud + Joseph has just told us that you had a man hidden in your room. + + Giraud + Yes—he heard the voice. + + Mme. Giraud + Silence, Giraud!—Pamela—pay no attention to your father— + + Pamela + And do you, mother, pay no attention to Joseph. + + Giraud + What did I tell you on the stairs, Madame Giraud? Pamela knows how we + count upon her. She wishes to make a good match as much on our account + as on her own; her heart bleeds to see us porters, us, the authors of + her life! She is too sensible to blunder in this matter. Is it not so, + my child, you would not deceive your father? + + Mme. Giraud + There is nobody here, is there, my love? For a young working-girl to + have any one in her room, at ten o'clock at night—well—she runs a + risk of losing— + + Pamela + But it seems to me that if I had any one you would have seen him on + his way up. + + Giraud + She is right. + + Mme. Giraud + She does not answer straight out. Please open the door of this room. + + Pamela + Mother, stop! Do not come in here,—you shall not come in here!— + Listen to me; as I love you, mother, and you, father, I have nothing + to reproach myself with!—and I swear to it before God!—Do not in a + moment withdraw from your daughter the confidence which you have had + in her for so long a time. + + Mme. Giraud + But why not tell us? + + Pamela (aside) + Impossible! If they were to see this young man every one would soon + know all about it. + + Giraud (interrupting her) + We are your father and mother, and we must see! + + Pamela + For the first time in my life, I refuse to obey you!—But you force me + to it!—These lodgings are rented by me from the earnings of my work! + I am of age and mistress of my own actions. + + Mme. Giraud + Oh, Pamela! Can this be you, on whom we have placed all our hopes? + + Giraud + You will ruin yourself!—and I shall remain a porter to the end of my + days. + + Pamela + You needn't be afraid of that! Well—I admit that there is some one + here; but silence! You must go down stairs again to your lodge. You + must tell Joseph that he does not know what he is talking about, that + you have searched everywhere, that there is no one in my lodging; you + must send him away—then you shall see this young man; you shall learn + what I purpose doing. But you must keep everything the most profound + secret. + + Giraud + Unhappy girl! What do you take us for? (He sees the banknotes on the + table.) Ah! what is this? Banknotes! + + Mme. Giraud + Banknotes! (She recoils from Pamela.) Pamela, where did you get them? + + Pamela + I will tell you when I write. + + Giraud + When you write! She must be going to elope! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FOURTH + + The same persons, and Joseph Binet. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Joseph (entering) + I was quite sure that there was something wrong about him!—He is a + ringleader of thieves! The gendarmes, the magistrate, all the + excitement she showed mean something—and now the house is surrounded! + + Jules (appearing) + I am lost! + + Pamela + I have done all that I could! + + Giraud + And you, sir, who are you? + + Joseph + Are you a—? + + Mme. Giraud + Speak! + + Jules + But for this idiot, I would have escaped! You will now have the ruin + of an innocent man on your consciences. + + Pamela + M. Adolph, are you innocent? + + Jules + I am! + + Pamela + What shall we do? (Pointing to the dormer window.) You can elude + their pursuit that way out. + + (She opens the dormer window and finds the police agents on the roof + outside.) + + Jules + It is too late. All you can do is to confirm my statement. You must + declare that I am your daughter's lover; that I have asked you to give + her in marriage to me; that I am of age; that my name is Adolph + Durand, son of a rich business man of Marseilles. + + Giraud + He offers her lawful love and wealth!—Young man, I willingly take you + under my protection. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FIFTH +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same persons, a sheriff, a police officer and gendarmes. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Giraud + Sir, what right have you to enter an occupied dwelling—the domicile + of a peaceable young girl? + + Joseph + Yes, what right have you—? + + The sheriff + Young man, don't you worry about our right!—A few moments ago you + were very friendly and slowed us where the unknown might be found, but + now you have suddenly changed your tune. + + Pamela + Bit what are you looking for? What do you want? + + The sheriff + You seem to be well aware that we are looking for somebody. + + Giraud + Sir, my daughter has no one with her but her future husband, M.— + + The sheriff + Rousseau. + + Pamela + M. Adolph Durand. + + Giraud + Rousseau I don't know.—The gentleman I refer to is M. Adolph Durand. + + Mme. Giraud + Son of a respectable merchant of Marseilles. + + Joseph + Ah! you have been deceiving me! Ah!—That is the secret of your + coldness, and he is— + + The sheriff (to the officer of the police) + This does not seem to be the man? + + The officer + Oh, yes, I am sure of it! (to the gendarmes) Carry out my orders. + + Jules + Monsieur, I am the victim of some mistake; my name is not Jules + Rousseau. + + The officer + Oh! but you know his first name, which none of us has as yet + mentioned. + + Jules + But I heard some one say it. Here are my papers, which are perfectly + correct. + + The sheriff + Let me see them, please. + + Giraud + Gentlemen, I assure you and declare to you— + + The officer + If you go on in this way, and wish to make us believe that this + gentleman is Adolph Durand, son of a merchant of— + + Mme. Giraud + Of Marseilles— + + The officer + You may all be arrested as his accomplices, locked up in jail this + evening, and implicated in an affair from which you will not easily + get off. Have you any regard for the safety of your neck? + + Giraud + A great deal! + + The officer + Very well! Hold your tongue, then. + + Mme. Giraud + Do hold your tongue, Giraud! + + Pamela + Merciful heaven! Why did I not believe him at once! + + The sheriff (to his agents) + Search the gentleman! + + (The agent takes out Jules' pocket handkerchief.) + + The officer + It is marked with a J and an R. My dear sir, you are not very clever! + + Joseph + What can he have done? Have you anything to do with it, mademoiselle? + + Pamela + You are the sole cause of the trouble. Never speak to me again! + + The officer + Monsieur, here we have the check for your dinner—you dined at the + Palais Royal. While you were there you wrote a letter in pencil. One + of your friends brought the letter here. His name was M. Adolph + Durand, and he lent you his passport. We are certain of your identity; + you are M. Jules Rousseau. + + Joseph + The son of the rich M. Rousseau, whose house we are furnishing? + + The sheriff + Hold your tongue! + + The officer + You must come with us. + + Jules + Certainly, monsieur. (To Giraud and his wife) Forgive the annoyance I + have caused you—and you, Pamela, do not forget me! If you do not see + me again, you may keep what I gave into your hands, and may it bring + you happiness! + + Giraud + O Lord! + + Pamela + Poor Adolph! + + The sheriff (to his agents) + Remain here. We are going to search this attic, and question every one + of these people. + + Joseph (with a gesture of horror) + Ah!—she prefers a criminal to me! + + (Jules is put in charge of the agents.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Curtain to the First Act. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT II + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FIRST + + (The setting is a drawing-room in the Rousseau mansion. Antoine is + looking through the newspapers.) + + Antoine and Justine. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Justine + Well, Antoine, have you read the papers? + + Antoine + I am reading them. Isn't it a pity that we servants cannot learn, + excepting through the papers, what is going on in the trial of M. + Jules? + + Justine + And yet the master and mistress and Mme. du Brocard, their sister, + know nothing. M. Jules has been for three months—in—what do they + call it?—in close confinement. + + Antoine + The arrest of the young man has evidently attracted great attention— + + Justine + It seems absurd to think that a young man who had nothing to do but + amuse himself, who would some day inherit his aunt's income of twenty + thousand francs, and his father's and mother's fortune, which is quite + double that amount, should be mixed up in a conspiracy! + + Antoine + I admire him for it, for they were plotting to bring back the emperor! + You may cause my throat to be cut if you like. We are alone here—you + don't belong to the police; long live the emperor! say I. + + Justine + For mercy's sake, hold your tongue, you old fool!—If any one heard + you, you would get us all arrested. + + Antoine + I am not afraid of that, thank God! The answers I made to the + magistrate were non-committal; I never compromised M. Jules, like the + traitors who informed against him. + + Justine + Mme. du Brocard with all her immense savings ought to be able to buy + him off. + + Antoine + Oh, nonsense! Since the escape of Lavalette such a thing is + impossible! They have become extremely particular at the gates of the + prison, and they were never particularly accommodating. M. Jules will + have to take his dose you see; he will be a martyr. I shall go and see + him executed. + + (Some one rings. Exit Antoine.) + + Justine + We will go and see him! When one has known a condemned man I don't see + how they can have the heart to—As for me I shall go to the Court of + Assizes. I feel, poor boy, I owe him that! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SECOND + + Dupre, Antoine and Justine. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Antoine (aside, as he ushers in Dupre) + Ah! The lawyer. (Aloud) Justine, go and tell madame that Monsieur + Dupre is waiting. (Aside) The lawyer is a hard nut to crack, I'm + thinking. (Aloud) Sir, is there any hope of saving our poor M. Jules? + + Dupre + I perceive that you are very fond of your young master? + + Antoine + Naturally enough! + + Dupre + What would you do to save him? + + Antoine + Anything, sir! + + Dupre + That means nothing. + + Antoine + Nothing?—I will give whatever evidence you like. + + Dupre + If you are caught in contradicting yourself and convicted of perjury, + do you know what you run the risk of? + + Antoine + No, sir. + + Dupre + The galleys. + + Antoine + That is rather severe, sir. + + Dupre + You would prefer to serve him without compromising yourself? + + Antoine + Is there any other way? + + Dupre + No. + + Antoine + Well! I'll run the risk of the galleys. + + Dupre (aside) + What devotion is here! + + Antoine + My master would be sure to settle a pension on me. + + Justine + Here is madame. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE THIRD + + The same persons and Madame Rousseau. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Mme. Rousseau (to Dupre) + Ah! Monsieur, we have been impatiently expecting this visit. (To + Antoine) Antoine! Quick, inform my husband. (To Dupre) Sir, I trust in + your efforts, alone. + + Dupre + You may be sure, madame, that I shall employ every energy— + + Mme. Rousseau + Oh! Thank you! But of course Jules is not guilty. To think of him as a + conspirator! Poor child, how could any one suspect him, who trembles + before me at the slightest reproach—me, his mother! Ah, monsieur, + promise that you will restore him to me! + + Rousseau (entering the room) + (To Antoine) Yes, carry the letter to General de Verby. I shall wait + for him here. (To Dupre) I am glad to see you, my dear M. Dupre— + + Dupre + The battle will doubtless begin to-morrow; to-day preparations are + being made, and the indictment drawn. + + Rousseau + Has my poor Jules made any admissions? + + Dupre + He has denied everything, and has played to perfection the part of an + innocent man; but we are not able to oppose any testimony to that + which is being brought against him. + + Rousseau + Ah! Monsieur, save my son, and the half of my fortune shall be yours! + + Dupre + If I had every half of a fortune that has been promised to me, I + should be too rich for anything. + + Rousseau + Do you question the extent of my gratitude? + + Dupre + We will wait till the result of the trial is known, sir. + + Mme. Rousseau + Take pity on a poor mother! + + Dupre + Madame, I swear to you nothing so much excites my curiosity and my + sympathy, as a genuine sentiment. And at Paris sincerity is so rare + that I cannot be indifferent to the grief of a family threatened with + the loss of an only son. You may therefore rely upon me. + + Rousseau + Ah! Monsieur! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FOURTH + + The same persons, General de Verby and Madame du Brocard. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Mme. du Brocard (showing in De Verby) + Come in, my dear general. + + De Verby (bowing to Rousseau) + Monsieur—I simply came to learn— + + Rousseau (presenting Dupre to De Verby) + General, M. Dupre. + + (Dupre and De Verby exchange bows.) + + Dupre (aside, while De Verby talks with Rousseau) + He is general of the antechamber, holding the place merely through the + influence of his brother, the lord chamberlain; he doesn't seem to me + to have come here without some object. + + De Verby (to Dupre) + I understand, sir, that you are engaged for the defence of M. Jules + Rousseau in this deplorable affair— + + Dupre + Yes, sir, it is a deplorable affair, for the real culprits are not in + prison; thus it is that justice rages fiercely against the rank and + file, but the chiefs are always passed by. You are General Vicomte de + Verby, I presume? + + De Verby + Simple General Verby—I do not take the title—my opinions of course. + —Doubtless you are acquainted with the evidence in this case? + + Dupre + I have been in communication with the accused only for the last three + days. + + De Verby + And what do you think of the affair? + + All + Yes, tell us. + + Dupre + According to my experience of the law courts, I believe it possible to + obtain important revelations by offering commutation of sentence to + the condemned. + + De Verby + The accused are all men of honor. + + Rousseau + But— + + Dupre + Characters sometime change at the prospect of the scaffold, especially + when there is much at stake. + + De Verby (aside) + A conspiracy ought not to be entered upon excepting with penniless + accomplices. + + Dupre + I shall induce my client to tell everything. + + Rousseau + Of course. + + Mme. du Brocard + Certainly. + + Mme. Rousseau + He ought to do so. + + De Verby (anxiously) + I presume there is no other way of escape for him? + + Dupre + None whatever; it can be proved that he was of the number of those who + had begun to put in execution the plot. + + De Verby + I would rather lose my head than my honor. + + Dupre + I should consider which of the two was worth more. + + De Verby + You have your views in the matter. + + Rousseau + Those are mine. + + Dupre + And they are the opinions of the majority. I have seen many things + done by men to escape the scaffold. There are people who push others + to the front, who risk nothing, and yet reap all the fruits of + success. Have such men any honor? Can one feel any obligation towards + them? + + De Verby + No, they are contemptible wretches. + + Dupre (aside) + He has well said it. This is the fellow who has ruined poor Jules! I + must keep my eye on him. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FIFTH + + The same persons, Antoine and Jules (the latter led in by police + agents.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Antoine + Sir, a carriage stopped at the door. Several men got out. M. Jules is + with them; they are bringing him in. + + M. and Mme. Rousseau + My son! + + Mme. du Brocard + My nephew! + + Dupre + Yes, I see what it is—doubtless a search-warrant. They wish to look + over his papers. + + Antoine + Here he is. + + (Jules appears in the centre, followed by the police and a magistrate; + he rushes up to his mother.) + + Jules + O mother! My good mother! (He embraces his mother.) Ah! I see you once + more! (To Mme. du Brocard) Dear aunt! + + Mme. Rousseau + My poor child! Come! Come—close to me; they will not dare— (To the + police, who approach her) Leave him, leave him here! + + Rousseau (rushing towards the police) + Be kind enough— + + Dupre (to the magistrate) + Monsieur! + + Jules + My dear mother, calm yourself! I shall soon be free; yes, be quite + sure of that, and we will not part again. + + Antoine (to Rousseau) + Sir, they wish to visit M. Jules's room. + + Rousseau (to the magistrate) + In a moment, monsieur. I will go with you myself. (To Dupre, pointing + to Jules) Do not leave him! + + (He goes out conducting the magistrate, who makes a sign to the police + to keep guard on Jules.) + + Jules (seizing the hand of De Verby) + Ah, general! (To Dupre) And how good and generous of you, M. Dupre, to + come here and comfort my mother. (In a low voice) Ah! conceal from her + my danger. (Aloud, looking at his mother) Tell her the truth. Tell her + that she has nothing to fear. + + Dupre + I will tell her that it is in her power to save you. + + Mme. Rousseau + In my power? + + Mme. du Brocard + How can that be? + + Dupre (to Mme. Rousseau) + By imploring him to disclose the names of those who have led him on. + + De Verby (to Dupre) + Monsieur! + + Mme. Rousseau + Yes, and you ought to do it. I, your mother, demand it of you. + + Mme. du Brocard + Oh, certainly! My nephew shall tell everything. He has been led on by + people who now abandon him to his fate, and he in his turn ought— + + De Verby (in a low voice to Dupre) + What, sir! Would you advise your client to betray—? + + Dupre (quickly) + Whom? + + De Verby (in a troubled voice) + But—can't we find some other method? M. Jules knows what a man of + high spirit owes to himself. + + Dupre (aside) + He is the man—I felt sure of it! + + Jules (to his mother and aunt) + Never, though I should die for it—never will I compromise any one + else. + + (De Verby shows his pleasure at this declaration.) + + Mme. Rousseau + Ah! my God! (Looking at the police.) And there is no chance of our + helping him to escape here! + + Mme. du Brocard + No! that is out of the question. + + Antoine (coming into the room) + M. Jules, they are asking for you. + + Jules + I am coming! + + Mme. Rousseau + Ah! I cannot let you go. + + (She turns to the police with a supplicating look.) + + Mme. du Brocard (to Dupre, who scrutinizes De Verby) + M. Dupre, I have thought that it would be a good thing— + + Dupre (interrupting her) + Later, madame, later. + + (He leads her to Jules, who goes out with his mother, followed by the + agents.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SIXTH + + Dupre and De Verby. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + De Verby (aside) + These people have hit upon a lawyer who is rich, without ambition—and + eccentric. + + Dupre (crossing the stage and gazing at De Verby, aside) + Now is my time to learn your secret. (Aloud) You are very much + interested in my client, monsieur? + + De Verby + Very much indeed. + + Dupre + I have yet to understand what motive could have led him, young, rich + and devoted to pleasure as he is, to implicate himself in a + conspiracy— + + De Verby + The passion for glory. + + Dupre + Don't talk in that way to a lawyer who for twenty years has practiced + in the courts; who has studied men and affairs well enough to know + that the finest motives are only assumed as a disguise for trumpery + passions, and has never yet met a man whose heart was free from the + calculations of self-interest. + + De Verby + Do you ever take up a case without charging anything? + + Dupre + I often do so; but I never act contrary to my convictions. + + De Verby + I understand that you are rich? + + Dupre + I have some fortune. Without it, in the world as at present + constituted, I should be on the straight road for the poor-house. + + De Verby + It is then from conviction, I suppose, that you have undertaken the + defence of young Rousseau? + + Dupre + Certainly. I believe him to be the dupe of others in a higher station, + and I like those who allow themselves to be duped from generous + motives and not from self-interest; for in these times the dupe is + often as greedy after gain as the man who exploits him. + + De Verby + You belong, I perceive, to the sect of misanthropes. + + Dupre + I do not care enough for mankind to hate them, for I have never yet + met any one I could love. I am contented with studying my fellow-men; + for I see that they are all engaged in playing each, with more or less + success, his own little comedy. I have no illusion about anything, it + is true, but I smile at it all like a spectator who sits in a theatre + to be amused. One thing I never do; I hiss at nothing; for I have not + sufficient feeling about things for that. + + De Verby (aside) + How is it possible to influence such a man? (Aloud) Nevertheless, + monsieur, you must sometimes need the services of others? + + Dupre + Never! + + De Verby + But you are sometimes sick? + + Dupre + Then I like to be alone. Moreover, at Paris, anything can be bought, + even attendance on the sick; believe me I live because it is my duty + to do so. I have tested everything—charity, friendship, unselfish + devotion. Those who have received benefits have disgusted me with the + doing of kindnesses. Certain philanthropists have made me feel a + loathing for charity. And of all humbugs that of sentiment is the most + hateful. + + De Verby + And what of patriotism, monsieur? + + Dupre + That is a very trifling matter, since the cry of humanity has been + raised. + + De Verby (somewhat discouraged) + And so you take Jules Rousseau for a young enthusiast? + + Dupre + No, sir, nothing of the sort. He presents a problem which I have to + solve, and with your assistance I shall reach the solution. (De Verby + changes countenance.) Come, let us speak candidly. I believe that you + know something about all this. + + De Verby + What do you mean, sir? + + Dupre + You can save the young man. + + De Verby + I? What can I do? + + Dupre + You can give testimony which Antoine will corroborate— + + De Verby + I have reasons for not appearing as a witness. + + Dupre + Just so. You are one of the conspirators! + + De Verby + Monsieur! + + Dupre + It is you who have led on this poor boy. + + De Verby + Monsieur, this language—! + + Dupre + Don't attempt to deceive me, but tell me how you managed to gain this + bad influence over him? He is rich, he is in need of nothing. + + De Verby + Listen!—If you say another word— + + Dupre + Oh! my life is of no consideration with me! + + De Verby + Sir, you know very well that Jules will get off; and that if he does + not behave properly, he will lose, through your fault, the chance of + marriage with my niece, and thus the succession to the title of my + brother, the Lord Chamberlain. + + Dupre + Ah, that's what he was after, then! He's like all the rest of the + schemers. Now consider, sir, what I am going to propose to you. You + have powerful friends, and it is your duty— + + De Verby + My duty! I do not understand you, sir. + + Dupre + You have been able to effect his ruin, and can you not bring about his + release? (Aside) I have him there. + + De Verby + I shall give my best consideration to the matter. + + Dupre + Don't consider for a moment that you can escape me. + + De Verby + A general who fears no danger can have no fear of a lawyer— + + Dupre + As you will! + + (Exit De Verby, who jostles against Joseph.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SEVENTH + + Dupre and Joseph Binet. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Joseph + I heard only yesterday, monsieur, that you were engaged for the + defence of M. Jules Rousseau; I have been to your place, and have + waited for you until I could wait no later. This morning I found that + you had left your home, and as I am working for this house, a happy + inspiration sent me here. I thought you would be coming here, and I + waited for you— + + Dupre + What do you want with me? + + Joseph + I am Joseph Binet. + + Dupre + Well, proceed. + + Joseph + Let me say without offence, sir, that I have fourteen hundred francs + of my own—quite my own!—earned sou by sou. I am a journeyman + upholsterer, and my uncle, Du Mouchel, a retired wine merchant, has + plenty of the metal. + + Dupre + Speak out openly! What is the meaning of this mysterious preamble? + + Joseph + Fourteen hundred francs is of course a mere trifle, and they say that + lawyers have to be well paid, and that it is because they are well + paid that there are so many of them. I should have done better if I + had been a lawyer—then she would have married me! + + Dupre + Are you crazy? + + Joseph + Not at all. I have here my fourteen hundred francs; take them, sir—no + humbug! They are yours. + + Dupre + And on what condition? + + Joseph + You must save M. Jules—I mean, of course, from death—and you must + have him transported. I don't want him to be put to death; but he must + go abroad. He is rich, and he will enjoy himself. But save his life. + Procure a sentence of simple transportation, say for fifteen years, + and my fourteen hundred francs are yours. I will give them to you + gladly, and I will moreover make you an office chair below the market + price. There now! + + Dupre + What is your object in speaking to me in this way? + + Joseph + My object? I want to marry Pamela. I want to have my little Pamela. + + Dupre + Pamela? + + Joseph + Pamela Giraud. + + Dupre + What connection has Pamela Giraud with Jules Rousseau? + + Joseph + Well I never! Why! I thought that advocates were paid for learning and + knowing everything. But you don't seem to know anything, sir. I am not + surprised that there are those who say advocates are know-nothings. + But I should like to have back my fourteen hundred francs. Pamela is + accused, that is to say, she accuses me of having betrayed his head to + the executioner, and you will understand that if after all he escapes, + and is transported, I can marry, can wed Pamela; and as the + transported man will not be in France, I need fear no disturbance in + my home. Get him fifteen years; that is nothing; fifteen years for + traveling and I shall have time to see my children grow up, and my + wife old enough—you understand— + + Dupre (aside) + He is candid, at any rate—Those who make their calculations aloud and + in such evident excitement are not the worst of people. + + Joseph + I say! Do you know the proverb—"A lawyer who talks to himself is like + a pastry cook who eats his own wares,"—eh, sir? + + Dupre + I understand you to say that Pamela is in love with M. Jules? + + Joseph + Ah! I see, you understand matters. + + Dupre + They used frequently to meet I suppose? + + Joseph + Far too frequently! Oh! if I had only known it, I would have put a + stop to it! + + Dupre + Is she pretty? + + Joseph + Who?—Pamela?—My eye! My Pamela! She is as pretty as the Apollo + Belvidere! + + Dupre + Keep your fourteen hundred francs, my friend, and if you have courage, + you and your Pamela, you will be able to help me in effecting his + deliverance; for the question is absolutely whether we must let him go + to the scaffold, or save him from it. + + Joseph + I beg you, sir, do not think of saying one word to Pamela; she is in + despair. + + Dupre + Nevertheless you must bring it about that I see her this morning. + + Joseph + I will send word to her through her parents. + + Dupre + Ah! she has a father and mother living then? (Aside) This will cost a + lot of money. (Aloud) Who are they? + + Joseph + They are respectable porters. + + Dupre + That is good. + + Joseph + Old Giraud is a ruined tailor. + + Dupre + Very well, go and inform them of my intended visit, and above all + things preserve the utmost secrecy, or M. Jules will be sacrificed. + + Joseph + I shall be dumb. + + Dupre + And let it be thought that we have never met. + + Joseph + We have never seen each other. + + Dupre + Now go. + + Joseph + I am going. + + (He mistakes the door.) + + Dupre + This is the way. + + Joseph + This is the way, great advocate—but let me give you a bit of advice— + a slight taste of transportation will not do him any harm; in fact, it + will teach him to leave the government in peace. (Exit.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE EIGHTH + + Rousseau, Madame Rousseau, Madame du Brocard (attended by Justine) and + Dupre. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Mme. Rousseau + Poor child! What courage he shows! + + Dupre + I hope to save him for you, madame; but it cannot be done without + making great sacrifices. + + Rousseau + Sir, the half of our fortune is at your disposal. + + Mme. du Brocard + And the half of mine. + + Dupre + It is always the half of some fortune or other. I am going to try to + do my duty—afterwards, you must do yours; we shall have to make great + efforts. You, madame, must rouse yourself, for I have great hopes. + + Mme. Rousseau + Ah! sir, what can you mean? + + Dupre + A little time ago, your son was a ruined man; at the present moment, I + believe he can be saved. + + Mme. Rousseau + What must we do? + + Mme. du Brocard + What do you ask? + + Rousseau + You may be sure we will do as you require. + + Dupre + I feel certain you will. This is my plan which will undoubtedly + succeed with the jury. Your son had an intrigue with a certain + working-girl, Pamela Giraud, the daughter of a porter. + + Mme. du Brocard + What low people! + + Dupre + Yet you will have to humble yourselves to them. Your son was always + with this young girl, and in this point lies the sole hope of his + deliverance. The very evening on which the public prosecutor avers + that he attended a meeting of the conspirators, he was possibly + visiting her. If this is a fact, if she declares that he remained with + her that night, if her father and her mother, if the rival of Jules + confirm the testimony—we shall then have ground for hope. When the + choice has to be made between a sentence of guilty and an alibi, the + jury prefers the alibi. + + Mme. Rousseau (aside) + Ah! sir, you bring back life to me. + + Rousseau + Sir, we owe you a debt of eternal gratitude. + + Dupre (looking at them) + What sum of money must I offer to the daughter, to the father and to + the mother? + + Mme. du Brocard + Are they poor? + + Dupre + They are, but the matter concerns their honor. + + Mme. du Brocard + Oh, she is only a working-girl! + + Dupre (ironically) + It ought to be done very cheaply. + + Rousseau + What do you think? + + Dupre + I think that you are bargaining for the life of your son. + + Mme. du Brocard + Well, M. Dupre, I suppose you may go as high as— + + Mme. Rousseau + As high as— + + Dupre + As high as— + + Rousseau + Upon my word, I don't understand why you hesitate—and you must offer, + sir, whatever sum you consider suitable. + + Dupre + Just so, you leave it to my discretion. But what compensation do you + offer her if she restores your son to you at the sacrifice of her + honor? For possibly he has made love to her. + + Mme. Rousseau + He shall marry her. I come from the people myself, and I am no + marchioness. + + Mme. du Brocard + What do you mean by that? You are forgetting Mlle. de Verby. + + Mme. Rousseau + Sister, my son's life must be saved. + + Dupre (aside) + Here we have the beginning of a comedy and the last which I wish to + see; but I must keep them to their word. (Aloud) Perhaps it would be + well if you secretly paid a visit to the young girl. + + Mme. Rousseau + Oh, yes, I should like to go to see her—to implore her— (she rings) + Justine! Antoine! Quick! Order the carriage! At once— + + Antoine + Yes, madame. + + Mme. Rousseau + Sister, will you go with me? Ah, Jules my poor son! + + Mme. du Brocard + They are bringing him back. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE NINTH + + The same persons, Jules (brought in by the police), and later De + Verby. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Jules (kissing his mother) + O mother!—I will not say good-bye; I shall be back very soon. + + (Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard embrace Jules.) + + De Verby (going up to Dupre) + I will do, monsieur, what you have asked of me. One of my friends, M. + Adolph Durand, who facilitated the flight of our dear Jules, will + testify that his friend was altogether taken up with a grisette, whom + he loved passionately, and with whom he was taking measures to elope. + + Dupre + That is enough; success now depends upon the way we set about things. + + The magistrate (to Jules) + We must be going, monsieur. + + Jules + I will follow you. Be of good courage, mother! + + (He bids farewell to Rousseau and Dupre; De Verby signs to him to be + cautious.) + + Mme. Rousseau (to Jules, as he is being led away) + Jules! Jules! Do not give up hope—we are going to save you! + + (The police lead Jules away.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Curtain to the Second Act. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT III + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FIRST + + (The stage represents the room of Pamela.) + + Pamela, Giraud and Madame Giraud. + + (Pamela is standing near her mother, who is knitting; Giraud is at + work at a table on the left.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Mme. Giraud + The fact of the matter is this, my poor daughter; I do not mean to + reproach you, but you are the cause of all our trouble. + + Giraud + No doubt about it! We came to Paris because in the country tailoring + is no sort of a business, and we had some ambition for you, our + Pamela, such a sweet, pretty little thing as you were. We said to each + other: "We will go into service; I will work at my trade; we will give + a good position to our child; and as she will be good, industrious and + pretty, we can take care of our old age by marrying her well." + + Pamela + O father! + + Mme. Giraud + Half of our plans were already carried out. + + Giraud + Yes, certainly. We had a good position; you made as fine flowers as + any gardener could grow; and Joseph Binet, your neighbor, was to be + the husband of our choice. + + Mme. Giraud + Instead of all this, the scandal which has arisen in the house has + caused the landlord to dismiss us; the talk of the neighborhood was + incessant, for the young man was arrested in your room. + + Pamela + And yet I have been guilty of nothing! + + Giraud + Come, now, we know that well enough! Do you think if it were otherwise + that we would stay near you? And that I would embrace you? After all, + Pamela, there is nothing like a father and a mother! And when the + whole world is against you, if a girl can look into her parents' face + without a blush it is enough. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SECOND + + The same persons and Joseph Binet. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Mme. Giraud + Well, well! Here is Joseph Binet. + + Pamela + M. Binet, what are you doing here? But for your want of common-sense, + M. Jules would not have been found here. + + Joseph + I am come to tell you about him. + + Pamela + What! Really? Well, let us hear, Joseph. + + Joseph + Ah! you won't send me away now, will you? I have seen his lawyer, and + I have offered him all that I possess if he would get him off! + + Pamela + Do you mean it? + + Joseph + Yes. Would you be satisfied if he was merely transported? + + Pamela + Ah! you are a good fellow, Joseph, and I see that you love me! Let us + be friends. + + Joseph (aside) + I have good hopes that we shall be. + + (A knock at the door is heard.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE THIRD + + The preceding, M. de Verby and Madame du Brocard. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Mme. Giraud (opening the door) + There are some people here! + + Giraud + A lady and a gentleman. + + Joseph + What did you say? + + (Pamela rises from her seat and takes a step toward M. de Verby, who + bows to her.) + + Mme. du Brocard + Is this Mlle. Pamela Giraud? + + Pamela + It is, madame. + + De Verby + Forgive us, mademoiselle, for presenting ourselves without previous + announcement— + + Pamela + There is no harm done. May I know the object of this visit? + + Mme. du Brocard + And you, good people, are her father and mother? + + Mme. Giraud + Yes, madame. + + Joseph + She calls them good people—she must be one of the swells. + + Pamela + Will you please be seated. + + (Mme. Giraud offers them seats.) + + Joseph (to Giraud) + My eye! The gentleman has on the ribbon of the Legion of Honor! He + belongs to high society. + + Giraud (looking at De Verby) + By my faith, that's true! + + Mme. du Brocard + I am the aunt of M. Jules Rousseau. + + Pamela + You, madame? Then this gentleman must be his father? + + Mme. du Brocard + He is merely a friend of the family. We are come, mademoiselle, to ask + a favor of you. (Looking at Binet with embarrassment.) Your brother? + + Giraud + No, madame, just a neighbor of ours. + + Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) + Send him away. + + Joseph (aside) + Send him away, indeed. I'd like to know what right she has— + + (Pamela makes a sign to Joseph.) + + Giraud (to Joseph) + My friend, you had better leave us. It seems this is a private matter. + + Joseph + Very well. (Exit.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FOURTH + + The same persons excepting Binet. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) + You are acquainted with my nephew. I do not intend to reproach you. + Your parents alone have the right. + + Mme. Giraud + But, thank God, they have no reason. + + Giraud + It is your nephew who has caused all this talk about her, but she is + blameless! + + De Verby (interrupting him) + But suppose that we wish her to be guilty? + + Pamela + What do you mean, sir? + + Giraud and Mme. Giraud + To think of it! + + Mme. du Brocard (seizing De Verby's meaning) + Yes, suppose, to save the life of a poor young man— + + De Verby + It were necessary to declare that M. Jules Rousseau spent nearly the + whole night of the twenty-fourth of August here with you? + + Pamela + Ah! sir! + + De Verby (to Giraud and his wife) + Yes, suppose it were necessary to testify against your daughter, by + alleging this? + + Mme. Giraud + I would never say such a thing. + + Giraud + What! Insult my child! Sir, I have had all possible troubles. I was + once a tailor, now I am reduced to nothing. I am a porter! But I have + remained a father. My daughter is our sole treasure, the glory of our + old age, and you ask us to dishonor her? + + Mme. du Brocard + Pray listen to me, sir. + + Giraud + No, madame, I will listen to nothing. My daughter is the hope of my + gray hairs. + + Pamela + Calm yourself, father, I implore you. + + Mme. Giraud + Keep quite, Giraud! Do let this lady and gentleman speak! + + Mme. du Brocard + A family in deep affliction implores you to save them. + + Pamela (aside) + Poor Jules! + + De Verby (in a low voice to Pamela) + His fate is in your hands. + + Mme. Giraud + We are respectable people and know what it is for parents, for a + mother, to be in despair. But what you ask is out of the question. + + (Pamela puts a handkerchief to her eyes.) + + Giraud + We must stop this! You see the girl is in tears. + + Mme. Giraud + She has done nothing but weep for several days. + + Giraud + I know my daughter; she would be capable of going and making the + declaration they ask, in spite of us. + + Mme. Giraud + Yes,—for you must see, she loves him, she loves your nephew! And to + save his life—Well! Well! I would have done as much in her place. + + Mme. du Brocard + Have compassion on us! + + De Verby + Grant this request of ours— + + Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) + If it is true that you love Jules— + + Mme. Giraud (leading Giraud up to Pamela) + Did you hear that? Well! Listen to me. She is in love with this youth. + It is quite certain that he also is in love with her. If she should + make a sacrifice like that, as a return, he ought to marry her. + + Pamela (with vehemence) + Never! (Aside) These people would not wish it, not they. + + De Verby (to Mme. du Brocard) + They are consulting about it. + + Mme. du Brocard (in a low voice to De Verby) + It will be absolutely necessary for us to make a sacrifice. We must + appeal to their interest. It is the only plan! + + De Verby + In venturing to ask of you so great a sacrifice, we are quite aware of + the claims that you will have on our gratitude. The family of Jules, + who might have blamed you on account of your relations with him, are, + on the contrary, anxious to discharge the obligations which bind them + to you. + + Mme. Giraud + Ah! Did I not tell you so? + + Pamela + Can it be possible that Jules— + + De Verby + I am authorized to make a promise to you. + + Pamela (with emotion) + Oh! + + De Verby + Tell me, how much do you ask for the sacrifice required of you? + + Pamela (in consternation) + What do you mean? How much—I ask—for saving Jules? What do you take + me for? + + Mme. du Brocard + Ah! Mademoiselle! + + De Verby + You misunderstand me. + + Pamela + No, it is you who misunderstand us! You are come here, to the house of + poor people, and you are quite unaware of what you ask from them. You, + madame, ought to know that whatever be the rank or the education of a + woman, her honor is her sole treasure! And that which you in your own + families guard with so much care, with so much reverence, you actually + believe that people here, living in an attic, would be willing to + sell! And you have said to yourselves: "Let us offer them money! We + need just now the sacrifice of a working-girl's honor!" + + Giraud + That is excellent! I recognize my own blood there. + + Mme. du Brocard + My dear child, do not be offended! Money is money, after all. + + De Verby (addressing Giraud) + Undoubtedly! And six thousand francs for a solid annual income as a + price of—a— + + Pamela + As the price of a lie! For I must out with it. But thank God I haven't + yet lost my self-respect! Good-bye, sir. + + (Pamela makes a low bow to Mme. du Brocard, then goes into her bed- + chamber.) + + De Verby + What is to be done? + + Mme. du Brocard + I am quite nonplussed. + + Giraud + I quite admit that an income of six thousand francs is no trifle, but + our daughter has a high spirit, you see; she takes after me— + + Mme. Giraud + And she will never yield. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FIFTH + + The same persons, Joseph Binet, Dupre and Mme. Rousseau. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Joseph + This way, sir. This way, madame. (Dupre and Mme. Rousseau enter.) + These are the father and mother of Pamela Giraud! + + Dupre (to De Verby) + I am very sorry, sir, that you have got here before me! + + Mme. Rousseau + My sister has doubtless told you, madame, the sacrifice which we + expect your daughter to make for us. Only an angel would make it. + + Joseph + What sacrifice? + + Mme. Giraud + It is no business of yours. + + De Verby + We have just had an interview with Mlle. Pamela— + + Mme. du Brocard + She has refused! + + Mme. Rousseau + Oh, heavens! + + Dupre + Refused what? + + Mme. du Brocard + An income of six thousand francs. + + Dupre + I could have wagered on it. To think of offering money! + + Mme. du Brocard + But it was the only way— + + Dupre + To spoil everything. (To Mme. Giraud) Madame, kindly tell your + daughter that the counsel of M. Jules Rousseau is here and desires to + see her. + + Mme. Giraud + Oh, as for that you will gain nothing. + + Giraud + Either from her or from us. + + Joseph + But what is it they want? + + Giraud + Hold your tongue. + + Mme. du Brocard (to Mme. Giraud) + Madame, offer her— + + Dupre + Now, Mme. du Brocard, I must beg you— (To Mme. Giraud) It is in the + name of the mother of Jules that I ask of you permission to see your + daughter. + + Mme. Giraud + It will be of no use at all, sir! And to think that they point-blank + offered her money when the young man a little time before had spoken + of marrying her! + + Mme. Rousseau (with excitement) + Well, why not? + + Mme. Giraud (with vehemence) + How was that, madame? + + Dupre (seizing the hand of Mme. Giraud) + Come, come! Bring me your daughter. + + (Exit Mme. Giraud.) + + De Verby and Mme. du Brocard + You have then made up your mind? + + Dupre + It is not I, but madame who has made up her mind. + + De Verby (questioning Mme. du Brocard) + What has she promised? + + Dupre (seeing that Joseph is listening) + Be silent, general; stay for a moment, I beg you, with these ladies. + Here she comes. Now leave us alone, if you please. + + (Pamela is brought in by her mother. She makes a curtsey to Mme. + Rousseau, who gazes at her with emotion; then Dupre leads all but + Pamela into the other room; Joseph remains behind.) + + Joseph (aside) + I wonder what they mean. They all talk of a sacrifice! And old Giraud + won't say a word to me! Well, I can bide my time. I promised the + advocate that I would give him my fourteen hundred francs, but before + I do so, I would like to see how he acts with regard to me. + + Dupre (going up to Joseph) + Joseph Binet, you must leave the room. + + Joseph + And not hear what you say about me? + + Dupre + You must go away. + + Joseph (aside) + It is evident that they are concealing something from me. (To Dupre) I + have prepared her mind; she is much taken with the idea of + transportation. Stick to that point. + + Dupre + All right! But you must leave the room. + + Joseph (aside) + Leave the room! Oh, indeed! Not I. + + (Joseph makes as if he had withdrawn, but, quietly returning, hides + himself in a closet.) + + Dupre (to Pamela) + You have consented to see me, and I thank you for it. I know exactly + what has recently taken place here, and I am not going to address you + in the same way as you have been recently addressed. + + Pamela + Your very presence assures me of that, sir. + + Dupre + You are in love with this fine young man, this Joseph? + + Pamela + I am aware, sir, that advocates are like confessors! + + Dupre + My child, they have to be just as safe confidants. You may tell me + everything without reserve. + + Pamela + Well, sir, I did love him; that is to say, I thought I loved him, and + I would very willingly have become his wife. I thought that with his + energy Joseph would have made a good business, and that we could lead + together a life of toil. When prosperity came, we would have taken + with us my father and my mother; it was all very clear—it would have + been a united family! + + Dupre (aside) + The appearance of this young girl is in her favor! Let us see whether + she is sincere or not. (Aloud) What are you thinking about? + + Pamela + I was thinking about these past days, which seemed to me so happy in + comparison with the present. A fortnight ago my head was turned by the + sight of M. Jules; I fell in love with him, as young girls do fall in + love, as I have seen other young girls fall in love with young men— + with a love which would endure everything for those they loved! I used + to say to myself: shall I ever be like that? Well, at this moment I do + not know anything that I would not endure for M. Jules. A few moments + ago they offered me money,—they, from whom I expected such nobleness, + such greatness; and I was disgusted! Money! I have plenty of it, sir! + I have twenty thousand francs! They are here, they are yours! That is + to say, they are his! I have kept them to use in my efforts to save + him, for I have betrayed him, because I doubted him, while he was so + confident, so sure of me—and I was so distrustful of him! + + Dupre + And he gave you twenty thousand francs? + + Pamela + Ah, sir! He entrusted them with me. Here they are. I shall return them + to his family, if he dies; but he shall not die! Tell me? Is it not + so? You ought to know. + + Dupre + My dear child, bear in mind that your whole life, perhaps your + happiness, depend upon the truthfulness of your answers. Answer me as + if you stood in the presence of God. + + Pamela + I will. + + Dupre + You have never loved any one before? + + Pamela + Never! + + Dupre + You seem to be afraid! Come, I am terrifying you. You are not giving + me your confidence. + + Pamela + Oh, yes I am, sir; I swear I am! Since we have been in Paris, I have + never left my mother, and I have thought of nothing but my work and my + duty. I was alarmed and thrown into confusion a few moments ago, sir, + but you inspire me with confidence, and I can tell you everything. + Well, I acknowledge it,—I am in love with Jules; he is the only one I + love, and I would follow him to the end of the world! You told me to + speak as in the presence of God. + + Dupre + Well, it is to your heart that I am going to appeal. Do for me what + you have refused to do for others. Tell me the truth! You alone have + the power to save him before the face of justice! You love him, + Pamela; I understand what it would cost you to— + + Pamela + To avow my love for him? Would that be sufficient to save him? + + Dupre + I will answer for that! + + Pamela + Well? + + Dupre + My child! + + Pamela + Well—he is saved. + + Dupre (earnestly) + But—you will be compromised— + + Pamela + But after all it is for him. + + Dupre (aside) + I never expected it, but I shall not die without having seen with my + own eyes an example of beautiful and noble candor, destitute alike of + self-interest and designing reserve. (Aloud) Pamela, you are a good + and generous girl. + + Pamela + To act this way consoles me for many little miseries of life. + + Dupre + My child, that is not everything! You are true as steel, you are high- + spirited. But in order to succeed it is necessary to have assurance— + determination— + + Pamela + Oh, sir! You shall see! + + Dupre + Do not be over-anxious. Dare to confess everything. Be brave! Imagine + that you are before the Court of Assizes, the presiding judge, the + public prosecutor, the prisoner at the bar, and me, his advocate; the + jury is on one side. The big court-room is filled with people. Do not + be alarmed. + + Pamela + You needn't fear for me. + + Dupre + A court officer brings you in; you have given your name and surname! + Then the presiding judge asks you "How long have you known the + prisoner, Rousseau?"—What would you answer? + + Pamela + The truth!—I met him about a month before his arrest at the Ile + d'Amour, Belleville. + + Dupre + Who were with him? + + Pamela + I noticed no one but him. + + Dupre + Did you hear them talk politics? + + Pamela (in astonishment) + Oh, sir! The judges must be aware that politics are matters of + indifference at the Ile d'Amour. + + Dupre + Very good, my child! But you must tell them all you know about Jules + Rousseau. + + Pamela + Of course. I shall still speak the truth, and repeat my testimony + before the police justice. I knew nothing of the conspiracy, and was + infinitely surprised when he was arrested in my room; the proof of + which is that I feared M. Jules was a thief and afterwards apologized + for my suspicion. + + Dupre + You must acknowledge that from the time of your first acquaintance + with this young man, he constantly came to see you. You must declare— + + Pamela + I shall stick to the truth—He never left me alone! He came to see me + for love, I received him from friendship, and I resisted him from a + sense of duty— + + Dupre + And at last? + + Pamela (anxiously) + At last? + + Dupre + You are trembling! Take care! Just now you promised me to tell the + truth! + + Pamela (aside) + The truth! Oh my God! + + Dupre + I also am interested in this young man; but I recoil from a possible + imposture. If he is guilty, my duty bids me defend him, if he is + innocent, his cause shall be mine. Yes, without doubt, Pamela, I am + about to demand from you a great sacrifice, but he needs it. The + visits which Jules made to you were in the evening, and without the + knowledge of your parents. + + Pamela + Why no! never! + + Dupre + How is this? For in that case there would be no hope for him. + + Pamela (aside) + No hope for him! Then either he or I must be ruined. (Aloud) Sir, do + not be alarmed; I felt a little fear because the real danger was not + before my eyes. But when I shall stand before the judges!—when once I + shall see him, see Jules—and feel that his safety depends upon me— + + Dupre + That is good, very good. But what is most necessary to be made known + is that on the evening of the twenty-fourth, he came here. If that is + once understood, I shall be successful in saving him; otherwise, I can + answer for nothing. He is lost! + + Pamela (murmuring, greatly agitated) + Lost!—Jules lost!—No, no, no!—Better that my own good name be lost! + (Aloud) Yes, he came here on the twenty-fourth. (Aside) God forgive + me! (Aloud) It was my saint's day—my name is Louise Pamela—and he + was kind enough to bring me a bouquet, without the knowledge of my + father or mother; he came in the evening, late. Ah! you need have no + fear, sir—you see I shall tell all. (Aside) And all is a lie! + + Dupre + He will be saved! (Rousseau appears) Ah! sir! (running to the door of + the room) Come all of you and thank your deliverer! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SIXTH + + Rousseau, De Verby, Madame du Brocard, Giraud, Madame Giraud, Dupre, + and later Joseph Binet. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + All + Does she consent? + + Rousseau + You have saved my son. I shall never forget it. + + Mme. du Brocard + You have put us under eternal obligations, my child. + + Rousseau + My fortune shall be at your disposal. + + Dupre + I will not say anything to you, my child! We shall meet again! + + Joseph (coming out of the closet) + One moment! One moment! I have heard everything—and do you believe + that I am going to put up with that? I was here in concealment all the + time. And do you think I am going to let Pamela, whom I have loved and + have wished to make my wife, say all that? (To Dupre) This is the way + you are going to earn my fourteen hundred francs, eh! Well, I shall go + to court myself and testify that the whole thing is a lie. + + All + Great heaven! + + Dupre + You miserable wretch! + + De Verby + If you say a single word— + + Joseph + Oh, I am not afraid! + + De Verby (to Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard) + He shall never go to court! If necessary, I will have him shadowed, + and I will put men on the watch to prevent him from entering. + + Joseph + I'd just like to see you try it! + + (Enter a sheriff's officer, who goes up to Dupre.) + + Dupre + What do you want? + + The sheriff's officer + I am the court officer of the Assizes—Mlle. Pamela Giraud! (Pamela + comes forward.) In virtue of discretionary authority of the presiding + judge, you are summoned to appear before him to-morrow at ten o'clock. + + Joseph (to De Verby) + I will go also. + + The officer + The porter has told me that you have here a gentleman called Joseph + Binet. + + Joseph + Here I am! + + The officer + Please take your summons. + + Joseph + I told you that I would go! + + (The officer withdraws; every one is alarmed at the threats of Binet. + Dupre tries to speak to him and reason with him, but he steals away.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Curtain to the Third Act. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT IV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FIRST + + (The stage represents Madame du Brocard's salon, from which can be + seen the Court of Assizes.) + + Madame du Brocard, Madame Rousseau, Rousseau, Joseph Binet, Dupre and + Justine. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (Dupre is seated reading his note-book.) + + Mme. Rousseau + M. Dupre! + + Dupre + Yes, madame, the court adjourned after the speech of the prosecuting + attorney. And I came over to reassure you personally. + + Mme. du Brocard + I told you, sister, that some one was sure to come and keep us + informed of things. In my house, here, which is so close to the court + house, we are in a favorable position for learning all that goes on at + the trial. Ah, M. Dupre! How can we thank you enough! You spoke + superbly! (To Justine) Justine, bring in something to drink—Quick! + + Rousseau + Sir, your speech— (To his wife) He was magnificent. + + Dupre + Sir,— + + Joseph (in tears) + Yes, you were magnificent, magnificent! + + Dupre + I am not the person you ought to thank, but that child, that Pamela, + who showed such astonishing courage. + + Joseph + And didn't I do well? + + Mme. Rousseau + And he (pointing to Binet), did he carry out the threat he made to us? + + Dupre + No, he took your side. + + Joseph + It was your fault! But for you—Ah!—Well—I reached the court house, + having made up my mind to mix up everything; but when I saw all the + people, the judge, the jury, the crowd, and the terrible silence, I + trembled! Nevertheless I screwed up my courage. When I was questioned, + I was just about to answer, when my glance met the eyes of Mlle. + Pamela, which were filled with tears—I felt as if my tongue was + bound. And on the other side I saw M. Jules—a handsome youth, his + fine face conspicuous among them all. His expression was as tranquil + as if he had been a mere spectator. That knocked me out! "Don't be + afraid," said the judge to me. I was absolutely beside myself! I was + afraid of making some mistake; and then I had sworn to keep to the + truth; and then M. Dupre fixed his eye on me. I can't tell you what + that eye seemed to say to me—My tongue seemed twisted up. I broke out + into a sweat—my heart beat hard—and I began to cry, like a fool. You + were magnificent. And then in a moment it was all over. He made me do + exactly what he wanted. This is the way I lied: I said that on the + evening of the twenty-fourth I unexpectedly came to Pamela's room and + found M. Jules there—Yes, at Pamela's, the girl whom I was going to + marry, whom I still love—and our marriage will be the talk of the + whole neighborhood. Never mind, he's a great lawyer! Never mind! (To + Justine) Give me something to drink, will you? + + Rousseau, Mme. Rousseau, Mme. du Brocard (To Joseph) + Dear friend! You showed yourself a fine fellow! + + Dupre + The energy shown by Pamela makes me hopeful. I trembled for a moment + while she was giving evidence; the prosecuting attorney pressed her + very hard and seemed to doubt her veracity; she grew pale and I + thought she was going to faint. + + Joseph + And what must my feelings have been? + + Dupre + Her self-sacrifice was wonderful. You don't realize all that she has + undergone for you; I, myself even, was deceived by her; she was her + own accuser, yet all the time was innocent. Only one moment did she + falter; but darting a rapid glance at Jules, she suddenly rallied, a + blush took the place of pallor on her countenance, and we felt that + she had saved her lover; in spite of the risk she was running, she + repeated once more before all those people the story of her own + disgrace, and then fell weeping into the arms of her mother. + + Joseph + Yes, she is a fine girl. + + Dupre + But I must leave you; the summing up of the judge will come this + afternoon. + + Rousseau + You must be going then. + + Dupre + One moment! Do not forget Pamela! That young girl has compromised her + own honor for you and for him. + + Joseph + As for me, I don't ask anything, but I have been led to expect— + + Mme. du Brocard, Mme. Rousseau + We can never pay our debt of gratitude to you. + + Dupre + Very good; come, gentlemen, we must be starting. + + (Exeunt Dupre and Rousseau.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SECOND + + The same persons excepting Dupre and Rousseau. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Mme. du Brocard (stopping Joseph on his way out) + Listen to me! + + Joseph + What can I do for you? + + Mme. du Brocard + You see in what a state of anxiety we are; don't fail to let us know + the least turn in our favor which the trial makes. + + Mme. Rousseau + Yes, keep us well informed on the whole business. + + Joseph + You may rest assured of that—But look here, I needn't leave the court + house to do that, I intend to see everything, and to hear everything. + But do you see that window there? My seat is just under it; you watch + that window, and it if he is declared innocent you will see me wave my + handkerchief. + + Mme. Rousseau + Do not forget to do so. + + Joseph + No danger of that; I am a poor chap, but I know what a mother's heart + is! I am interested in this case, and for you, and for Pamela, I have + said a lot of things! But when you are fond of people you'll do + anything, and then I have been promised something—you may count upon + me. (Exit.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE THIRD + + The same persons excepting Joseph. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Mme. Rousseau + Justine, open this window, and wait for the signal which the young man + has promised to give—Ah! but suppose my boy were condemned! + + Mme. du Brocard + M. Dupre has spoken very hopefully about matters. + + Mme. Rousseau + But with regard to this good girl, this admirable Pamela—what must we + do for her? + + Mme. du Brocard + We ought to do something to make her happy! I acknowledge that this + young person is a succor sent from heaven! Only a noble heart could + make the sacrifice that she has made! She deserves a fortune for it! + Thirty thousand francs! That is what she ought to have. Jules owes his + life to her. (Aside) Poor boy, will his life be saved? + + (Mme. du Brocard looks toward the window.) + + Mme. Rousseau + Well, Justine, do you see anything? + + Justine + Nothing, madame. + + Mme. Rousseau + Nothing yet! Yes, you are right, sister, it is only the heart that can + prompt such noble actions. I do not know what you and my husband would + think about it, but if we considered what was right, and had full + regard to the happiness of Jules, apart from the brilliant prospect of + an alliance with the family of De Verby, if my son loved her and she + loved my son—it seems to me reasonable— + + Mme. du Brocard and Justine + No! No! + + Mme. Rousseau + Oh, sister! Say yes! Has she not well deserved it? But there is some + one coming. + + (The two women remain in their seats with clasped hands.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FOURTH + + The same persons and De Verby. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Justine + M. le General de Verby! + + Mme. Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard + Ah! + + De Verby + Everything is going on well! My presence was no longer necessary, so I + return to you. There are great hopes of your son's acquittal. The + charge of the presiding judge is decidedly in his favor. + + Mme. Rousseau (joyfully) + Thank God! + + De Verby + Jules has behaved admirably! My brother the Comte de Verby is very + much interested in his favor. My niece looks upon him as a hero, and I + know courage and honorable conduct when I see them. When once this + affair has been settled, we will hasten the marriage. + + Mme. Rousseau + We ought to tell you, sir, that we have made certain promises to this + young girl. + + Mme. du Brocard + Never mind that, sister. + + De Verby + Doubtless the young girl deserves some recompense, and I suppose you + will give her fifteen or twenty thousand francs,—that is due her. + + Mme. du Brocard + You see, sister, that M. de Verby is a noble and generous man, and + since he has fixed upon this sum, I think it will be sufficient. + + Justine + M. Rousseau! + + Mme. du Brocard + O brother! + + Mme. Rousseau + Dear husband! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FIFTH + + The same persons and Rousseau. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + De Verby (to Rousseau) + Have you good news? + + Mme. Rousseau + Is he acquitted? + + Rousseau + No, but it is rumored that he is going to be; the jury are in + consultation; I couldn't stay there any longer; I couldn't stand the + suspense; I told Antoine to hurry here as soon as the verdict is + given. + + Mme. Rousseau + We shall learn what the verdict is from this window; we have agreed + upon a signal to be given by that youth, Joseph Binet. + + Rousseau + Ah! keep a good look out, Justine. + + Mme. Rousseau + And how is Jules? What a trying time it must be for him! + + Rousseau + Not at all! The unfortunate boy astonishes me by his coolness. Such + courage as he has is worthy of a better cause than that of conspiracy. + To think of his having put us in such a position! But for this I might + have been appointed President of the Chamber of Commerce. + + De Verby + You forget that, after all, his marriage with a member of my family + will make some amends for his trouble. + + Rousseau (struck by a sudden thought) + Ah, general! When I left the court room, Jules stood surrounded by his + friends, among whom were M. Dupre and the young girl Pamela. Your + niece and Madame de Verby must have noticed it, and I hope that you + will try to explain matters to them. + + (While Rousseau speaks with the general the ladies are watching for + the signal.) + + De Verby + Rest assured of that! I will take care that Jules appears as white as + snow! It is of very great importance to explain this affair of the + working-girl, otherwise the Comtesse de Verby might oppose the + marriage. We must explain away this apparent amour, and she must be + made to understand that the girl's evidence was a piece of self- + sacrifice for which she had been paid. + + Rousseau + I certainly intend to do my duty towards that young girl. I shall give + her eight or ten thousand francs. It seems to me that that will be + liberal, very liberal! + + Mme. Rousseau (while Mme. du Brocard tries to restrain her) + Ah, sir, but what of her honor? + + Rousseau + Well, I suppose that some one will marry her. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SIXTH + + The same persons and Joseph. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Joseph (dashing in) + Monsieur! Madame! Give me some cologne or something, I beg you! + + All + Whatever can be the matter? + + Joseph + M. Antoine, your footman, is bringing Pamela here. + + Rousseau + Has anything happened? + + Joseph + When she saw the jury come in to give their verdict she was taken ill! + Her father and mother, who were in the crowd at the other end of the + court, couldn't stir. I cried out, and the presiding judge made them + put me out of court! + + Mme. Rousseau + But Jules! My son! What did the jury say? + + Joseph + I know nothing! I had no eyes except for Pamela. As for your son, I + suppose he is all right, but first with me comes Pamela— + + De Verby + But you must have seen how the jury looked! + + Joseph + Oh, yes! The foreman of the jury looked so gloomy—so severe—that I + am quite persuaded— (He shudders.) + + Mme. Rousseau + My poor Jules! + + Joseph + Here comes Antoine and Mlle. Pamela. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SEVENTH + + The same persons, Antoine and Pamela. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (They lead Pamela to a seat and give her smelling salts.) + + Mme. du Brocard + My dear child! + + Mme. Rousseau + My daughter! + + Rousseau + Mademoiselle! + + Pamela + I couldn't stand it any longer, the excitement was too great—and the + suspense was so cruel. I tried to brace up my courage by the calmness + of M. Jules while the jury was deliberating; the smile which he wore + made me share his presentiment of coming release! But I was chilled to + the heart when I looked at the pale, impassive countenance of M. + Dupre!—And then, the sound of the bell that announced the return of + the jury, and the murmur of anxiety that ran through the court—I was + quite overcome!—A cold sweat suffused my cheek and I fainted. + + Joseph + As for me, I shouted out, and they threw me into the street. + + De Verby (to Rousseau) + If by mischance— + + Rousseau + Sir! + + De Verby (to Rousseau and the women) + If it should be necessary to appeal the case (pointing to Pamela), + could we count upon her? + + Mme. Rousseau + On her? To the end; I am sure of that. + + Mme. du Brocard + Pamela! + + Rousseau + Tell me, you who have shown yourself so good, so generous,—if we + should still have need of your unselfish aid, would you be ready? + + Pamela + Quite ready, sir! I have but one object, one single thought!—and that + is, to save M. Jules! + + Joseph (aside) + She loves him, she loves him! + + Rousseau + Ah! all that I have is at your disposal. + + (A murmur and cries are heard; general alarm.) + + All + What a noise they are making! Listen to their shouts! + + (Pamela totters to her feet. Joseph runs to the window, where Justine + is watching.) + + Joseph + There's a crowd of people rushing down the steps of the court,—they + are coming here! + + Justine and Joseph + It is M. Jules! + + Rousseau and Mme. Rousseau + My son! + + Mme. du Brocard and Pamela + Jules! + + (They rush forward to Jules.) + + De Verby + He is acquitted! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE EIGHTH + + The same persons and Jules (brought in by his mother and his aunt and + followed by his friends). +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (Jules flings himself into the arms of his mother; he does not at + first see Pamela, who is seated in a corner near Joseph.) + + Jules + O mother! Dear aunt! And my father! Here I am, restored to liberty + again! (To General de Verby and the friends who have come with him) + Let me thank you, general, and you, my friends, for your kind + sympathy. + + (After general handshaking the friends depart.) + + Mme. Rousseau + And so my son has at last come back to me! It seems too good to be + true. + + Joseph (to Pamela) + Well, and what of you? He hasn't said a word to you, and you are the + only one he hasn't seen. + + Pamela + Silence, Joseph, silence! + + (Pamela retires to the end of the stage.) + + De Verby + Not only have you been acquitted, but you have also gained a high + place in the esteem of those who are interested in the affair! You + have exhibited both courage and discretion, such as have gratified us + all. + + Rousseau + Everybody has behaved well. Antoine, you have done nobly; you will end + your life in this house. + + Mme. Rousseau (to Jules) + Let me express my gratitude to M. Adolph Durand. + + (Jules presents his friend.) + + Jules + Yes, but my real deliverer, my guardian angel is poor Pamela! How well + she understood my situation and her own also! What self-sacrifice she + showed! Can I ever forget her emotion, her terror!—and then she + fainted! (Mme. Rousseau, who has been thinking of nothing else but her + son, now looks around for Pamela, sees her, and brings her up to + Jules.) Ah, Pamela! Pamela! My gratitude to you shall be eternal! + + Pamela + Ah, M. Jules! How happy I feel. + + Jules + We will never part again? Will we, mother? She shall be your daughter! + + De Verby (to Rousseau with vehemence) + My sister and my niece are expecting an answer; you will have to + exercise your authority, sir. This young man seems to have a lively + and romantic imagination. He is in danger of missing his career + through a too scrupulous sense of honor, and a generosity which is + tinged with folly! + + Rousseau (in embarrassment) + The fact is— + + De Verby + But I have your word. + + Mme. du Brocard + Speak out, brother! + + Jules + Mother, do you answer them, and show yourself on my side? + + Rousseau (taking Jules by the hand) + Jules! I shall never forget the service which this young girl has done + us. I understand the promptings of your gratitude; but as you are + aware the Comte de Verby has our promise; it is not right that you + should lightly sacrifice your future! You are not wanting in energy, + you have given sufficient proof of that! A young conspirator should be + quite able to extricate himself from such an affair as this. + + De Verby (to Jules) + Undoubtedly! And our future diplomat will have a splendid chance. + + Rousseau + Moreover my wishes in the matter— + + Jules + O father! + + Dupre (appearing) + Jules, I still have to take up your defence. + + Pamela and Joseph + M. Dupre! + + Jules + My friend! + + Mme. du Brocard + It is the lawyer. + + Dupre + I see! I am no longer "my dear Monsieur Dupre"! + + Mme. du Brocard + Oh, you are always that! But before paying our debt of gratitude to + you, we have to think about this young girl. + + Dupre (coldly) + I beg your pardon, madame. + + De Verby + This man is going to spoil everything. + + Dupre (to Rousseau) + I heard all you said. It transcends all I have ever experienced. I + could not have believed that ingratitude could follow so soon on the + acceptance of a benefit. Rich as you are, rich as your son will be, + what fairer task have you to perform than that of satisfying your + conscience? In saving Jules, this girl has brought disgrace upon + herself! Can it be possible that the fortune which you have so + honorably gained should have killed in your heart every generous + sentiment, and that self-interest alone— (He sees Mme. du Brocard + making signs to her brother.) Ah! that is right, madame! It is you + that give the tone in this household! And I forgot while I was + pleading to this gentleman, that you would be at his elbow when I was + no longer here. + + Mme. du Brocard + We have pledged our word to the Count and Countess of Verby! Mlle. + Pamela, whose friend I shall be all my life, did not effect the + deliverance of my nephew on the understanding that she should blight + his prospects. + + Rousseau + There ought to be some basis of equality in a union by marriage. My + son will some day have an income of eighty thousand francs. + + Joseph (aside) + That suits me to a T. I shall marry her now. But this fellow here, he + talks more like a Jewish money-changer than a father. + + De Verby (to Dupre) + I think, sir, that your talent and character are such as to claim our + highest admiration and esteem. The Rousseau family will always + preserve your name in grateful memory; but these private discussions + must be carried on without witnesses from outside. M. Rousseau has + given me his word and I keep him to his promise! (To Jules) Come, my + young friend, come to my brother's house; my niece is expecting you. + To-morrow we will sign the marriage contract. + + (Pamela falls senseless on her chair.) + + Joseph + Ah, what have you done! Mlle. Pamela! + + Dupre and Jules (darting towards her) + Good heavens! + + De Verby (taking Jules by the hand) + Come—come— + + Dupre + Stop a moment! I should have been glad to think that I was not the + only protector that was left her! But listen, the matter is not yet + ended! Pamela will certainly be arrested as a false witness! (Seizes + the hand of De Verby.) And you will all be ruined. + + (Dupre leads off Pamela.) + + Joseph (hiding behind a sofa) + Don't tell anybody that I am here! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Curtain to the Fourth Act. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT V + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FIRST + + (The stage setting represents the private study in Dupre's house. On + one side is a bookcase, on the other a desk. On the left is a window + hung with heavy, sweeping silk curtains.) + + Dupre, Pamela, Giraud and Madame Giraud. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (Pamela is seated on a chair reading; her mother is standing in front + of her; Giraud is examining the pictures on the wall; Dupre is + striding up and down the room.) + + Dupre (stopping, addresses Giraud) + Did you take your usual precautions in coming here this morning? + + Giraud + You may rest assured of that, sir; when I come here I walk with my + head turned backwards! I know well enough that the least want of + caution quickly results in misfortune. Your heart, my daughter, has + led you astray this time; perjury is a terrible thing and I am afraid + you are in a serious mess. + + Mme. Giraud + I agree with you. You must be very careful, Giraud, for if any one + were to follow you and discover that our poor daughter was here in + concealment, through the generosity of M. Dupre— + + Dupre + Come now, enough of that! (He continues to stride hastily about the + room.) What ingratitude! The Rousseau family are ignorant of what + steps I have taken. They believe that Pamela has been arrested, and + none of them trouble their heads about it! They have sent Jules off to + Brussels; De Verby is in the country; and Rousseau carries on his + business at the Bourse as if nothing else was worth living for. Money, + ambition, are their sole objects. The higher feelings count for + nothing! They all worship the golden calf. Money makes them dance + round their idol; the sight of it blinds them. + + (Pamela has been watching him, she rises and approaches him.) + + Pamela + M. Dupre, you are agitated, you seem unwell. I fear it is on my + account. + + Dupre + Have you not shared my disgust at the hateful want of feeling + manifested by this family, who, as soon as their son is acquitted, + throw you aside as a mere tool that has served their purpose? + + Pamela + But what can we do about it, sir? + + Dupre + Dear child, does your heart feel no bitterness against them? + + Pamela + No, sir! I am happier than any of them; for I feel that I have done a + good deed. + + Mme. Giraud (embracing Pamela) + My poor dear daughter! + + Giraud + This is the happiest moment of my life. + + Dupre (addressing Pamela) + Mademoiselle, you are a noble girl! No one has better ground for + saying it than I, for it was I who came to you imploring you to speak + the truth; and pure and honorable as you are, you have compromised + your character for the sake of another. And now they repulse you and + treat you with contempt; but I look upon you with hearty admiration— + you shall yet be happy, for I will make full reparation to you! + Pamela, I am forty-eight years old. I have some reputation, and a + fortune. I have spent my life as an honest man, and will finish it as + such; will you be my wife? + + Pamela (much moved) + I, sir? + + Giraud + His wife! Our daughter his wife! What do you say to that, Mme. Giraud? + + Mme. Giraud + Can it be possible? + + Dupre + Why should you wonder at this? Let us have no idle phrases. Put the + question to your own heart—and answer yes or no—Will you be my wife? + + Pamela + You are a great man, sir, and I owe everything to you. Do you really + wish to add to the debt? Ah! my gratitude—! + + Dupre + Don't let me hear you use that word,—it spoils everything! The world + is something that I despise! And I render to it no account of my + conduct, my hatred or my love. From the moment I saw your courage and + your resignation—I loved you. Try to love me in return! + + Pamela + Ah, sir, indeed I will! + + Mme. Giraud + Could any one help loving you? + + Giraud + Sir, I am only a poor porter. I repeat it, I am nothing but a porter. + You love our daughter, you have told her so. Forgive me—my eyes are + full of tears—and that checks my utterance. (He wipes his eyes.) + Well, well, you do right to love her! It proves that you have brains! + For Pamela—there are a great many landowners' children who are her + inferiors. But it is humiliating for her to have parents such as us. + + Pamela + O father! + + Giraud + You are a leader among men! Well, I and my wife, we will go and hide + ourselves somewhere far into the country! And on Sunday, at the hour + of mass, you will say, "They are praying to God for us!" + + (Pamela kisses her parents.) + + Dupre + You are good people, and to think that such as you have neither title + nor fortune! And if you are pining for your country home, you shall + return there and live there in happiness and tranquillity, and I will + make provision for you. + + Giraud and Mme. Giraud + Oh! our gratitude— + + Dupre + That word again—I should like to cut it out of the dictionary! + Meanwhile I intend to take you both with me into the country, so set + about packing up. + + Giraud + Sir! + + Dupre + Well, what is it? + + Giraud + Poor Joseph Binet is also in danger. He does not know that we are all + here. But three days ago, he came to see your servant and seemed + scared almost to death, and he is hidden here, as in a sanctuary, up + in the attic. + + Dupre + Call him down-stairs. + + Giraud + He will not come, sir; he is too much afraid of being arrested—they + pass him up food through a hole in the ceiling! + + Dupre + He will soon be at liberty, I hope. I am expecting a letter which will + relieve all your minds. + + Giraud + At once? + + Dupre + I expect the letter this evening. + + Giraud (to his wife) + I am going to make my way cautiously to the house. + + (Madame Giraud accompanies him, and gives him advice. Pamela arises to + follow her.) + + Dupre (restraining Pamela) + You are not in love with this Binet, are you? + + Pamela + Oh, never! + + Dupre + And the other? + + Pamela (struggling with her feelings) + I shall love none but you! + + (Pamela starts to leave the room. A noise is heard in the antechamber. + Jules appears.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SECOND + + Pamela, Dupre and Jules. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Jules (to the servants) + Let me pass! I tell you—I must speak to him at once! (Noticing Dupre) + Ah, sir! What has become of Pamela? Is she at liberty? Is she safe? + + Pamela (stopping at the door) + Jules! + + Jules + Good heavens! You here? + + Dupre + And you, sir, I thought you were at Brussels? + + Jules + Yes, they sent me away against my will, and I yielded to them! Reared + as I have been in obedience, I still tremble before my family! But I + carried away with me the memory of what I had left behind! It has + taken me six months to realize the situation, and I now acknowledge + that I risked my life in order to obtain the hand of Mlle. de Verby, + that I might gratify the ambition of my family, or, if you like, might + honor my own vanity. I hoped some day to be a man of title, I, the son + of a rich stock-broker! Then I met Pamela, and I fell in love with + her! The rest you know! What was a mere sentiment has now become a + duty, and every hour that has kept me from her I have felt that + obedience to my family was rank cowardice; and while they believe I am + far away, I have returned! You told me she had been arrested—and to + think that I should run away (to both of them) without coming to see + you, who had been my deliverer, and will be hers also. + + Dupre (looking at them) + Good! Very good! He is an honorable fellow after all. + + Pamela (aside, drying her tears) + Thank God for that! + + Dupre + What do you expect to do? What are your plans? + + Jules + What are my plans? To unite my fortune with hers. If necessary, to + forfeit everything for her, and under God's protection to say to her, + "Pamela, will you be mine?" + + Dupre + The deuce you say! But there is a slight difficulty in the way—for I + am going to marry her myself. + + Jules (in great astonishment) + You? + + Dupre + Yes, I! (Pamela casts down her eyes.) I have no family to oppose my + wishes. + + Jules + I will win over mine. + + Dupre + They will send you off to Brussels again. + + Jules + I must run and find my mother; my courage has returned! Were I to + forfeit the favor of my father, were my aunt to cut me off with a sou, + I would stand my ground. If I did otherwise, I should be destitute of + self-respect, I should prove myself a soulless coward.—After that, is + there any hope for me? + + Dupre + Do you ask such a question of me? + + Jules + Pamela, answer, I implore you! + + Pamela (to Dupre) + I have given you my word, sir. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE THIRD + + The same persons and a servant. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (The servant hands a card to Dupre.) + + Dupre (looking at the card with great surprise) + How is this? (To Jules) Do you know where M. de Verby is? + + Jules + He is in Normandy, staying with his brother, Comte de Verby. + + Dupre (looking at the card) + Very good. Now you had better go and find your mother. + + Jules + But you promise me? + + Dupre + I promise nothing. + + Jules + Good-bye, Pamela! (Aside, as he goes out) I will come back soon. + + Dupre (turning towards Pamela, after the departure of Jules) + Must he come back again? + + Pamela (with great emotion, throwing herself into his arms) + Ah! sir! (Exit.) + + Dupre (looking after her and wiping away a tear) + Gratitude, forsooth! (Opening a narrow secret door.) Come in, general; + come in! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FOURTH + + Dupre and De Verby. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dupre + Strange, sir, to find you here, when every one believes that you are + fifty leagues away from Paris. + + De Verby + I arrived this morning. + + Dupre + Without doubt some powerful motive brought you here? + + De Verby + No selfish motive; but I couldn't remain wholly indifferent to the + affairs of others! You may prove useful to me. + + Dupre + I shall be only too happy to have an opportunity of serving you. + + Du Verby + M. Dupre, the circumstances under which we have become acquainted have + put me in a position fully to appreciate your value. You occupy the + first place among the men whose talents and character claim my + attention. + + Dupre + Ah! sir, you compel me to say that you, a veteran of the Empire, have + always seemed to me by your loyalty and your independence to be a + fitting representative of that glorious epoch. (Aside) I hope I have + paid him back in full. + + De Verby + I suppose I may rely upon you for assistance? + + Dupre + Certainly. + + De Verby + I would like to ask for some information with regard to young Pamela + Giraud. + + Dupre + I felt sure that was your object. + + De Verby + The Rousseau family have behaved abominably. + + Dupre + Would you have behaved any better? + + De Verby + I intend to espouse her cause! Since her arrest as a perjurer, how do + things go on? + + Dupre + That can have very little interest for you. + + De Verby + That may be true, but— + + Dupre (aside) + He is trying to make me talk in order to find out whether he is likely + to be compromised in the case. (Aloud) General de Verby, there are + some men who cannot be seen through, either in their plans or in their + thoughts; the actions and events which they give rise to alone reveal + and explain such men. These are the strong men. I humbly beg that you + will pardon my frankness when I say that I don't look upon you as + being one of them. + + De Verby + Sir! What language to use to me! You are a singular man! + + Dupre + More than that! I believe that I am an original man! Listen to me. You + throw out hints to me, and you think that as a future ambassador you + can try on me your diplomatic methods; but you have chosen the wrong + man and I am going to tell you something, which you will take no + pleasure in learning. You are ambitious, but you are also prudent, and + you have taken the lead in a certain conspiracy. The plot failed, and + without worrying yourself about those whom you had pushed to the + front, and who eagerly strove for success, you have yourself sneaked + out of the way. As a political renegade you have proved your + independence by burning incense to the new dynasty! And you expect as + a reward to be made ambassador to Turin! In a month's time you will + receive your credentials; meanwhile Pamela is arrested, you have been + seen at her house, you may possibly be compromised by her trial for + perjury! Then you rush to me, trembling with the fear of being + unmasked, of losing the promotion which has caused you so many efforts + to attain! You come to me with an air of obsequiousness, and with the + words of flattery, expecting to make me your dupe, and thus to show + your sincerity! Well, you have sufficient reason for alarm—Pamela is + in the hands of justice, and she has told all. + + De Verby + What then is to be done? + + Dupre + I have one suggestion to make: Write to Jules that you release him + from his engagement, and the Mlle. de Verby withdraws her promise to + be his wife. + + De Verby + Is that your advice? + + Dupre + You find that the Rousseau family have behaved abominably, and you + ought to despise them! + + De Verby + But you know—engagements of this sort— + + Dupre + I'll tell you what I know; I know that your private fortune is not + equal to the position which you aspire to. Mme. du Brocard, whose + wealth is equal to her pride, ought to come to your assistance, if + this alliance— + + De Verby + Sir! How dare you to affront my dignity in this way? + + Dupre + Whether what I say be true or false, do what I tell you! If you agree, + I will endeavor to save you from being compromised. But write—or get + out of the difficulty the best way you can. But stay, I hear some + clients coming. + + De Verby + I don't want to see anybody! Everybody, even the Rousseau family, + believes that I have left the city. + + A servant (announcing a visitor) + Madame du Brocard! + + De Verby + Oh, heavens! + + (De Verby rushes into an office on the right.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE FIFTH + + Dupre and Madame du Brocard. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (Madame du Brocard enters, her face hidden by a heavy black veil which + she cautiously raises.) + + Mme. du Brocard + I have been here several times without being lucky enough to find you + in. We are quite alone here? + + Dupre (smiling) + Quite alone! + + Mme. du Brocard + And so this harrowing affair has broken out afresh? + + Dupre + It has, unhappily! + + Mme. du Brocard + That wretched young man! If I had not superintended his education, I + would disinherit him! My life at present is not worth living. Is it + possible that I, whose conduct and principles have won the esteem of + all, should be involved in all this trouble? And yet on this occasion + the only thing that gives me any anxiety is my conduct towards the + Girauds! + + Dupre + I can well believe it, for it was you who led astray and who induced + Pamela to act as she did! + + Mme. du Brocard + I feel, sir, that it is always a mistake to associate with people of a + certain class—say, with a Bonapartist—a man who has neither + conscience nor heart. + + (De Verby, who has been listening, shrinks back with a gesture of + rage.) + + Dupre + You always seemed to have such a high opinion of him! + + Mme. du Brocard + His family was highly thought of! And the prospect of this brilliant + marriage! I always dreamt of a distinguished future for my nephew. + + Dupre + But you are forgetting the general's affection for you, his + unselfishness. + + Mme. du Brocard + His affection! His unselfishness! The general does not possess a sou, + and I had promised him a hundred thousand francs, when once the + marriage contract was signed. + + Dupre (coughs loudly, as he turns in the direction of De Verby) + Oh! indeed! + + Mme. du Brocard + I am come to you secretly, and in confidence, in spite of all that has + been said by this M. de Verby, who avers that you are a half-rate + lawyer! He has said the most frightful things about you, and I come + now to beg that you will extricate me from this difficulty. I will + give you whatever money you demand. + + Dupre + What I wish above all is that you promise to let your nephew marry + whom he chooses, and give him the fortune you had designed for him, in + case he married Mlle. de Verby. + + Mme. du Brocard + One moment; you said, whom he pleased? + + Dupre + Give me your answer! + + Mme. du Brocard + But I ought to know. + + Dupre + Very well then, you must extricate yourself without my assistance. + + Mme. du Brocard + You are taking advantage of my situation! Ah! some one is coming. + + Dupre (looking towards the newcomers) + It is some of your own family! + + Mme. du Brocard (peering cautiously) + It is my brother-in-law Rousseau—What is he up to now? He swore to me + that he would keep quiet! + + Dupre + You also took an oath. In fact, there has been a great deal of + swearing in your family lately. + + Mme. du Brocard + I hope I shall be able to hear what he has to say! + + (Rousseau appears with his wife. Mme. du Brocard conceals herself + behind the curtain.) + + Dupre (looking at her) + Very good! But if these two want to hide themselves, I don't know + where I shall put them! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SIXTH + + Dupre, Rousseau and Madame Rousseau. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Rousseau + Sir, we are at our wits' end—Madame du Brocard, my sister-in-law, + came this morning and told us all sorts of stories. + + Mme. Rousseau + Sir, I am in the most serious alarm. + + Dupre (offering her a seat) + Pray be seated, madame. + + Rousseau + If all she says be true, my son is still in difficulties. + + Dupre + I pity you; I do indeed! + + Rousseau + It seems as if I should never get free! This unfortunate affair has + lasted for six months, and it seems to have cut ten years off my life. + I have been forced to neglect the most magnificent speculations, + financial combinations of absolute certitude, and to let them pass + into the hands of others. And then came the trial! But when I thought + the affair was all over, I have been compelled once more to leave my + business, and to spend my precious time in these interviews and + solicitations. + + Dupre + I pity you; I do indeed! + + Mme. Rousseau + Meanwhile it is impossible for me— + + Rousseau + It is all your fault, and that of your family. Mme. du Brocard, who at + first used always to call me "my dear Rousseau"—because I had a few + hundred thousand crowns— + + Dupre + Such a sum is a fine varnish for a man. + + Rousseau + From pride and ambition, she threw herself at the head of M. de Verby. + (De Verby and Mme. du Brocard listen.) Pretty couple they are! Two + charming characters, one a military lobbyist, and the other an old + hypocritical devotee! + + (The two withdraw their heads quickly.) + + Mme. Rousseau + Sir, she is my sister! + + Dupre + Really, you are going too far! + + Rousseau + You do not know them! Sir, I address you once again, there is sure to + be a new trial. What has become of that girl? + + Dupre + That girl is to be my wife, sir. + + Rousseau and Mme. Rousseau + Your wife! + + De Verby and Mme. du Brocard + His wife! + + Dupre + Yes, I shall marry her as soon as she regains her liberty—that is, + provided she doesn't become the wife of your son! + + Rousseau + The wife of my son!— + + Mme. Rousseau + What did he say? + + Dupre + What is the matter? Does that astonish you? You're bound to entertain + this proposal—and I demand that you do so. + + Rousseau (ironically) + Ah! M. Dupre, I don't care a brass button about my son's union with + Mlle. de Verby—the niece of a disreputable man! It was that fool of a + Madame du Brocard who tried to bring about this grand match. But to + come down to a daughter of a porter— + + Dupre + Her father is no longer that, sir! + + Rousseau + What do you mean? + + Dupre + He lost his place through your son, and he intends returning to the + country, to live on the money— (Rousseau listens attentively) on the + money which you have promised to give him. + + Rousseau + Ah! you are joking! + + Dupre + On the contrary, I am quite serious. Your son will marry their + daughter—and you will provide a pension for the old people. + + Rousseau + Sir— +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE SEVENTH + + The same persons and Joseph (coming in pale and faint). +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Joseph + M. Dupre, M. Dupre, save me! + + All three + What has happened? What is the matter? + + Joseph + Soldiers! Mounted soldiers are coming to arrest me! + + Dupre + Hold your tongue! Hold your tongue! (Everybody seems alarmed. Dupre + looks with anxiety towards the room where Pamela is. To Joseph) To + arrest you? + + Joseph + I saw one of them. Don't you hear him? He is coming up-stairs. Hide + me! + + (Joseph tries to hide himself in the small room, from which De Verby + comes out with a cry.) + + De Verby + Ah! + + (Joseph gets behind the curtain and Mme. du Brocard rushes forth with + a shriek.) + + Mme. du Brocard + Oh, heavens! + + Mme. Rousseau + My sister! + + Rousseau + M. de Verby! + + (The door opens.) + + Joseph (falling exhausted over a chair) + We are all nabbed. + + The servant (entering, to Dupre) + A message from the Keeper of the Seals. + + Joseph + The Keeper of the Seals! That must be about me! + + Dupre (advancing with a serious face and addressing the four others) + I shall now leave you all four face to face—you whose mutual love and + esteem is so great. Ponder well all I have said to you; she who + sacrificed all for you, has been despised and humiliated, both for you + and by you. It is yours to make full reparation to her—to make it + to-day—this very instant—in this very room. And then, we can take + measures by which all can obtain deliverance, if indeed you are worth + the trouble it will cost me. + + (Exit Dupre.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE EIGHTH + + The same persons with the exception of Dupre. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (They stand looking awkwardly at each other for a moment.) + + Joseph (going up to them) + We are a nice lot of people. (To De Verby) I should like to know when + we are put in prison, whether you are going to look out for me, for my + pocket is as light as my heart is heavy. (De Verby turns his back on + him. To Rousseau) You know well enough that I was promised something + for my services. (Rousseau withdraws from him without answering. To + Mme. du Brocard) Tell me now, wasn't something promised to me? + + Mme. du Brocard + We will see about that later. + + Mme. Rousseau + But what do you fear? What are you doing in this place? Were you + pursued by any one? + + Joseph + Not at all. I have been four days in this house, hidden like so much + vermin in the garret. I came here because the old Giraud people were + not to be found in their quarters. They have been carried off + somewhere. Pamela has also disappeared—she is doubtless in hiding. I + had no particular desire to run any risk; I admit that I lied to the + judge. If I am condemned I will obtain my freedom by making a few + startling revelations; I will tell on everybody!— + + De Verby (with energy) + It must be done! + + (De Verby sits at the table and writes.) + + Mme. du Brocard + O Jules, Jules! Wretched child, you are the cause of all this! + + Mme. Rousseau (to her husband) + You see, this lawyer has got you all in his power! You will have to + agree to his terms. + + (De Verby rises from the table. Mme. du Brocard takes his place and + begins to write.) + + Mme. Rousseau (to her husband) + My dear, I implore you! + + Rousseau (with decision) + By heavens! I shall promise to this devil of a lawyer all that he asks + of me; but Jules is at Brussels. + + (The door opens, Joseph cries out in alarm, but it is Dupre who + enters.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SCENE NINTH + + The same persons and Dupre. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dupre + How is this? + + (Mme du Brocard hands him the letter she has been writing; De Verby + hands him his; and it is passed over to Rousseau who reads it with + astonishment; De Verby casts a furious glance at Dupre and the + Rousseau family, and dashes out of the room.) + + Dupre (to Rousseau) + And what decision have you made, sir? + + Rousseau + I shall let my son do exactly what he wants in the matter. + + Mme. Rousseau + Dear husband! + + Dupre (aside) + He thinks that Jules is out of town. + + Rousseau + At present Jules is at Brussels, and he must return at once. + + Dupre + That is perfectly fair! It is quite clear that I can't demand anything + at the moment of you, so long as he is away; to do so would be absurd. + + Rousseau + Certainly! We can settle matters later. + + Dupre + Yes, as soon as he returns. + + Rousseau + Oh! as soon as he returns. (Aside) I will take pretty good care that + he remains where he is. + + Dupre (going towards the door on the left) + Come in, young man, and thank your family, who have given their full + consent to your marriage. + + Mme. Rousseau + It is Jules! + + Mme. du Brocard + It is my nephew! + + Jules + Can it be possible? + + Dupre (darting towards another room) + And you, Pamela, my child, my daughter!—embrace your husband. + + (Jules rushes towards her.) + + Mme. du Brocard (to Rousseau) + How has all this come about? + + Dupre + Pamela never was arrested. There is no likelihood of her ever being. I + haven't a title of nobility. I am not the brother of a peer of France, + but still I have some influence. The self-sacrifice of this poor girl + has aroused the sympathy of the government—the indictment has been + quashed. The Keeper of the Seals has sent me word of this by an + orderly on horseback, whom this simpleton took for a regiment of + soldiers in pursuit of him. + + Joseph + It is very hard to see plainly through a garret window. + + Mme. du Brocard + Sir, you have caught me by surprise; I take back my promise. + + Dupre + But I still have possession of your latter. Do you wish to have a + lawsuit about it? Very well, I will appear against you on the other + side. + + Giraud and Mme. Giraud (entering and approaching Dupre) + M. Dupre! + + Dupre + Are you satisfied with me? + + (In the meantime Jules and Mme. Rousseau have been imploring Rousseau + to yield his consent; he hesitates, but at last kisses Pamela on the + forehead. Dupre approaches Rousseau and, seeing him kiss Pamela, + wrings his hand.) + + Dupre + You have done well, sir. (Then turning to Jules) Will you make her + happy? + + Jules + Ah, my friend, you need not ask! + + (Pamela kisses the hand of Dupre.) + + Joseph (to Dupre) + What a fool I have been! Well, he is going to marry her, and I am + actually glad for them! But am I not to get something out of all this? + + Dupre + Certainly, you shall have all the fees that come to me from the + lawsuit. + + Joseph + You may count on my gratitude. + + Dupre + That will be receipt in full! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Final curtain. +</pre> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pamela Giraud, by Honore de Balzac + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAMELA GIRAUD *** + +***** This file should be named 8079-h.htm or 8079-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/0/7/8079/ + +Produced by John Bickers, David Widger and Dagny + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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 + + +Title: Pamela Giraud + +Author: Honore de Balzac + +Release Date: May, 2005 [EBook #8079] +Posting Date: July 24, 2009 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAMELA GIRAUD *** + + + + +Produced by John Bickers and Dagny + + + + + + + + +PAMELA GIRAUD + +A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS + +by Honore de Balzac + + +Presented for the First Time at Paris at the Theatre de la Gaite, +September 26, 1843 + + + + +PERSONS OF THE PLAY + + General de Verby + Dupre, a lawyer + Rousseau, a wealthy merchant + Jules Rousseau, his son + Joseph Binet + Giraud, a porter + Chief of Special Police + Antoine, servant to the Rousseaus + + Pamela Giraud + Madame du Brocard, a widow; aunt of Jules Rousseau + Madame Rousseau + Madame Giraud + Justine, chambermaid to Madame Rousseau + + Sheriff + Magistrate + Police Officers + Gendarmes + +SCENE: Paris + +TIME: During the Napoleonic plots under Louis XVIII. (1815-1824) + + + + + +PAMELA GIRAUD + + + + +ACT I + + + SCENE FIRST + + (Setting is an attic and workshop of an artificial flower-maker. It is + poorly lighted by means of a candle placed on the work-table. The + ceiling slopes abruptly at the back allowing space to conceal a man. + On the right is a door, on the left a fireplace. Pamela is discovered + at work, and Joseph Binet is seated near her.) + + Pamela, Joseph Binet and later Jules Rousseau. + + + Pamela + Monsieur Joseph Binet! + + Joseph + Mademoiselle Pamela Giraud! + + Pamela + I plainly see that you wish me to hate you. + + Joseph + The idea! What? And this is the beginning of our love--Hate me! + + Pamela + Oh, come! Let us talk sensibly. + + Joseph + You do not wish, then, that I should express how much I love you? + + Pamela + Ah! I may as well tell you plainly, since you compel me to do so, that + I do not wish to become the wife of an upholsterer's apprentice. + + Joseph + Is it necessary to become an emperor, or something like that, in order + to marry a flower-maker? + + Pamela + No. But it is necessary to be loved, and I don't love you in any way + whatever. + + Joseph + In any way! I thought there was only one way of loving. + + Pamela + So there is, but there are many ways of not loving. You can be my + friend, without my loving you. + + Joseph + Oh! + + Pamela + I can look upon you with indifference-- + + Joseph + Ah! + + Pamela + You can be odious to me! And at this moment you weary me, which is + worse! + + Joseph + I weary her! I who would cut myself into fine pieces to do all that + she wishes! + + Pamela + If you would do what I wish, you would not remain here. + + Joseph + And if I go away--Will you love me a little? + + Pamela + Yes, for the only time I like you is when you are away! + + Joseph + And if I never came back? + + Pamela + I should be delighted. + + Joseph + Zounds! Why should I, senior apprentice with M. Morel, instead of + aiming at setting up business for myself, fall in love with this young + lady? It is folly! It certainly hinders me in my career; and yet I + dream of her--I am infatuated with her. Suppose my uncle knew it!--But + she is not the only woman in Paris, and, after all, Mlle. Pamela + Giraud, who are you that you should be so high and mighty? + + Pamela + I am the daughter of a poor ruined tailor, now become a porter. I gain + my own living--if working night and day can be called living--and it + is with difficulty that I snatch a little holiday to gather lilacs in + the Pres-Saint-Gervais; and I certainly recognize that the senior + apprentice of M. Morel is altogether too good for me. I do not wish to + enter a family which believes that it would thus form a mesalliance. + The Binets indeed! + + Joseph + But what has happened to you in the last eight or ten days, my dear + little pet of a Pamela? Up to ten days ago I used to come and cut out + your flowers for you, I used to make the stalks for the roses, and the + hearts for the violets; we used to talk together, we sometimes used to + go to the play, and have a good cry there--and I was "good Joseph," + "my little Joseph"--a Joseph in fact of the right stuff to make your + husband. All of a sudden--Pshaw! I became of no account. + + Pamela + Now you must really go away. Here you are neither in the street, nor + in your own house. + + Joseph + Very well, I'll be off, mademoiselle--yes, I'll go away! I'll have a + talk in the porter's lodge with your mother; she does not ask anything + better than my entrance into the family, not she; she won't change her + mind! + + Pamela + All right! Instead of entering her family, enter her lodge, the + porter's lodge, M. Joseph! Go and talk with my mother, go on!-- (Exit + Joseph.) Perhaps he'll keep their attention so that M. Adolph can get + up stairs without being seen. Adolph Durand! What a pretty name! There + is half a romance in it! And what a handsome young man! For the last + fifteen days he has absolutely persecuted me. I knew that I was rather + pretty; but I never believed I was all he called me. He must be an + artist, or a government official! Whatever he is, I can't help liking + him; he is so aristocratic! But what if his appearance were deceitful, + and there were anything wrong about him!--For the letter which he has + just sent me has an air of mystery about it-- (She draws a letter from + her bosom and reads it) "Expect me this evening. I wish to see you + alone, and, if possible, to enter unnoticed by any one; my life is in + danger, and oh! if you only knew what a terrible misfortune threatens + me! Adolph Durand." He writes in pencil. His life is in danger--Ah! + How anxious I feel! + + Joseph (returning) + Just as I was going down stairs, I said to myself: "Why should Pamela" + + (Jules' head appears at the window.) + + Pamela + Ah! + + Joseph + What's the matter? + + (Jules disappears.) + + Pamela + I thought I saw--I mean--I thought I heard a sound overhead. Just go + into the garret. Some one perhaps has hidden there. You are not + afraid, are you? + + Joseph + No. + + Pamela + Very well! Go up and search! Otherwise I shall be frightened for the + whole night. + + Joseph + I will go at once. I will climb over the roof if you like. + + (He passes through a narrow door that leads to the garret.) + + Pamela (follows him) + Be quick! (Jules enters.) Ah! sir, what trouble you are giving me! + + Jules + It is to save my life, and perhaps you will never regret it. You know + how much I love you! + + (He kisses her hand.) + + Pamela + I know that you have told me so; but you treat me-- + + Jules + As my deliverer. + + Pamela + You wrote to me--and your letter has filled me with trouble--I know + neither who you are-- + + Joseph (from the outer room) + Mademoiselle, I am in the garret. I have looked over the whole roof. + + Jules + He is coming back--Where can I hide? + + Pamela + But you must not stay here! + + Jules + You wish to ruin me, Pamela! + + Pamela + Look, hide yourself there! + + (She points to the cranny under the sloping roof.) + + Joseph (returning) + Are you alone, mademoiselle? + + Pamela + No; for are not you here? + + Joseph + I heard something like the voice of a man. The voice came from below. + + Pamela + Nonsense, more likely it came from above--Look down the staircase-- + + Joseph + Oh! But I am sure-- + + Pamela + Nonsense. Leave me, sir; I wish to be alone. + + Joseph + Alone, with a man's voice? + + Pamela + I suppose you don't believe me? + + Joseph + But I heard it plain enough. + + Pamela + You heard nothing. + + Joseph + Ah! Pamela! + + Pamela + If you prefer to believe the sounds which you say reached your ears, + rather than the words I speak, you would make a very bad husband. That + is quite sufficient for me. + + Joseph + That doesn't prove that I did not hear-- + + Pamela + Since I can't convince you, you can believe what you like. Yes! you + did hear a voice, the voice of a young man, who is in love with me, + and who does whatever I wish--He disappears when he is asked, and + comes when he is wanted. And now what are you waiting for? Do you + think that while he is here, your presence can be anything but + disagreeable to us? Go and ask my father and mother what his name is. + He must have told them when he came up stairs--he, and the voice you + heard. + + Joseph + Mlle. Pamela, forgive a poor youth who is mad with love. It is not + only my heart that I have lost, but my head also, when I think of you. + I know that you are just as good as you are beautiful, I know that you + have in your soul more treasures of sweetness than you ever show, and + so I know that you are right, and were I to hear ten voices, were I to + see ten men here, I would care nothing about it. But one-- + + Pamela + Well, what of it? + + Joseph + A single one--that is what wounds me. But I must be off; it seems + funny that I should have said all that to you. I know quite well that + there is no one here but you. Till we meet again, Mlle. Pamela; I am + going--I trust you. + + Pamela (aside) + He evidently does not feel quite sure. + + Joseph (aside) + There is some one here! I will run down and tell the whole matter to + her father and mother. (Aloud) Adieu, Mlle. Pamela. (Exit.) + + + SCENE SECOND + + Pamela and Jules. + + + Pamela + M. Adolph, you see to what you are exposing me. That poor lad is a + workman, a most kind-hearted fellow; he has an uncle rich enough to + set him up in business; he wishes to marry me, and in one moment I + have lost my prospects--and for whom? I do not know you, and from the + manner in which you imperil the reputation of a young girl who has no + capital but her good behavior, I conclude that you think you have the + right to do so. You are rich and you make sport of poor people! + + Jules + No, my dear Pamela. I know who you are, and I take you at your true + value. I love you, I am rich, and we will never leave one another. My + traveling carriage is with a friend, at the gate of St. Denis; we will + proceed on foot to catch it; I intend embarking for England. You must + come with me. I cannot explain my intentions now, for the least delay + may prove fatal to me. + + Pamela + What do you mean? + + Jules + You shall see-- + + Pamela + Are you in your right senses, M. Adolph? After having followed me + about for a month, seen me twice at a dance, written me several + declarations, such as young men of your sort write to any and every + woman, you point-blank propose an elopement! + + Jules + Oh, I beg of you, don't delay an instant! You'll repent of this for + the rest of your life, and you will see too late what mischief you + have done. + + Pamela + But, my dear sir, you can perhaps explain yourself in a couple of + words. + + Jules + No,--for the secret is a matter of life and death to several persons. + + Pamela + If it were only to save your life, whoever you are, I would do a good + deal; but what assistance could I be to you in your flight! Why do you + want to take me to England? + + Jules + What a child you are! No one, of course, would suspect anything of two + runaway lovers! And, let me tell you, I love you well enough to + disregard everything else, and even to brave the anger of my parents-- + Once we are married at Gretna Green-- + + Pamela + Oh, _mon Dieu_! I am quite non-plussed! Here's a handsome young man + urges you--implores you--and talks of marriage-- + + Jules + They are mounting the staircase--I am lost!--You have betrayed me!-- + + Pamela + M. Adolph, you alarm me! What is going to happen? Wait a moment, I + will go and see. + + Jules + In any case, take and keep this twenty thousand francs. It will be + safer with you than in the hands of the police--I have only half an + hour longer and all will be over. + + Pamela + There is nothing to fear--It is only my father and mother. + + Jules + You have the kindness of an angel. I trust my fate with you. But you + must know that both of us must leave this house at once; and I swear + on my honor, that nothing but good shall result to you. + + (He hides again under the roof.) + + + SCENE THIRD + + Pamela, M. Giraud and Mme. Giraud. + + + Pamela (who stands in such a way as to prevent her parents from + entering fully into the room; aside) + Evidently here is a man in danger--and a man who loves me--two reasons + why I should be interested in him. + + Mme. Giraud + How is this, Pamela--you the solace of all our misfortunes, the prop + of our old age, our only hope! + + Giraud + A girl brought up on the strictest principles. + + Mme. Giraud + Keep quiet, Giraud! You don't know what you are talking about. + + Giraud + Certainly, Madame Giraud. + + Mme. Giraud + And besides all this, Pamela, your example was cited in all the + neighborhood as a girl who'd be useful to your parents in their + declining years! + + Giraud + And worthy to receive the prize of virtue! + + Pamela + Then what is the meaning of all these reproaches? + + Mme. Giraud + Joseph has just told us that you had a man hidden in your room. + + Giraud + Yes--he heard the voice. + + Mme. Giraud + Silence, Giraud!--Pamela--pay no attention to your father-- + + Pamela + And do you, mother, pay no attention to Joseph. + + Giraud + What did I tell you on the stairs, Madame Giraud? Pamela knows how we + count upon her. She wishes to make a good match as much on our account + as on her own; her heart bleeds to see us porters, us, the authors of + her life! She is too sensible to blunder in this matter. Is it not so, + my child, you would not deceive your father? + + Mme. Giraud + There is nobody here, is there, my love? For a young working-girl to + have any one in her room, at ten o'clock at night--well--she runs a + risk of losing-- + + Pamela + But it seems to me that if I had any one you would have seen him on + his way up. + + Giraud + She is right. + + Mme. Giraud + She does not answer straight out. Please open the door of this room. + + Pamela + Mother, stop! Do not come in here,--you shall not come in here!-- + Listen to me; as I love you, mother, and you, father, I have nothing + to reproach myself with!--and I swear to it before God!--Do not in a + moment withdraw from your daughter the confidence which you have had + in her for so long a time. + + Mme. Giraud + But why not tell us? + + Pamela (aside) + Impossible! If they were to see this young man every one would soon + know all about it. + + Giraud (interrupting her) + We are your father and mother, and we must see! + + Pamela + For the first time in my life, I refuse to obey you!--But you force me + to it!--These lodgings are rented by me from the earnings of my work! + I am of age and mistress of my own actions. + + Mme. Giraud + Oh, Pamela! Can this be you, on whom we have placed all our hopes? + + Giraud + You will ruin yourself!--and I shall remain a porter to the end of my + days. + + Pamela + You needn't be afraid of that! Well--I admit that there is some one + here; but silence! You must go down stairs again to your lodge. You + must tell Joseph that he does not know what he is talking about, that + you have searched everywhere, that there is no one in my lodging; you + must send him away--then you shall see this young man; you shall learn + what I purpose doing. But you must keep everything the most profound + secret. + + Giraud + Unhappy girl! What do you take us for? (He sees the banknotes on the + table.) Ah! what is this? Banknotes! + + Mme. Giraud + Banknotes! (She recoils from Pamela.) Pamela, where did you get them? + + Pamela + I will tell you when I write. + + Giraud + When you write! She must be going to elope! + + + SCENE FOURTH + + The same persons, and Joseph Binet. + + + Joseph (entering) + I was quite sure that there was something wrong about him!--He is a + ringleader of thieves! The gendarmes, the magistrate, all the + excitement she showed mean something--and now the house is surrounded! + + Jules (appearing) + I am lost! + + Pamela + I have done all that I could! + + Giraud + And you, sir, who are you? + + Joseph + Are you a--? + + Mme. Giraud + Speak! + + Jules + But for this idiot, I would have escaped! You will now have the ruin + of an innocent man on your consciences. + + Pamela + M. Adolph, are you innocent? + + Jules + I am! + + Pamela + What shall we do? (Pointing to the dormer window.) You can elude + their pursuit that way out. + + (She opens the dormer window and finds the police agents on the roof + outside.) + + Jules + It is too late. All you can do is to confirm my statement. You must + declare that I am your daughter's lover; that I have asked you to give + her in marriage to me; that I am of age; that my name is Adolph + Durand, son of a rich business man of Marseilles. + + Giraud + He offers her lawful love and wealth!--Young man, I willingly take you + under my protection. + + + SCENE FIFTH + + + The same persons, a sheriff, a police officer and gendarmes. + + + Giraud + Sir, what right have you to enter an occupied dwelling--the domicile + of a peaceable young girl? + + Joseph + Yes, what right have you--? + + The sheriff + Young man, don't you worry about our right!--A few moments ago you + were very friendly and slowed us where the unknown might be found, but + now you have suddenly changed your tune. + + Pamela + Bit what are you looking for? What do you want? + + The sheriff + You seem to be well aware that we are looking for somebody. + + Giraud + Sir, my daughter has no one with her but her future husband, M.-- + + The sheriff + Rousseau. + + Pamela + M. Adolph Durand. + + Giraud + Rousseau I don't know.--The gentleman I refer to is M. Adolph Durand. + + Mme. Giraud + Son of a respectable merchant of Marseilles. + + Joseph + Ah! you have been deceiving me! Ah!--That is the secret of your + coldness, and he is-- + + The sheriff (to the officer of the police) + This does not seem to be the man? + + The officer + Oh, yes, I am sure of it! (to the gendarmes) Carry out my orders. + + Jules + Monsieur, I am the victim of some mistake; my name is not Jules + Rousseau. + + The officer + Oh! but you know his first name, which none of us has as yet + mentioned. + + Jules + But I heard some one say it. Here are my papers, which are perfectly + correct. + + The sheriff + Let me see them, please. + + Giraud + Gentlemen, I assure you and declare to you-- + + The officer + If you go on in this way, and wish to make us believe that this + gentleman is Adolph Durand, son of a merchant of-- + + Mme. Giraud + Of Marseilles-- + + The officer + You may all be arrested as his accomplices, locked up in jail this + evening, and implicated in an affair from which you will not easily + get off. Have you any regard for the safety of your neck? + + Giraud + A great deal! + + The officer + Very well! Hold your tongue, then. + + Mme. Giraud + Do hold your tongue, Giraud! + + Pamela + Merciful heaven! Why did I not believe him at once! + + The sheriff (to his agents) + Search the gentleman! + + (The agent takes out Jules' pocket handkerchief.) + + The officer + It is marked with a J and an R. My dear sir, you are not very clever! + + Joseph + What can he have done? Have you anything to do with it, mademoiselle? + + Pamela + You are the sole cause of the trouble. Never speak to me again! + + The officer + Monsieur, here we have the check for your dinner--you dined at the + Palais Royal. While you were there you wrote a letter in pencil. One + of your friends brought the letter here. His name was M. Adolph + Durand, and he lent you his passport. We are certain of your identity; + you are M. Jules Rousseau. + + Joseph + The son of the rich M. Rousseau, whose house we are furnishing? + + The sheriff + Hold your tongue! + + The officer + You must come with us. + + Jules + Certainly, monsieur. (To Giraud and his wife) Forgive the annoyance I + have caused you--and you, Pamela, do not forget me! If you do not see + me again, you may keep what I gave into your hands, and may it bring + you happiness! + + Giraud + O Lord! + + Pamela + Poor Adolph! + + The sheriff (to his agents) + Remain here. We are going to search this attic, and question every one + of these people. + + Joseph (with a gesture of horror) + Ah!--she prefers a criminal to me! + + (Jules is put in charge of the agents.) + + + Curtain to the First Act. + + + + +ACT II + + + SCENE FIRST + + (The setting is a drawing-room in the Rousseau mansion. Antoine is + looking through the newspapers.) + + Antoine and Justine. + + + Justine + Well, Antoine, have you read the papers? + + Antoine + I am reading them. Isn't it a pity that we servants cannot learn, + excepting through the papers, what is going on in the trial of M. + Jules? + + Justine + And yet the master and mistress and Mme. du Brocard, their sister, + know nothing. M. Jules has been for three months--in--what do they + call it?--in close confinement. + + Antoine + The arrest of the young man has evidently attracted great attention-- + + Justine + It seems absurd to think that a young man who had nothing to do but + amuse himself, who would some day inherit his aunt's income of twenty + thousand francs, and his father's and mother's fortune, which is quite + double that amount, should be mixed up in a conspiracy! + + Antoine + I admire him for it, for they were plotting to bring back the emperor! + You may cause my throat to be cut if you like. We are alone here--you + don't belong to the police; long live the emperor! say I. + + Justine + For mercy's sake, hold your tongue, you old fool!--If any one heard + you, you would get us all arrested. + + Antoine + I am not afraid of that, thank God! The answers I made to the + magistrate were non-committal; I never compromised M. Jules, like the + traitors who informed against him. + + Justine + Mme. du Brocard with all her immense savings ought to be able to buy + him off. + + Antoine + Oh, nonsense! Since the escape of Lavalette such a thing is + impossible! They have become extremely particular at the gates of the + prison, and they were never particularly accommodating. M. Jules will + have to take his dose you see; he will be a martyr. I shall go and see + him executed. + + (Some one rings. Exit Antoine.) + + Justine + We will go and see him! When one has known a condemned man I don't see + how they can have the heart to--As for me I shall go to the Court of + Assizes. I feel, poor boy, I owe him that! + + + SCENE SECOND + + Dupre, Antoine and Justine. + + + Antoine (aside, as he ushers in Dupre) + Ah! The lawyer. (Aloud) Justine, go and tell madame that Monsieur + Dupre is waiting. (Aside) The lawyer is a hard nut to crack, I'm + thinking. (Aloud) Sir, is there any hope of saving our poor M. Jules? + + Dupre + I perceive that you are very fond of your young master? + + Antoine + Naturally enough! + + Dupre + What would you do to save him? + + Antoine + Anything, sir! + + Dupre + That means nothing. + + Antoine + Nothing?--I will give whatever evidence you like. + + Dupre + If you are caught in contradicting yourself and convicted of perjury, + do you know what you run the risk of? + + Antoine + No, sir. + + Dupre + The galleys. + + Antoine + That is rather severe, sir. + + Dupre + You would prefer to serve him without compromising yourself? + + Antoine + Is there any other way? + + Dupre + No. + + Antoine + Well! I'll run the risk of the galleys. + + Dupre (aside) + What devotion is here! + + Antoine + My master would be sure to settle a pension on me. + + Justine + Here is madame. + + + SCENE THIRD + + The same persons and Madame Rousseau. + + + Mme. Rousseau (to Dupre) + Ah! Monsieur, we have been impatiently expecting this visit. (To + Antoine) Antoine! Quick, inform my husband. (To Dupre) Sir, I trust in + your efforts, alone. + + Dupre + You may be sure, madame, that I shall employ every energy-- + + Mme. Rousseau + Oh! Thank you! But of course Jules is not guilty. To think of him as a + conspirator! Poor child, how could any one suspect him, who trembles + before me at the slightest reproach--me, his mother! Ah, monsieur, + promise that you will restore him to me! + + Rousseau (entering the room) + (To Antoine) Yes, carry the letter to General de Verby. I shall wait + for him here. (To Dupre) I am glad to see you, my dear M. Dupre-- + + Dupre + The battle will doubtless begin to-morrow; to-day preparations are + being made, and the indictment drawn. + + Rousseau + Has my poor Jules made any admissions? + + Dupre + He has denied everything, and has played to perfection the part of an + innocent man; but we are not able to oppose any testimony to that + which is being brought against him. + + Rousseau + Ah! Monsieur, save my son, and the half of my fortune shall be yours! + + Dupre + If I had every half of a fortune that has been promised to me, I + should be too rich for anything. + + Rousseau + Do you question the extent of my gratitude? + + Dupre + We will wait till the result of the trial is known, sir. + + Mme. Rousseau + Take pity on a poor mother! + + Dupre + Madame, I swear to you nothing so much excites my curiosity and my + sympathy, as a genuine sentiment. And at Paris sincerity is so rare + that I cannot be indifferent to the grief of a family threatened with + the loss of an only son. You may therefore rely upon me. + + Rousseau + Ah! Monsieur! + + + SCENE FOURTH + + The same persons, General de Verby and Madame du Brocard. + + + Mme. du Brocard (showing in De Verby) + Come in, my dear general. + + De Verby (bowing to Rousseau) + Monsieur--I simply came to learn-- + + Rousseau (presenting Dupre to De Verby) + General, M. Dupre. + + (Dupre and De Verby exchange bows.) + + Dupre (aside, while De Verby talks with Rousseau) + He is general of the antechamber, holding the place merely through the + influence of his brother, the lord chamberlain; he doesn't seem to me + to have come here without some object. + + De Verby (to Dupre) + I understand, sir, that you are engaged for the defence of M. Jules + Rousseau in this deplorable affair-- + + Dupre + Yes, sir, it is a deplorable affair, for the real culprits are not in + prison; thus it is that justice rages fiercely against the rank and + file, but the chiefs are always passed by. You are General Vicomte de + Verby, I presume? + + De Verby + Simple General Verby--I do not take the title--my opinions of course. + --Doubtless you are acquainted with the evidence in this case? + + Dupre + I have been in communication with the accused only for the last three + days. + + De Verby + And what do you think of the affair? + + All + Yes, tell us. + + Dupre + According to my experience of the law courts, I believe it possible to + obtain important revelations by offering commutation of sentence to + the condemned. + + De Verby + The accused are all men of honor. + + Rousseau + But-- + + Dupre + Characters sometime change at the prospect of the scaffold, especially + when there is much at stake. + + De Verby (aside) + A conspiracy ought not to be entered upon excepting with penniless + accomplices. + + Dupre + I shall induce my client to tell everything. + + Rousseau + Of course. + + Mme. du Brocard + Certainly. + + Mme. Rousseau + He ought to do so. + + De Verby (anxiously) + I presume there is no other way of escape for him? + + Dupre + None whatever; it can be proved that he was of the number of those who + had begun to put in execution the plot. + + De Verby + I would rather lose my head than my honor. + + Dupre + I should consider which of the two was worth more. + + De Verby + You have your views in the matter. + + Rousseau + Those are mine. + + Dupre + And they are the opinions of the majority. I have seen many things + done by men to escape the scaffold. There are people who push others + to the front, who risk nothing, and yet reap all the fruits of + success. Have such men any honor? Can one feel any obligation towards + them? + + De Verby + No, they are contemptible wretches. + + Dupre (aside) + He has well said it. This is the fellow who has ruined poor Jules! I + must keep my eye on him. + + + SCENE FIFTH + + The same persons, Antoine and Jules (the latter led in by police + agents.) + + + Antoine + Sir, a carriage stopped at the door. Several men got out. M. Jules is + with them; they are bringing him in. + + M. and Mme. Rousseau + My son! + + Mme. du Brocard + My nephew! + + Dupre + Yes, I see what it is--doubtless a search-warrant. They wish to look + over his papers. + + Antoine + Here he is. + + (Jules appears in the centre, followed by the police and a magistrate; + he rushes up to his mother.) + + Jules + O mother! My good mother! (He embraces his mother.) Ah! I see you once + more! (To Mme. du Brocard) Dear aunt! + + Mme. Rousseau + My poor child! Come! Come--close to me; they will not dare-- (To the + police, who approach her) Leave him, leave him here! + + Rousseau (rushing towards the police) + Be kind enough-- + + Dupre (to the magistrate) + Monsieur! + + Jules + My dear mother, calm yourself! I shall soon be free; yes, be quite + sure of that, and we will not part again. + + Antoine (to Rousseau) + Sir, they wish to visit M. Jules's room. + + Rousseau (to the magistrate) + In a moment, monsieur. I will go with you myself. (To Dupre, pointing + to Jules) Do not leave him! + + (He goes out conducting the magistrate, who makes a sign to the police + to keep guard on Jules.) + + Jules (seizing the hand of De Verby) + Ah, general! (To Dupre) And how good and generous of you, M. Dupre, to + come here and comfort my mother. (In a low voice) Ah! conceal from her + my danger. (Aloud, looking at his mother) Tell her the truth. Tell her + that she has nothing to fear. + + Dupre + I will tell her that it is in her power to save you. + + Mme. Rousseau + In my power? + + Mme. du Brocard + How can that be? + + Dupre (to Mme. Rousseau) + By imploring him to disclose the names of those who have led him on. + + De Verby (to Dupre) + Monsieur! + + Mme. Rousseau + Yes, and you ought to do it. I, your mother, demand it of you. + + Mme. du Brocard + Oh, certainly! My nephew shall tell everything. He has been led on by + people who now abandon him to his fate, and he in his turn ought-- + + De Verby (in a low voice to Dupre) + What, sir! Would you advise your client to betray--? + + Dupre (quickly) + Whom? + + De Verby (in a troubled voice) + But--can't we find some other method? M. Jules knows what a man of + high spirit owes to himself. + + Dupre (aside) + He is the man--I felt sure of it! + + Jules (to his mother and aunt) + Never, though I should die for it--never will I compromise any one + else. + + (De Verby shows his pleasure at this declaration.) + + Mme. Rousseau + Ah! my God! (Looking at the police.) And there is no chance of our + helping him to escape here! + + Mme. du Brocard + No! that is out of the question. + + Antoine (coming into the room) + M. Jules, they are asking for you. + + Jules + I am coming! + + Mme. Rousseau + Ah! I cannot let you go. + + (She turns to the police with a supplicating look.) + + Mme. du Brocard (to Dupre, who scrutinizes De Verby) + M. Dupre, I have thought that it would be a good thing-- + + Dupre (interrupting her) + Later, madame, later. + + (He leads her to Jules, who goes out with his mother, followed by the + agents.) + + + SCENE SIXTH + + Dupre and De Verby. + + + De Verby (aside) + These people have hit upon a lawyer who is rich, without ambition--and + eccentric. + + Dupre (crossing the stage and gazing at De Verby, aside) + Now is my time to learn your secret. (Aloud) You are very much + interested in my client, monsieur? + + De Verby + Very much indeed. + + Dupre + I have yet to understand what motive could have led him, young, rich + and devoted to pleasure as he is, to implicate himself in a + conspiracy-- + + De Verby + The passion for glory. + + Dupre + Don't talk in that way to a lawyer who for twenty years has practiced + in the courts; who has studied men and affairs well enough to know + that the finest motives are only assumed as a disguise for trumpery + passions, and has never yet met a man whose heart was free from the + calculations of self-interest. + + De Verby + Do you ever take up a case without charging anything? + + Dupre + I often do so; but I never act contrary to my convictions. + + De Verby + I understand that you are rich? + + Dupre + I have some fortune. Without it, in the world as at present + constituted, I should be on the straight road for the poor-house. + + De Verby + It is then from conviction, I suppose, that you have undertaken the + defence of young Rousseau? + + Dupre + Certainly. I believe him to be the dupe of others in a higher station, + and I like those who allow themselves to be duped from generous + motives and not from self-interest; for in these times the dupe is + often as greedy after gain as the man who exploits him. + + De Verby + You belong, I perceive, to the sect of misanthropes. + + Dupre + I do not care enough for mankind to hate them, for I have never yet + met any one I could love. I am contented with studying my fellow-men; + for I see that they are all engaged in playing each, with more or less + success, his own little comedy. I have no illusion about anything, it + is true, but I smile at it all like a spectator who sits in a theatre + to be amused. One thing I never do; I hiss at nothing; for I have not + sufficient feeling about things for that. + + De Verby (aside) + How is it possible to influence such a man? (Aloud) Nevertheless, + monsieur, you must sometimes need the services of others? + + Dupre + Never! + + De Verby + But you are sometimes sick? + + Dupre + Then I like to be alone. Moreover, at Paris, anything can be bought, + even attendance on the sick; believe me I live because it is my duty + to do so. I have tested everything--charity, friendship, unselfish + devotion. Those who have received benefits have disgusted me with the + doing of kindnesses. Certain philanthropists have made me feel a + loathing for charity. And of all humbugs that of sentiment is the most + hateful. + + De Verby + And what of patriotism, monsieur? + + Dupre + That is a very trifling matter, since the cry of humanity has been + raised. + + De Verby (somewhat discouraged) + And so you take Jules Rousseau for a young enthusiast? + + Dupre + No, sir, nothing of the sort. He presents a problem which I have to + solve, and with your assistance I shall reach the solution. (De Verby + changes countenance.) Come, let us speak candidly. I believe that you + know something about all this. + + De Verby + What do you mean, sir? + + Dupre + You can save the young man. + + De Verby + I? What can I do? + + Dupre + You can give testimony which Antoine will corroborate-- + + De Verby + I have reasons for not appearing as a witness. + + Dupre + Just so. You are one of the conspirators! + + De Verby + Monsieur! + + Dupre + It is you who have led on this poor boy. + + De Verby + Monsieur, this language--! + + Dupre + Don't attempt to deceive me, but tell me how you managed to gain this + bad influence over him? He is rich, he is in need of nothing. + + De Verby + Listen!--If you say another word-- + + Dupre + Oh! my life is of no consideration with me! + + De Verby + Sir, you know very well that Jules will get off; and that if he does + not behave properly, he will lose, through your fault, the chance of + marriage with my niece, and thus the succession to the title of my + brother, the Lord Chamberlain. + + Dupre + Ah, that's what he was after, then! He's like all the rest of the + schemers. Now consider, sir, what I am going to propose to you. You + have powerful friends, and it is your duty-- + + De Verby + My duty! I do not understand you, sir. + + Dupre + You have been able to effect his ruin, and can you not bring about his + release? (Aside) I have him there. + + De Verby + I shall give my best consideration to the matter. + + Dupre + Don't consider for a moment that you can escape me. + + De Verby + A general who fears no danger can have no fear of a lawyer-- + + Dupre + As you will! + + (Exit De Verby, who jostles against Joseph.) + + + SCENE SEVENTH + + Dupre and Joseph Binet. + + + Joseph + I heard only yesterday, monsieur, that you were engaged for the + defence of M. Jules Rousseau; I have been to your place, and have + waited for you until I could wait no later. This morning I found that + you had left your home, and as I am working for this house, a happy + inspiration sent me here. I thought you would be coming here, and I + waited for you-- + + Dupre + What do you want with me? + + Joseph + I am Joseph Binet. + + Dupre + Well, proceed. + + Joseph + Let me say without offence, sir, that I have fourteen hundred francs + of my own--quite my own!--earned sou by sou. I am a journeyman + upholsterer, and my uncle, Du Mouchel, a retired wine merchant, has + plenty of the metal. + + Dupre + Speak out openly! What is the meaning of this mysterious preamble? + + Joseph + Fourteen hundred francs is of course a mere trifle, and they say that + lawyers have to be well paid, and that it is because they are well + paid that there are so many of them. I should have done better if I + had been a lawyer--then she would have married me! + + Dupre + Are you crazy? + + Joseph + Not at all. I have here my fourteen hundred francs; take them, sir--no + humbug! They are yours. + + Dupre + And on what condition? + + Joseph + You must save M. Jules--I mean, of course, from death--and you must + have him transported. I don't want him to be put to death; but he must + go abroad. He is rich, and he will enjoy himself. But save his life. + Procure a sentence of simple transportation, say for fifteen years, + and my fourteen hundred francs are yours. I will give them to you + gladly, and I will moreover make you an office chair below the market + price. There now! + + Dupre + What is your object in speaking to me in this way? + + Joseph + My object? I want to marry Pamela. I want to have my little Pamela. + + Dupre + Pamela? + + Joseph + Pamela Giraud. + + Dupre + What connection has Pamela Giraud with Jules Rousseau? + + Joseph + Well I never! Why! I thought that advocates were paid for learning and + knowing everything. But you don't seem to know anything, sir. I am not + surprised that there are those who say advocates are know-nothings. + But I should like to have back my fourteen hundred francs. Pamela is + accused, that is to say, she accuses me of having betrayed his head to + the executioner, and you will understand that if after all he escapes, + and is transported, I can marry, can wed Pamela; and as the + transported man will not be in France, I need fear no disturbance in + my home. Get him fifteen years; that is nothing; fifteen years for + traveling and I shall have time to see my children grow up, and my + wife old enough--you understand-- + + Dupre (aside) + He is candid, at any rate--Those who make their calculations aloud and + in such evident excitement are not the worst of people. + + Joseph + I say! Do you know the proverb--"A lawyer who talks to himself is like + a pastry cook who eats his own wares,"--eh, sir? + + Dupre + I understand you to say that Pamela is in love with M. Jules? + + Joseph + Ah! I see, you understand matters. + + Dupre + They used frequently to meet I suppose? + + Joseph + Far too frequently! Oh! if I had only known it, I would have put a + stop to it! + + Dupre + Is she pretty? + + Joseph + Who?--Pamela?--My eye! My Pamela! She is as pretty as the Apollo + Belvidere! + + Dupre + Keep your fourteen hundred francs, my friend, and if you have courage, + you and your Pamela, you will be able to help me in effecting his + deliverance; for the question is absolutely whether we must let him go + to the scaffold, or save him from it. + + Joseph + I beg you, sir, do not think of saying one word to Pamela; she is in + despair. + + Dupre + Nevertheless you must bring it about that I see her this morning. + + Joseph + I will send word to her through her parents. + + Dupre + Ah! she has a father and mother living then? (Aside) This will cost a + lot of money. (Aloud) Who are they? + + Joseph + They are respectable porters. + + Dupre + That is good. + + Joseph + Old Giraud is a ruined tailor. + + Dupre + Very well, go and inform them of my intended visit, and above all + things preserve the utmost secrecy, or M. Jules will be sacrificed. + + Joseph + I shall be dumb. + + Dupre + And let it be thought that we have never met. + + Joseph + We have never seen each other. + + Dupre + Now go. + + Joseph + I am going. + + (He mistakes the door.) + + Dupre + This is the way. + + Joseph + This is the way, great advocate--but let me give you a bit of advice-- + a slight taste of transportation will not do him any harm; in fact, it + will teach him to leave the government in peace. (Exit.) + + + SCENE EIGHTH + + Rousseau, Madame Rousseau, Madame du Brocard (attended by Justine) and + Dupre. + + + Mme. Rousseau + Poor child! What courage he shows! + + Dupre + I hope to save him for you, madame; but it cannot be done without + making great sacrifices. + + Rousseau + Sir, the half of our fortune is at your disposal. + + Mme. du Brocard + And the half of mine. + + Dupre + It is always the half of some fortune or other. I am going to try to + do my duty--afterwards, you must do yours; we shall have to make great + efforts. You, madame, must rouse yourself, for I have great hopes. + + Mme. Rousseau + Ah! sir, what can you mean? + + Dupre + A little time ago, your son was a ruined man; at the present moment, I + believe he can be saved. + + Mme. Rousseau + What must we do? + + Mme. du Brocard + What do you ask? + + Rousseau + You may be sure we will do as you require. + + Dupre + I feel certain you will. This is my plan which will undoubtedly + succeed with the jury. Your son had an intrigue with a certain + working-girl, Pamela Giraud, the daughter of a porter. + + Mme. du Brocard + What low people! + + Dupre + Yet you will have to humble yourselves to them. Your son was always + with this young girl, and in this point lies the sole hope of his + deliverance. The very evening on which the public prosecutor avers + that he attended a meeting of the conspirators, he was possibly + visiting her. If this is a fact, if she declares that he remained with + her that night, if her father and her mother, if the rival of Jules + confirm the testimony--we shall then have ground for hope. When the + choice has to be made between a sentence of guilty and an alibi, the + jury prefers the alibi. + + Mme. Rousseau (aside) + Ah! sir, you bring back life to me. + + Rousseau + Sir, we owe you a debt of eternal gratitude. + + Dupre (looking at them) + What sum of money must I offer to the daughter, to the father and to + the mother? + + Mme. du Brocard + Are they poor? + + Dupre + They are, but the matter concerns their honor. + + Mme. du Brocard + Oh, she is only a working-girl! + + Dupre (ironically) + It ought to be done very cheaply. + + Rousseau + What do you think? + + Dupre + I think that you are bargaining for the life of your son. + + Mme. du Brocard + Well, M. Dupre, I suppose you may go as high as-- + + Mme. Rousseau + As high as-- + + Dupre + As high as-- + + Rousseau + Upon my word, I don't understand why you hesitate--and you must offer, + sir, whatever sum you consider suitable. + + Dupre + Just so, you leave it to my discretion. But what compensation do you + offer her if she restores your son to you at the sacrifice of her + honor? For possibly he has made love to her. + + Mme. Rousseau + He shall marry her. I come from the people myself, and I am no + marchioness. + + Mme. du Brocard + What do you mean by that? You are forgetting Mlle. de Verby. + + Mme. Rousseau + Sister, my son's life must be saved. + + Dupre (aside) + Here we have the beginning of a comedy and the last which I wish to + see; but I must keep them to their word. (Aloud) Perhaps it would be + well if you secretly paid a visit to the young girl. + + Mme. Rousseau + Oh, yes, I should like to go to see her--to implore her-- (she rings) + Justine! Antoine! Quick! Order the carriage! At once-- + + Antoine + Yes, madame. + + Mme. Rousseau + Sister, will you go with me? Ah, Jules my poor son! + + Mme. du Brocard + They are bringing him back. + + + SCENE NINTH + + The same persons, Jules (brought in by the police), and later De + Verby. + + + Jules (kissing his mother) + O mother!--I will not say good-bye; I shall be back very soon. + + (Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard embrace Jules.) + + De Verby (going up to Dupre) + I will do, monsieur, what you have asked of me. One of my friends, M. + Adolph Durand, who facilitated the flight of our dear Jules, will + testify that his friend was altogether taken up with a grisette, whom + he loved passionately, and with whom he was taking measures to elope. + + Dupre + That is enough; success now depends upon the way we set about things. + + The magistrate (to Jules) + We must be going, monsieur. + + Jules + I will follow you. Be of good courage, mother! + + (He bids farewell to Rousseau and Dupre; De Verby signs to him to be + cautious.) + + Mme. Rousseau (to Jules, as he is being led away) + Jules! Jules! Do not give up hope--we are going to save you! + + (The police lead Jules away.) + + + Curtain to the Second Act. + + + + +ACT III + + + SCENE FIRST + + (The stage represents the room of Pamela.) + + Pamela, Giraud and Madame Giraud. + + (Pamela is standing near her mother, who is knitting; Giraud is at + work at a table on the left.) + + + Mme. Giraud + The fact of the matter is this, my poor daughter; I do not mean to + reproach you, but you are the cause of all our trouble. + + Giraud + No doubt about it! We came to Paris because in the country tailoring + is no sort of a business, and we had some ambition for you, our + Pamela, such a sweet, pretty little thing as you were. We said to each + other: "We will go into service; I will work at my trade; we will give + a good position to our child; and as she will be good, industrious and + pretty, we can take care of our old age by marrying her well." + + Pamela + O father! + + Mme. Giraud + Half of our plans were already carried out. + + Giraud + Yes, certainly. We had a good position; you made as fine flowers as + any gardener could grow; and Joseph Binet, your neighbor, was to be + the husband of our choice. + + Mme. Giraud + Instead of all this, the scandal which has arisen in the house has + caused the landlord to dismiss us; the talk of the neighborhood was + incessant, for the young man was arrested in your room. + + Pamela + And yet I have been guilty of nothing! + + Giraud + Come, now, we know that well enough! Do you think if it were otherwise + that we would stay near you? And that I would embrace you? After all, + Pamela, there is nothing like a father and a mother! And when the + whole world is against you, if a girl can look into her parents' face + without a blush it is enough. + + + SCENE SECOND + + The same persons and Joseph Binet. + + + Mme. Giraud + Well, well! Here is Joseph Binet. + + Pamela + M. Binet, what are you doing here? But for your want of common-sense, + M. Jules would not have been found here. + + Joseph + I am come to tell you about him. + + Pamela + What! Really? Well, let us hear, Joseph. + + Joseph + Ah! you won't send me away now, will you? I have seen his lawyer, and + I have offered him all that I possess if he would get him off! + + Pamela + Do you mean it? + + Joseph + Yes. Would you be satisfied if he was merely transported? + + Pamela + Ah! you are a good fellow, Joseph, and I see that you love me! Let us + be friends. + + Joseph (aside) + I have good hopes that we shall be. + + (A knock at the door is heard.) + + + SCENE THIRD + + The preceding, M. de Verby and Madame du Brocard. + + + Mme. Giraud (opening the door) + There are some people here! + + Giraud + A lady and a gentleman. + + Joseph + What did you say? + + (Pamela rises from her seat and takes a step toward M. de Verby, who + bows to her.) + + Mme. du Brocard + Is this Mlle. Pamela Giraud? + + Pamela + It is, madame. + + De Verby + Forgive us, mademoiselle, for presenting ourselves without previous + announcement-- + + Pamela + There is no harm done. May I know the object of this visit? + + Mme. du Brocard + And you, good people, are her father and mother? + + Mme. Giraud + Yes, madame. + + Joseph + She calls them good people--she must be one of the swells. + + Pamela + Will you please be seated. + + (Mme. Giraud offers them seats.) + + Joseph (to Giraud) + My eye! The gentleman has on the ribbon of the Legion of Honor! He + belongs to high society. + + Giraud (looking at De Verby) + By my faith, that's true! + + Mme. du Brocard + I am the aunt of M. Jules Rousseau. + + Pamela + You, madame? Then this gentleman must be his father? + + Mme. du Brocard + He is merely a friend of the family. We are come, mademoiselle, to ask + a favor of you. (Looking at Binet with embarrassment.) Your brother? + + Giraud + No, madame, just a neighbor of ours. + + Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) + Send him away. + + Joseph (aside) + Send him away, indeed. I'd like to know what right she has-- + + (Pamela makes a sign to Joseph.) + + Giraud (to Joseph) + My friend, you had better leave us. It seems this is a private matter. + + Joseph + Very well. (Exit.) + + + SCENE FOURTH + + The same persons excepting Binet. + + + Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) + You are acquainted with my nephew. I do not intend to reproach you. + Your parents alone have the right. + + Mme. Giraud + But, thank God, they have no reason. + + Giraud + It is your nephew who has caused all this talk about her, but she is + blameless! + + De Verby (interrupting him) + But suppose that we wish her to be guilty? + + Pamela + What do you mean, sir? + + Giraud and Mme. Giraud + To think of it! + + Mme. du Brocard (seizing De Verby's meaning) + Yes, suppose, to save the life of a poor young man-- + + De Verby + It were necessary to declare that M. Jules Rousseau spent nearly the + whole night of the twenty-fourth of August here with you? + + Pamela + Ah! sir! + + De Verby (to Giraud and his wife) + Yes, suppose it were necessary to testify against your daughter, by + alleging this? + + Mme. Giraud + I would never say such a thing. + + Giraud + What! Insult my child! Sir, I have had all possible troubles. I was + once a tailor, now I am reduced to nothing. I am a porter! But I have + remained a father. My daughter is our sole treasure, the glory of our + old age, and you ask us to dishonor her? + + Mme. du Brocard + Pray listen to me, sir. + + Giraud + No, madame, I will listen to nothing. My daughter is the hope of my + gray hairs. + + Pamela + Calm yourself, father, I implore you. + + Mme. Giraud + Keep quite, Giraud! Do let this lady and gentleman speak! + + Mme. du Brocard + A family in deep affliction implores you to save them. + + Pamela (aside) + Poor Jules! + + De Verby (in a low voice to Pamela) + His fate is in your hands. + + Mme. Giraud + We are respectable people and know what it is for parents, for a + mother, to be in despair. But what you ask is out of the question. + + (Pamela puts a handkerchief to her eyes.) + + Giraud + We must stop this! You see the girl is in tears. + + Mme. Giraud + She has done nothing but weep for several days. + + Giraud + I know my daughter; she would be capable of going and making the + declaration they ask, in spite of us. + + Mme. Giraud + Yes,--for you must see, she loves him, she loves your nephew! And to + save his life--Well! Well! I would have done as much in her place. + + Mme. du Brocard + Have compassion on us! + + De Verby + Grant this request of ours-- + + Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) + If it is true that you love Jules-- + + Mme. Giraud (leading Giraud up to Pamela) + Did you hear that? Well! Listen to me. She is in love with this youth. + It is quite certain that he also is in love with her. If she should + make a sacrifice like that, as a return, he ought to marry her. + + Pamela (with vehemence) + Never! (Aside) These people would not wish it, not they. + + De Verby (to Mme. du Brocard) + They are consulting about it. + + Mme. du Brocard (in a low voice to De Verby) + It will be absolutely necessary for us to make a sacrifice. We must + appeal to their interest. It is the only plan! + + De Verby + In venturing to ask of you so great a sacrifice, we are quite aware of + the claims that you will have on our gratitude. The family of Jules, + who might have blamed you on account of your relations with him, are, + on the contrary, anxious to discharge the obligations which bind them + to you. + + Mme. Giraud + Ah! Did I not tell you so? + + Pamela + Can it be possible that Jules-- + + De Verby + I am authorized to make a promise to you. + + Pamela (with emotion) + Oh! + + De Verby + Tell me, how much do you ask for the sacrifice required of you? + + Pamela (in consternation) + What do you mean? How much--I ask--for saving Jules? What do you take + me for? + + Mme. du Brocard + Ah! Mademoiselle! + + De Verby + You misunderstand me. + + Pamela + No, it is you who misunderstand us! You are come here, to the house of + poor people, and you are quite unaware of what you ask from them. You, + madame, ought to know that whatever be the rank or the education of a + woman, her honor is her sole treasure! And that which you in your own + families guard with so much care, with so much reverence, you actually + believe that people here, living in an attic, would be willing to + sell! And you have said to yourselves: "Let us offer them money! We + need just now the sacrifice of a working-girl's honor!" + + Giraud + That is excellent! I recognize my own blood there. + + Mme. du Brocard + My dear child, do not be offended! Money is money, after all. + + De Verby (addressing Giraud) + Undoubtedly! And six thousand francs for a solid annual income as a + price of--a-- + + Pamela + As the price of a lie! For I must out with it. But thank God I haven't + yet lost my self-respect! Good-bye, sir. + + (Pamela makes a low bow to Mme. du Brocard, then goes into her bed- + chamber.) + + De Verby + What is to be done? + + Mme. du Brocard + I am quite nonplussed. + + Giraud + I quite admit that an income of six thousand francs is no trifle, but + our daughter has a high spirit, you see; she takes after me-- + + Mme. Giraud + And she will never yield. + + + SCENE FIFTH + + The same persons, Joseph Binet, Dupre and Mme. Rousseau. + + + Joseph + This way, sir. This way, madame. (Dupre and Mme. Rousseau enter.) + These are the father and mother of Pamela Giraud! + + Dupre (to De Verby) + I am very sorry, sir, that you have got here before me! + + Mme. Rousseau + My sister has doubtless told you, madame, the sacrifice which we + expect your daughter to make for us. Only an angel would make it. + + Joseph + What sacrifice? + + Mme. Giraud + It is no business of yours. + + De Verby + We have just had an interview with Mlle. Pamela-- + + Mme. du Brocard + She has refused! + + Mme. Rousseau + Oh, heavens! + + Dupre + Refused what? + + Mme. du Brocard + An income of six thousand francs. + + Dupre + I could have wagered on it. To think of offering money! + + Mme. du Brocard + But it was the only way-- + + Dupre + To spoil everything. (To Mme. Giraud) Madame, kindly tell your + daughter that the counsel of M. Jules Rousseau is here and desires to + see her. + + Mme. Giraud + Oh, as for that you will gain nothing. + + Giraud + Either from her or from us. + + Joseph + But what is it they want? + + Giraud + Hold your tongue. + + Mme. du Brocard (to Mme. Giraud) + Madame, offer her-- + + Dupre + Now, Mme. du Brocard, I must beg you-- (To Mme. Giraud) It is in the + name of the mother of Jules that I ask of you permission to see your + daughter. + + Mme. Giraud + It will be of no use at all, sir! And to think that they point-blank + offered her money when the young man a little time before had spoken + of marrying her! + + Mme. Rousseau (with excitement) + Well, why not? + + Mme. Giraud (with vehemence) + How was that, madame? + + Dupre (seizing the hand of Mme. Giraud) + Come, come! Bring me your daughter. + + (Exit Mme. Giraud.) + + De Verby and Mme. du Brocard + You have then made up your mind? + + Dupre + It is not I, but madame who has made up her mind. + + De Verby (questioning Mme. du Brocard) + What has she promised? + + Dupre (seeing that Joseph is listening) + Be silent, general; stay for a moment, I beg you, with these ladies. + Here she comes. Now leave us alone, if you please. + + (Pamela is brought in by her mother. She makes a curtsey to Mme. + Rousseau, who gazes at her with emotion; then Dupre leads all but + Pamela into the other room; Joseph remains behind.) + + Joseph (aside) + I wonder what they mean. They all talk of a sacrifice! And old Giraud + won't say a word to me! Well, I can bide my time. I promised the + advocate that I would give him my fourteen hundred francs, but before + I do so, I would like to see how he acts with regard to me. + + Dupre (going up to Joseph) + Joseph Binet, you must leave the room. + + Joseph + And not hear what you say about me? + + Dupre + You must go away. + + Joseph (aside) + It is evident that they are concealing something from me. (To Dupre) I + have prepared her mind; she is much taken with the idea of + transportation. Stick to that point. + + Dupre + All right! But you must leave the room. + + Joseph (aside) + Leave the room! Oh, indeed! Not I. + + (Joseph makes as if he had withdrawn, but, quietly returning, hides + himself in a closet.) + + Dupre (to Pamela) + You have consented to see me, and I thank you for it. I know exactly + what has recently taken place here, and I am not going to address you + in the same way as you have been recently addressed. + + Pamela + Your very presence assures me of that, sir. + + Dupre + You are in love with this fine young man, this Joseph? + + Pamela + I am aware, sir, that advocates are like confessors! + + Dupre + My child, they have to be just as safe confidants. You may tell me + everything without reserve. + + Pamela + Well, sir, I did love him; that is to say, I thought I loved him, and + I would very willingly have become his wife. I thought that with his + energy Joseph would have made a good business, and that we could lead + together a life of toil. When prosperity came, we would have taken + with us my father and my mother; it was all very clear--it would have + been a united family! + + Dupre (aside) + The appearance of this young girl is in her favor! Let us see whether + she is sincere or not. (Aloud) What are you thinking about? + + Pamela + I was thinking about these past days, which seemed to me so happy in + comparison with the present. A fortnight ago my head was turned by the + sight of M. Jules; I fell in love with him, as young girls do fall in + love, as I have seen other young girls fall in love with young men-- + with a love which would endure everything for those they loved! I used + to say to myself: shall I ever be like that? Well, at this moment I do + not know anything that I would not endure for M. Jules. A few moments + ago they offered me money,--they, from whom I expected such nobleness, + such greatness; and I was disgusted! Money! I have plenty of it, sir! + I have twenty thousand francs! They are here, they are yours! That is + to say, they are his! I have kept them to use in my efforts to save + him, for I have betrayed him, because I doubted him, while he was so + confident, so sure of me--and I was so distrustful of him! + + Dupre + And he gave you twenty thousand francs? + + Pamela + Ah, sir! He entrusted them with me. Here they are. I shall return them + to his family, if he dies; but he shall not die! Tell me? Is it not + so? You ought to know. + + Dupre + My dear child, bear in mind that your whole life, perhaps your + happiness, depend upon the truthfulness of your answers. Answer me as + if you stood in the presence of God. + + Pamela + I will. + + Dupre + You have never loved any one before? + + Pamela + Never! + + Dupre + You seem to be afraid! Come, I am terrifying you. You are not giving + me your confidence. + + Pamela + Oh, yes I am, sir; I swear I am! Since we have been in Paris, I have + never left my mother, and I have thought of nothing but my work and my + duty. I was alarmed and thrown into confusion a few moments ago, sir, + but you inspire me with confidence, and I can tell you everything. + Well, I acknowledge it,--I am in love with Jules; he is the only one I + love, and I would follow him to the end of the world! You told me to + speak as in the presence of God. + + Dupre + Well, it is to your heart that I am going to appeal. Do for me what + you have refused to do for others. Tell me the truth! You alone have + the power to save him before the face of justice! You love him, + Pamela; I understand what it would cost you to-- + + Pamela + To avow my love for him? Would that be sufficient to save him? + + Dupre + I will answer for that! + + Pamela + Well? + + Dupre + My child! + + Pamela + Well--he is saved. + + Dupre (earnestly) + But--you will be compromised-- + + Pamela + But after all it is for him. + + Dupre (aside) + I never expected it, but I shall not die without having seen with my + own eyes an example of beautiful and noble candor, destitute alike of + self-interest and designing reserve. (Aloud) Pamela, you are a good + and generous girl. + + Pamela + To act this way consoles me for many little miseries of life. + + Dupre + My child, that is not everything! You are true as steel, you are high- + spirited. But in order to succeed it is necessary to have assurance-- + determination-- + + Pamela + Oh, sir! You shall see! + + Dupre + Do not be over-anxious. Dare to confess everything. Be brave! Imagine + that you are before the Court of Assizes, the presiding judge, the + public prosecutor, the prisoner at the bar, and me, his advocate; the + jury is on one side. The big court-room is filled with people. Do not + be alarmed. + + Pamela + You needn't fear for me. + + Dupre + A court officer brings you in; you have given your name and surname! + Then the presiding judge asks you "How long have you known the + prisoner, Rousseau?"--What would you answer? + + Pamela + The truth!--I met him about a month before his arrest at the Ile + d'Amour, Belleville. + + Dupre + Who were with him? + + Pamela + I noticed no one but him. + + Dupre + Did you hear them talk politics? + + Pamela (in astonishment) + Oh, sir! The judges must be aware that politics are matters of + indifference at the Ile d'Amour. + + Dupre + Very good, my child! But you must tell them all you know about Jules + Rousseau. + + Pamela + Of course. I shall still speak the truth, and repeat my testimony + before the police justice. I knew nothing of the conspiracy, and was + infinitely surprised when he was arrested in my room; the proof of + which is that I feared M. Jules was a thief and afterwards apologized + for my suspicion. + + Dupre + You must acknowledge that from the time of your first acquaintance + with this young man, he constantly came to see you. You must declare-- + + Pamela + I shall stick to the truth--He never left me alone! He came to see me + for love, I received him from friendship, and I resisted him from a + sense of duty-- + + Dupre + And at last? + + Pamela (anxiously) + At last? + + Dupre + You are trembling! Take care! Just now you promised me to tell the + truth! + + Pamela (aside) + The truth! Oh my God! + + Dupre + I also am interested in this young man; but I recoil from a possible + imposture. If he is guilty, my duty bids me defend him, if he is + innocent, his cause shall be mine. Yes, without doubt, Pamela, I am + about to demand from you a great sacrifice, but he needs it. The + visits which Jules made to you were in the evening, and without the + knowledge of your parents. + + Pamela + Why no! never! + + Dupre + How is this? For in that case there would be no hope for him. + + Pamela (aside) + No hope for him! Then either he or I must be ruined. (Aloud) Sir, do + not be alarmed; I felt a little fear because the real danger was not + before my eyes. But when I shall stand before the judges!--when once I + shall see him, see Jules--and feel that his safety depends upon me-- + + Dupre + That is good, very good. But what is most necessary to be made known + is that on the evening of the twenty-fourth, he came here. If that is + once understood, I shall be successful in saving him; otherwise, I can + answer for nothing. He is lost! + + Pamela (murmuring, greatly agitated) + Lost!--Jules lost!--No, no, no!--Better that my own good name be lost! + (Aloud) Yes, he came here on the twenty-fourth. (Aside) God forgive + me! (Aloud) It was my saint's day--my name is Louise Pamela--and he + was kind enough to bring me a bouquet, without the knowledge of my + father or mother; he came in the evening, late. Ah! you need have no + fear, sir--you see I shall tell all. (Aside) And all is a lie! + + Dupre + He will be saved! (Rousseau appears) Ah! sir! (running to the door of + the room) Come all of you and thank your deliverer! + + + SCENE SIXTH + + Rousseau, De Verby, Madame du Brocard, Giraud, Madame Giraud, Dupre, + and later Joseph Binet. + + + All + Does she consent? + + Rousseau + You have saved my son. I shall never forget it. + + Mme. du Brocard + You have put us under eternal obligations, my child. + + Rousseau + My fortune shall be at your disposal. + + Dupre + I will not say anything to you, my child! We shall meet again! + + Joseph (coming out of the closet) + One moment! One moment! I have heard everything--and do you believe + that I am going to put up with that? I was here in concealment all the + time. And do you think I am going to let Pamela, whom I have loved and + have wished to make my wife, say all that? (To Dupre) This is the way + you are going to earn my fourteen hundred francs, eh! Well, I shall go + to court myself and testify that the whole thing is a lie. + + All + Great heaven! + + Dupre + You miserable wretch! + + De Verby + If you say a single word-- + + Joseph + Oh, I am not afraid! + + De Verby (to Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard) + He shall never go to court! If necessary, I will have him shadowed, + and I will put men on the watch to prevent him from entering. + + Joseph + I'd just like to see you try it! + + (Enter a sheriff's officer, who goes up to Dupre.) + + Dupre + What do you want? + + The sheriff's officer + I am the court officer of the Assizes--Mlle. Pamela Giraud! (Pamela + comes forward.) In virtue of discretionary authority of the presiding + judge, you are summoned to appear before him to-morrow at ten o'clock. + + Joseph (to De Verby) + I will go also. + + The officer + The porter has told me that you have here a gentleman called Joseph + Binet. + + Joseph + Here I am! + + The officer + Please take your summons. + + Joseph + I told you that I would go! + + (The officer withdraws; every one is alarmed at the threats of Binet. + Dupre tries to speak to him and reason with him, but he steals away.) + + + Curtain to the Third Act. + + + + +ACT IV + + + SCENE FIRST + + (The stage represents Madame du Brocard's salon, from which can be + seen the Court of Assizes.) + + Madame du Brocard, Madame Rousseau, Rousseau, Joseph Binet, Dupre and + Justine. + + + (Dupre is seated reading his note-book.) + + Mme. Rousseau + M. Dupre! + + Dupre + Yes, madame, the court adjourned after the speech of the prosecuting + attorney. And I came over to reassure you personally. + + Mme. du Brocard + I told you, sister, that some one was sure to come and keep us + informed of things. In my house, here, which is so close to the court + house, we are in a favorable position for learning all that goes on at + the trial. Ah, M. Dupre! How can we thank you enough! You spoke + superbly! (To Justine) Justine, bring in something to drink--Quick! + + Rousseau + Sir, your speech-- (To his wife) He was magnificent. + + Dupre + Sir,-- + + Joseph (in tears) + Yes, you were magnificent, magnificent! + + Dupre + I am not the person you ought to thank, but that child, that Pamela, + who showed such astonishing courage. + + Joseph + And didn't I do well? + + Mme. Rousseau + And he (pointing to Binet), did he carry out the threat he made to us? + + Dupre + No, he took your side. + + Joseph + It was your fault! But for you--Ah!--Well--I reached the court house, + having made up my mind to mix up everything; but when I saw all the + people, the judge, the jury, the crowd, and the terrible silence, I + trembled! Nevertheless I screwed up my courage. When I was questioned, + I was just about to answer, when my glance met the eyes of Mlle. + Pamela, which were filled with tears--I felt as if my tongue was + bound. And on the other side I saw M. Jules--a handsome youth, his + fine face conspicuous among them all. His expression was as tranquil + as if he had been a mere spectator. That knocked me out! "Don't be + afraid," said the judge to me. I was absolutely beside myself! I was + afraid of making some mistake; and then I had sworn to keep to the + truth; and then M. Dupre fixed his eye on me. I can't tell you what + that eye seemed to say to me--My tongue seemed twisted up. I broke out + into a sweat--my heart beat hard--and I began to cry, like a fool. You + were magnificent. And then in a moment it was all over. He made me do + exactly what he wanted. This is the way I lied: I said that on the + evening of the twenty-fourth I unexpectedly came to Pamela's room and + found M. Jules there--Yes, at Pamela's, the girl whom I was going to + marry, whom I still love--and our marriage will be the talk of the + whole neighborhood. Never mind, he's a great lawyer! Never mind! (To + Justine) Give me something to drink, will you? + + Rousseau, Mme. Rousseau, Mme. du Brocard (To Joseph) + Dear friend! You showed yourself a fine fellow! + + Dupre + The energy shown by Pamela makes me hopeful. I trembled for a moment + while she was giving evidence; the prosecuting attorney pressed her + very hard and seemed to doubt her veracity; she grew pale and I + thought she was going to faint. + + Joseph + And what must my feelings have been? + + Dupre + Her self-sacrifice was wonderful. You don't realize all that she has + undergone for you; I, myself even, was deceived by her; she was her + own accuser, yet all the time was innocent. Only one moment did she + falter; but darting a rapid glance at Jules, she suddenly rallied, a + blush took the place of pallor on her countenance, and we felt that + she had saved her lover; in spite of the risk she was running, she + repeated once more before all those people the story of her own + disgrace, and then fell weeping into the arms of her mother. + + Joseph + Yes, she is a fine girl. + + Dupre + But I must leave you; the summing up of the judge will come this + afternoon. + + Rousseau + You must be going then. + + Dupre + One moment! Do not forget Pamela! That young girl has compromised her + own honor for you and for him. + + Joseph + As for me, I don't ask anything, but I have been led to expect-- + + Mme. du Brocard, Mme. Rousseau + We can never pay our debt of gratitude to you. + + Dupre + Very good; come, gentlemen, we must be starting. + + (Exeunt Dupre and Rousseau.) + + + SCENE SECOND + + The same persons excepting Dupre and Rousseau. + + + Mme. du Brocard (stopping Joseph on his way out) + Listen to me! + + Joseph + What can I do for you? + + Mme. du Brocard + You see in what a state of anxiety we are; don't fail to let us know + the least turn in our favor which the trial makes. + + Mme. Rousseau + Yes, keep us well informed on the whole business. + + Joseph + You may rest assured of that--But look here, I needn't leave the court + house to do that, I intend to see everything, and to hear everything. + But do you see that window there? My seat is just under it; you watch + that window, and it if he is declared innocent you will see me wave my + handkerchief. + + Mme. Rousseau + Do not forget to do so. + + Joseph + No danger of that; I am a poor chap, but I know what a mother's heart + is! I am interested in this case, and for you, and for Pamela, I have + said a lot of things! But when you are fond of people you'll do + anything, and then I have been promised something--you may count upon + me. (Exit.) + + + SCENE THIRD + + The same persons excepting Joseph. + + + Mme. Rousseau + Justine, open this window, and wait for the signal which the young man + has promised to give--Ah! but suppose my boy were condemned! + + Mme. du Brocard + M. Dupre has spoken very hopefully about matters. + + Mme. Rousseau + But with regard to this good girl, this admirable Pamela--what must we + do for her? + + Mme. du Brocard + We ought to do something to make her happy! I acknowledge that this + young person is a succor sent from heaven! Only a noble heart could + make the sacrifice that she has made! She deserves a fortune for it! + Thirty thousand francs! That is what she ought to have. Jules owes his + life to her. (Aside) Poor boy, will his life be saved? + + (Mme. du Brocard looks toward the window.) + + Mme. Rousseau + Well, Justine, do you see anything? + + Justine + Nothing, madame. + + Mme. Rousseau + Nothing yet! Yes, you are right, sister, it is only the heart that can + prompt such noble actions. I do not know what you and my husband would + think about it, but if we considered what was right, and had full + regard to the happiness of Jules, apart from the brilliant prospect of + an alliance with the family of De Verby, if my son loved her and she + loved my son--it seems to me reasonable-- + + Mme. du Brocard and Justine + No! No! + + Mme. Rousseau + Oh, sister! Say yes! Has she not well deserved it? But there is some + one coming. + + (The two women remain in their seats with clasped hands.) + + + SCENE FOURTH + + The same persons and De Verby. + + + Justine + M. le General de Verby! + + Mme. Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard + Ah! + + De Verby + Everything is going on well! My presence was no longer necessary, so I + return to you. There are great hopes of your son's acquittal. The + charge of the presiding judge is decidedly in his favor. + + Mme. Rousseau (joyfully) + Thank God! + + De Verby + Jules has behaved admirably! My brother the Comte de Verby is very + much interested in his favor. My niece looks upon him as a hero, and I + know courage and honorable conduct when I see them. When once this + affair has been settled, we will hasten the marriage. + + Mme. Rousseau + We ought to tell you, sir, that we have made certain promises to this + young girl. + + Mme. du Brocard + Never mind that, sister. + + De Verby + Doubtless the young girl deserves some recompense, and I suppose you + will give her fifteen or twenty thousand francs,--that is due her. + + Mme. du Brocard + You see, sister, that M. de Verby is a noble and generous man, and + since he has fixed upon this sum, I think it will be sufficient. + + Justine + M. Rousseau! + + Mme. du Brocard + O brother! + + Mme. Rousseau + Dear husband! + + + SCENE FIFTH + + The same persons and Rousseau. + + + De Verby (to Rousseau) + Have you good news? + + Mme. Rousseau + Is he acquitted? + + Rousseau + No, but it is rumored that he is going to be; the jury are in + consultation; I couldn't stay there any longer; I couldn't stand the + suspense; I told Antoine to hurry here as soon as the verdict is + given. + + Mme. Rousseau + We shall learn what the verdict is from this window; we have agreed + upon a signal to be given by that youth, Joseph Binet. + + Rousseau + Ah! keep a good look out, Justine. + + Mme. Rousseau + And how is Jules? What a trying time it must be for him! + + Rousseau + Not at all! The unfortunate boy astonishes me by his coolness. Such + courage as he has is worthy of a better cause than that of conspiracy. + To think of his having put us in such a position! But for this I might + have been appointed President of the Chamber of Commerce. + + De Verby + You forget that, after all, his marriage with a member of my family + will make some amends for his trouble. + + Rousseau (struck by a sudden thought) + Ah, general! When I left the court room, Jules stood surrounded by his + friends, among whom were M. Dupre and the young girl Pamela. Your + niece and Madame de Verby must have noticed it, and I hope that you + will try to explain matters to them. + + (While Rousseau speaks with the general the ladies are watching for + the signal.) + + De Verby + Rest assured of that! I will take care that Jules appears as white as + snow! It is of very great importance to explain this affair of the + working-girl, otherwise the Comtesse de Verby might oppose the + marriage. We must explain away this apparent amour, and she must be + made to understand that the girl's evidence was a piece of self- + sacrifice for which she had been paid. + + Rousseau + I certainly intend to do my duty towards that young girl. I shall give + her eight or ten thousand francs. It seems to me that that will be + liberal, very liberal! + + Mme. Rousseau (while Mme. du Brocard tries to restrain her) + Ah, sir, but what of her honor? + + Rousseau + Well, I suppose that some one will marry her. + + + SCENE SIXTH + + The same persons and Joseph. + + + Joseph (dashing in) + Monsieur! Madame! Give me some cologne or something, I beg you! + + All + Whatever can be the matter? + + Joseph + M. Antoine, your footman, is bringing Pamela here. + + Rousseau + Has anything happened? + + Joseph + When she saw the jury come in to give their verdict she was taken ill! + Her father and mother, who were in the crowd at the other end of the + court, couldn't stir. I cried out, and the presiding judge made them + put me out of court! + + Mme. Rousseau + But Jules! My son! What did the jury say? + + Joseph + I know nothing! I had no eyes except for Pamela. As for your son, I + suppose he is all right, but first with me comes Pamela-- + + De Verby + But you must have seen how the jury looked! + + Joseph + Oh, yes! The foreman of the jury looked so gloomy--so severe--that I + am quite persuaded-- (He shudders.) + + Mme. Rousseau + My poor Jules! + + Joseph + Here comes Antoine and Mlle. Pamela. + + + SCENE SEVENTH + + The same persons, Antoine and Pamela. + + + (They lead Pamela to a seat and give her smelling salts.) + + Mme. du Brocard + My dear child! + + Mme. Rousseau + My daughter! + + Rousseau + Mademoiselle! + + Pamela + I couldn't stand it any longer, the excitement was too great--and the + suspense was so cruel. I tried to brace up my courage by the calmness + of M. Jules while the jury was deliberating; the smile which he wore + made me share his presentiment of coming release! But I was chilled to + the heart when I looked at the pale, impassive countenance of M. + Dupre!--And then, the sound of the bell that announced the return of + the jury, and the murmur of anxiety that ran through the court--I was + quite overcome!--A cold sweat suffused my cheek and I fainted. + + Joseph + As for me, I shouted out, and they threw me into the street. + + De Verby (to Rousseau) + If by mischance-- + + Rousseau + Sir! + + De Verby (to Rousseau and the women) + If it should be necessary to appeal the case (pointing to Pamela), + could we count upon her? + + Mme. Rousseau + On her? To the end; I am sure of that. + + Mme. du Brocard + Pamela! + + Rousseau + Tell me, you who have shown yourself so good, so generous,--if we + should still have need of your unselfish aid, would you be ready? + + Pamela + Quite ready, sir! I have but one object, one single thought!--and that + is, to save M. Jules! + + Joseph (aside) + She loves him, she loves him! + + Rousseau + Ah! all that I have is at your disposal. + + (A murmur and cries are heard; general alarm.) + + All + What a noise they are making! Listen to their shouts! + + (Pamela totters to her feet. Joseph runs to the window, where Justine + is watching.) + + Joseph + There's a crowd of people rushing down the steps of the court,--they + are coming here! + + Justine and Joseph + It is M. Jules! + + Rousseau and Mme. Rousseau + My son! + + Mme. du Brocard and Pamela + Jules! + + (They rush forward to Jules.) + + De Verby + He is acquitted! + + + SCENE EIGHTH + + The same persons and Jules (brought in by his mother and his aunt and + followed by his friends). + + + (Jules flings himself into the arms of his mother; he does not at + first see Pamela, who is seated in a corner near Joseph.) + + Jules + O mother! Dear aunt! And my father! Here I am, restored to liberty + again! (To General de Verby and the friends who have come with him) + Let me thank you, general, and you, my friends, for your kind + sympathy. + + (After general handshaking the friends depart.) + + Mme. Rousseau + And so my son has at last come back to me! It seems too good to be + true. + + Joseph (to Pamela) + Well, and what of you? He hasn't said a word to you, and you are the + only one he hasn't seen. + + Pamela + Silence, Joseph, silence! + + (Pamela retires to the end of the stage.) + + De Verby + Not only have you been acquitted, but you have also gained a high + place in the esteem of those who are interested in the affair! You + have exhibited both courage and discretion, such as have gratified us + all. + + Rousseau + Everybody has behaved well. Antoine, you have done nobly; you will end + your life in this house. + + Mme. Rousseau (to Jules) + Let me express my gratitude to M. Adolph Durand. + + (Jules presents his friend.) + + Jules + Yes, but my real deliverer, my guardian angel is poor Pamela! How well + she understood my situation and her own also! What self-sacrifice she + showed! Can I ever forget her emotion, her terror!--and then she + fainted! (Mme. Rousseau, who has been thinking of nothing else but her + son, now looks around for Pamela, sees her, and brings her up to + Jules.) Ah, Pamela! Pamela! My gratitude to you shall be eternal! + + Pamela + Ah, M. Jules! How happy I feel. + + Jules + We will never part again? Will we, mother? She shall be your daughter! + + De Verby (to Rousseau with vehemence) + My sister and my niece are expecting an answer; you will have to + exercise your authority, sir. This young man seems to have a lively + and romantic imagination. He is in danger of missing his career + through a too scrupulous sense of honor, and a generosity which is + tinged with folly! + + Rousseau (in embarrassment) + The fact is-- + + De Verby + But I have your word. + + Mme. du Brocard + Speak out, brother! + + Jules + Mother, do you answer them, and show yourself on my side? + + Rousseau (taking Jules by the hand) + Jules! I shall never forget the service which this young girl has done + us. I understand the promptings of your gratitude; but as you are + aware the Comte de Verby has our promise; it is not right that you + should lightly sacrifice your future! You are not wanting in energy, + you have given sufficient proof of that! A young conspirator should be + quite able to extricate himself from such an affair as this. + + De Verby (to Jules) + Undoubtedly! And our future diplomat will have a splendid chance. + + Rousseau + Moreover my wishes in the matter-- + + Jules + O father! + + Dupre (appearing) + Jules, I still have to take up your defence. + + Pamela and Joseph + M. Dupre! + + Jules + My friend! + + Mme. du Brocard + It is the lawyer. + + Dupre + I see! I am no longer "my dear Monsieur Dupre"! + + Mme. du Brocard + Oh, you are always that! But before paying our debt of gratitude to + you, we have to think about this young girl. + + Dupre (coldly) + I beg your pardon, madame. + + De Verby + This man is going to spoil everything. + + Dupre (to Rousseau) + I heard all you said. It transcends all I have ever experienced. I + could not have believed that ingratitude could follow so soon on the + acceptance of a benefit. Rich as you are, rich as your son will be, + what fairer task have you to perform than that of satisfying your + conscience? In saving Jules, this girl has brought disgrace upon + herself! Can it be possible that the fortune which you have so + honorably gained should have killed in your heart every generous + sentiment, and that self-interest alone-- (He sees Mme. du Brocard + making signs to her brother.) Ah! that is right, madame! It is you + that give the tone in this household! And I forgot while I was + pleading to this gentleman, that you would be at his elbow when I was + no longer here. + + Mme. du Brocard + We have pledged our word to the Count and Countess of Verby! Mlle. + Pamela, whose friend I shall be all my life, did not effect the + deliverance of my nephew on the understanding that she should blight + his prospects. + + Rousseau + There ought to be some basis of equality in a union by marriage. My + son will some day have an income of eighty thousand francs. + + Joseph (aside) + That suits me to a T. I shall marry her now. But this fellow here, he + talks more like a Jewish money-changer than a father. + + De Verby (to Dupre) + I think, sir, that your talent and character are such as to claim our + highest admiration and esteem. The Rousseau family will always + preserve your name in grateful memory; but these private discussions + must be carried on without witnesses from outside. M. Rousseau has + given me his word and I keep him to his promise! (To Jules) Come, my + young friend, come to my brother's house; my niece is expecting you. + To-morrow we will sign the marriage contract. + + (Pamela falls senseless on her chair.) + + Joseph + Ah, what have you done! Mlle. Pamela! + + Dupre and Jules (darting towards her) + Good heavens! + + De Verby (taking Jules by the hand) + Come--come-- + + Dupre + Stop a moment! I should have been glad to think that I was not the + only protector that was left her! But listen, the matter is not yet + ended! Pamela will certainly be arrested as a false witness! (Seizes + the hand of De Verby.) And you will all be ruined. + + (Dupre leads off Pamela.) + + Joseph (hiding behind a sofa) + Don't tell anybody that I am here! + + + Curtain to the Fourth Act. + + + + +ACT V + + + SCENE FIRST + + (The stage setting represents the private study in Dupre's house. On + one side is a bookcase, on the other a desk. On the left is a window + hung with heavy, sweeping silk curtains.) + + Dupre, Pamela, Giraud and Madame Giraud. + + + (Pamela is seated on a chair reading; her mother is standing in front + of her; Giraud is examining the pictures on the wall; Dupre is + striding up and down the room.) + + Dupre (stopping, addresses Giraud) + Did you take your usual precautions in coming here this morning? + + Giraud + You may rest assured of that, sir; when I come here I walk with my + head turned backwards! I know well enough that the least want of + caution quickly results in misfortune. Your heart, my daughter, has + led you astray this time; perjury is a terrible thing and I am afraid + you are in a serious mess. + + Mme. Giraud + I agree with you. You must be very careful, Giraud, for if any one + were to follow you and discover that our poor daughter was here in + concealment, through the generosity of M. Dupre-- + + Dupre + Come now, enough of that! (He continues to stride hastily about the + room.) What ingratitude! The Rousseau family are ignorant of what + steps I have taken. They believe that Pamela has been arrested, and + none of them trouble their heads about it! They have sent Jules off to + Brussels; De Verby is in the country; and Rousseau carries on his + business at the Bourse as if nothing else was worth living for. Money, + ambition, are their sole objects. The higher feelings count for + nothing! They all worship the golden calf. Money makes them dance + round their idol; the sight of it blinds them. + + (Pamela has been watching him, she rises and approaches him.) + + Pamela + M. Dupre, you are agitated, you seem unwell. I fear it is on my + account. + + Dupre + Have you not shared my disgust at the hateful want of feeling + manifested by this family, who, as soon as their son is acquitted, + throw you aside as a mere tool that has served their purpose? + + Pamela + But what can we do about it, sir? + + Dupre + Dear child, does your heart feel no bitterness against them? + + Pamela + No, sir! I am happier than any of them; for I feel that I have done a + good deed. + + Mme. Giraud (embracing Pamela) + My poor dear daughter! + + Giraud + This is the happiest moment of my life. + + Dupre (addressing Pamela) + Mademoiselle, you are a noble girl! No one has better ground for + saying it than I, for it was I who came to you imploring you to speak + the truth; and pure and honorable as you are, you have compromised + your character for the sake of another. And now they repulse you and + treat you with contempt; but I look upon you with hearty admiration-- + you shall yet be happy, for I will make full reparation to you! + Pamela, I am forty-eight years old. I have some reputation, and a + fortune. I have spent my life as an honest man, and will finish it as + such; will you be my wife? + + Pamela (much moved) + I, sir? + + Giraud + His wife! Our daughter his wife! What do you say to that, Mme. Giraud? + + Mme. Giraud + Can it be possible? + + Dupre + Why should you wonder at this? Let us have no idle phrases. Put the + question to your own heart--and answer yes or no--Will you be my wife? + + Pamela + You are a great man, sir, and I owe everything to you. Do you really + wish to add to the debt? Ah! my gratitude--! + + Dupre + Don't let me hear you use that word,--it spoils everything! The world + is something that I despise! And I render to it no account of my + conduct, my hatred or my love. From the moment I saw your courage and + your resignation--I loved you. Try to love me in return! + + Pamela + Ah, sir, indeed I will! + + Mme. Giraud + Could any one help loving you? + + Giraud + Sir, I am only a poor porter. I repeat it, I am nothing but a porter. + You love our daughter, you have told her so. Forgive me--my eyes are + full of tears--and that checks my utterance. (He wipes his eyes.) + Well, well, you do right to love her! It proves that you have brains! + For Pamela--there are a great many landowners' children who are her + inferiors. But it is humiliating for her to have parents such as us. + + Pamela + O father! + + Giraud + You are a leader among men! Well, I and my wife, we will go and hide + ourselves somewhere far into the country! And on Sunday, at the hour + of mass, you will say, "They are praying to God for us!" + + (Pamela kisses her parents.) + + Dupre + You are good people, and to think that such as you have neither title + nor fortune! And if you are pining for your country home, you shall + return there and live there in happiness and tranquillity, and I will + make provision for you. + + Giraud and Mme. Giraud + Oh! our gratitude-- + + Dupre + That word again--I should like to cut it out of the dictionary! + Meanwhile I intend to take you both with me into the country, so set + about packing up. + + Giraud + Sir! + + Dupre + Well, what is it? + + Giraud + Poor Joseph Binet is also in danger. He does not know that we are all + here. But three days ago, he came to see your servant and seemed + scared almost to death, and he is hidden here, as in a sanctuary, up + in the attic. + + Dupre + Call him down-stairs. + + Giraud + He will not come, sir; he is too much afraid of being arrested--they + pass him up food through a hole in the ceiling! + + Dupre + He will soon be at liberty, I hope. I am expecting a letter which will + relieve all your minds. + + Giraud + At once? + + Dupre + I expect the letter this evening. + + Giraud (to his wife) + I am going to make my way cautiously to the house. + + (Madame Giraud accompanies him, and gives him advice. Pamela arises to + follow her.) + + Dupre (restraining Pamela) + You are not in love with this Binet, are you? + + Pamela + Oh, never! + + Dupre + And the other? + + Pamela (struggling with her feelings) + I shall love none but you! + + (Pamela starts to leave the room. A noise is heard in the antechamber. + Jules appears.) + + + SCENE SECOND + + Pamela, Dupre and Jules. + + + Jules (to the servants) + Let me pass! I tell you--I must speak to him at once! (Noticing Dupre) + Ah, sir! What has become of Pamela? Is she at liberty? Is she safe? + + Pamela (stopping at the door) + Jules! + + Jules + Good heavens! You here? + + Dupre + And you, sir, I thought you were at Brussels? + + Jules + Yes, they sent me away against my will, and I yielded to them! Reared + as I have been in obedience, I still tremble before my family! But I + carried away with me the memory of what I had left behind! It has + taken me six months to realize the situation, and I now acknowledge + that I risked my life in order to obtain the hand of Mlle. de Verby, + that I might gratify the ambition of my family, or, if you like, might + honor my own vanity. I hoped some day to be a man of title, I, the son + of a rich stock-broker! Then I met Pamela, and I fell in love with + her! The rest you know! What was a mere sentiment has now become a + duty, and every hour that has kept me from her I have felt that + obedience to my family was rank cowardice; and while they believe I am + far away, I have returned! You told me she had been arrested--and to + think that I should run away (to both of them) without coming to see + you, who had been my deliverer, and will be hers also. + + Dupre (looking at them) + Good! Very good! He is an honorable fellow after all. + + Pamela (aside, drying her tears) + Thank God for that! + + Dupre + What do you expect to do? What are your plans? + + Jules + What are my plans? To unite my fortune with hers. If necessary, to + forfeit everything for her, and under God's protection to say to her, + "Pamela, will you be mine?" + + Dupre + The deuce you say! But there is a slight difficulty in the way--for I + am going to marry her myself. + + Jules (in great astonishment) + You? + + Dupre + Yes, I! (Pamela casts down her eyes.) I have no family to oppose my + wishes. + + Jules + I will win over mine. + + Dupre + They will send you off to Brussels again. + + Jules + I must run and find my mother; my courage has returned! Were I to + forfeit the favor of my father, were my aunt to cut me off with a sou, + I would stand my ground. If I did otherwise, I should be destitute of + self-respect, I should prove myself a soulless coward.--After that, is + there any hope for me? + + Dupre + Do you ask such a question of me? + + Jules + Pamela, answer, I implore you! + + Pamela (to Dupre) + I have given you my word, sir. + + + SCENE THIRD + + The same persons and a servant. + + + (The servant hands a card to Dupre.) + + Dupre (looking at the card with great surprise) + How is this? (To Jules) Do you know where M. de Verby is? + + Jules + He is in Normandy, staying with his brother, Comte de Verby. + + Dupre (looking at the card) + Very good. Now you had better go and find your mother. + + Jules + But you promise me? + + Dupre + I promise nothing. + + Jules + Good-bye, Pamela! (Aside, as he goes out) I will come back soon. + + Dupre (turning towards Pamela, after the departure of Jules) + Must he come back again? + + Pamela (with great emotion, throwing herself into his arms) + Ah! sir! (Exit.) + + Dupre (looking after her and wiping away a tear) + Gratitude, forsooth! (Opening a narrow secret door.) Come in, general; + come in! + + + SCENE FOURTH + + Dupre and De Verby. + + + Dupre + Strange, sir, to find you here, when every one believes that you are + fifty leagues away from Paris. + + De Verby + I arrived this morning. + + Dupre + Without doubt some powerful motive brought you here? + + De Verby + No selfish motive; but I couldn't remain wholly indifferent to the + affairs of others! You may prove useful to me. + + Dupre + I shall be only too happy to have an opportunity of serving you. + + Du Verby + M. Dupre, the circumstances under which we have become acquainted have + put me in a position fully to appreciate your value. You occupy the + first place among the men whose talents and character claim my + attention. + + Dupre + Ah! sir, you compel me to say that you, a veteran of the Empire, have + always seemed to me by your loyalty and your independence to be a + fitting representative of that glorious epoch. (Aside) I hope I have + paid him back in full. + + De Verby + I suppose I may rely upon you for assistance? + + Dupre + Certainly. + + De Verby + I would like to ask for some information with regard to young Pamela + Giraud. + + Dupre + I felt sure that was your object. + + De Verby + The Rousseau family have behaved abominably. + + Dupre + Would you have behaved any better? + + De Verby + I intend to espouse her cause! Since her arrest as a perjurer, how do + things go on? + + Dupre + That can have very little interest for you. + + De Verby + That may be true, but-- + + Dupre (aside) + He is trying to make me talk in order to find out whether he is likely + to be compromised in the case. (Aloud) General de Verby, there are + some men who cannot be seen through, either in their plans or in their + thoughts; the actions and events which they give rise to alone reveal + and explain such men. These are the strong men. I humbly beg that you + will pardon my frankness when I say that I don't look upon you as + being one of them. + + De Verby + Sir! What language to use to me! You are a singular man! + + Dupre + More than that! I believe that I am an original man! Listen to me. You + throw out hints to me, and you think that as a future ambassador you + can try on me your diplomatic methods; but you have chosen the wrong + man and I am going to tell you something, which you will take no + pleasure in learning. You are ambitious, but you are also prudent, and + you have taken the lead in a certain conspiracy. The plot failed, and + without worrying yourself about those whom you had pushed to the + front, and who eagerly strove for success, you have yourself sneaked + out of the way. As a political renegade you have proved your + independence by burning incense to the new dynasty! And you expect as + a reward to be made ambassador to Turin! In a month's time you will + receive your credentials; meanwhile Pamela is arrested, you have been + seen at her house, you may possibly be compromised by her trial for + perjury! Then you rush to me, trembling with the fear of being + unmasked, of losing the promotion which has caused you so many efforts + to attain! You come to me with an air of obsequiousness, and with the + words of flattery, expecting to make me your dupe, and thus to show + your sincerity! Well, you have sufficient reason for alarm--Pamela is + in the hands of justice, and she has told all. + + De Verby + What then is to be done? + + Dupre + I have one suggestion to make: Write to Jules that you release him + from his engagement, and the Mlle. de Verby withdraws her promise to + be his wife. + + De Verby + Is that your advice? + + Dupre + You find that the Rousseau family have behaved abominably, and you + ought to despise them! + + De Verby + But you know--engagements of this sort-- + + Dupre + I'll tell you what I know; I know that your private fortune is not + equal to the position which you aspire to. Mme. du Brocard, whose + wealth is equal to her pride, ought to come to your assistance, if + this alliance-- + + De Verby + Sir! How dare you to affront my dignity in this way? + + Dupre + Whether what I say be true or false, do what I tell you! If you agree, + I will endeavor to save you from being compromised. But write--or get + out of the difficulty the best way you can. But stay, I hear some + clients coming. + + De Verby + I don't want to see anybody! Everybody, even the Rousseau family, + believes that I have left the city. + + A servant (announcing a visitor) + Madame du Brocard! + + De Verby + Oh, heavens! + + (De Verby rushes into an office on the right.) + + + SCENE FIFTH + + Dupre and Madame du Brocard. + + + (Madame du Brocard enters, her face hidden by a heavy black veil which + she cautiously raises.) + + Mme. du Brocard + I have been here several times without being lucky enough to find you + in. We are quite alone here? + + Dupre (smiling) + Quite alone! + + Mme. du Brocard + And so this harrowing affair has broken out afresh? + + Dupre + It has, unhappily! + + Mme. du Brocard + That wretched young man! If I had not superintended his education, I + would disinherit him! My life at present is not worth living. Is it + possible that I, whose conduct and principles have won the esteem of + all, should be involved in all this trouble? And yet on this occasion + the only thing that gives me any anxiety is my conduct towards the + Girauds! + + Dupre + I can well believe it, for it was you who led astray and who induced + Pamela to act as she did! + + Mme. du Brocard + I feel, sir, that it is always a mistake to associate with people of a + certain class--say, with a Bonapartist--a man who has neither + conscience nor heart. + + (De Verby, who has been listening, shrinks back with a gesture of + rage.) + + Dupre + You always seemed to have such a high opinion of him! + + Mme. du Brocard + His family was highly thought of! And the prospect of this brilliant + marriage! I always dreamt of a distinguished future for my nephew. + + Dupre + But you are forgetting the general's affection for you, his + unselfishness. + + Mme. du Brocard + His affection! His unselfishness! The general does not possess a sou, + and I had promised him a hundred thousand francs, when once the + marriage contract was signed. + + Dupre (coughs loudly, as he turns in the direction of De Verby) + Oh! indeed! + + Mme. du Brocard + I am come to you secretly, and in confidence, in spite of all that has + been said by this M. de Verby, who avers that you are a half-rate + lawyer! He has said the most frightful things about you, and I come + now to beg that you will extricate me from this difficulty. I will + give you whatever money you demand. + + Dupre + What I wish above all is that you promise to let your nephew marry + whom he chooses, and give him the fortune you had designed for him, in + case he married Mlle. de Verby. + + Mme. du Brocard + One moment; you said, whom he pleased? + + Dupre + Give me your answer! + + Mme. du Brocard + But I ought to know. + + Dupre + Very well then, you must extricate yourself without my assistance. + + Mme. du Brocard + You are taking advantage of my situation! Ah! some one is coming. + + Dupre (looking towards the newcomers) + It is some of your own family! + + Mme. du Brocard (peering cautiously) + It is my brother-in-law Rousseau--What is he up to now? He swore to me + that he would keep quiet! + + Dupre + You also took an oath. In fact, there has been a great deal of + swearing in your family lately. + + Mme. du Brocard + I hope I shall be able to hear what he has to say! + + (Rousseau appears with his wife. Mme. du Brocard conceals herself + behind the curtain.) + + Dupre (looking at her) + Very good! But if these two want to hide themselves, I don't know + where I shall put them! + + + SCENE SIXTH + + Dupre, Rousseau and Madame Rousseau. + + + Rousseau + Sir, we are at our wits' end--Madame du Brocard, my sister-in-law, + came this morning and told us all sorts of stories. + + Mme. Rousseau + Sir, I am in the most serious alarm. + + Dupre (offering her a seat) + Pray be seated, madame. + + Rousseau + If all she says be true, my son is still in difficulties. + + Dupre + I pity you; I do indeed! + + Rousseau + It seems as if I should never get free! This unfortunate affair has + lasted for six months, and it seems to have cut ten years off my life. + I have been forced to neglect the most magnificent speculations, + financial combinations of absolute certitude, and to let them pass + into the hands of others. And then came the trial! But when I thought + the affair was all over, I have been compelled once more to leave my + business, and to spend my precious time in these interviews and + solicitations. + + Dupre + I pity you; I do indeed! + + Mme. Rousseau + Meanwhile it is impossible for me-- + + Rousseau + It is all your fault, and that of your family. Mme. du Brocard, who at + first used always to call me "my dear Rousseau"--because I had a few + hundred thousand crowns-- + + Dupre + Such a sum is a fine varnish for a man. + + Rousseau + From pride and ambition, she threw herself at the head of M. de Verby. + (De Verby and Mme. du Brocard listen.) Pretty couple they are! Two + charming characters, one a military lobbyist, and the other an old + hypocritical devotee! + + (The two withdraw their heads quickly.) + + Mme. Rousseau + Sir, she is my sister! + + Dupre + Really, you are going too far! + + Rousseau + You do not know them! Sir, I address you once again, there is sure to + be a new trial. What has become of that girl? + + Dupre + That girl is to be my wife, sir. + + Rousseau and Mme. Rousseau + Your wife! + + De Verby and Mme. du Brocard + His wife! + + Dupre + Yes, I shall marry her as soon as she regains her liberty--that is, + provided she doesn't become the wife of your son! + + Rousseau + The wife of my son!-- + + Mme. Rousseau + What did he say? + + Dupre + What is the matter? Does that astonish you? You're bound to entertain + this proposal--and I demand that you do so. + + Rousseau (ironically) + Ah! M. Dupre, I don't care a brass button about my son's union with + Mlle. de Verby--the niece of a disreputable man! It was that fool of a + Madame du Brocard who tried to bring about this grand match. But to + come down to a daughter of a porter-- + + Dupre + Her father is no longer that, sir! + + Rousseau + What do you mean? + + Dupre + He lost his place through your son, and he intends returning to the + country, to live on the money-- (Rousseau listens attentively) on the + money which you have promised to give him. + + Rousseau + Ah! you are joking! + + Dupre + On the contrary, I am quite serious. Your son will marry their + daughter--and you will provide a pension for the old people. + + Rousseau + Sir-- + + + SCENE SEVENTH + + The same persons and Joseph (coming in pale and faint). + + + Joseph + M. Dupre, M. Dupre, save me! + + All three + What has happened? What is the matter? + + Joseph + Soldiers! Mounted soldiers are coming to arrest me! + + Dupre + Hold your tongue! Hold your tongue! (Everybody seems alarmed. Dupre + looks with anxiety towards the room where Pamela is. To Joseph) To + arrest you? + + Joseph + I saw one of them. Don't you hear him? He is coming up-stairs. Hide + me! + + (Joseph tries to hide himself in the small room, from which De Verby + comes out with a cry.) + + De Verby + Ah! + + (Joseph gets behind the curtain and Mme. du Brocard rushes forth with + a shriek.) + + Mme. du Brocard + Oh, heavens! + + Mme. Rousseau + My sister! + + Rousseau + M. de Verby! + + (The door opens.) + + Joseph (falling exhausted over a chair) + We are all nabbed. + + The servant (entering, to Dupre) + A message from the Keeper of the Seals. + + Joseph + The Keeper of the Seals! That must be about me! + + Dupre (advancing with a serious face and addressing the four others) + I shall now leave you all four face to face--you whose mutual love and + esteem is so great. Ponder well all I have said to you; she who + sacrificed all for you, has been despised and humiliated, both for you + and by you. It is yours to make full reparation to her--to make it + to-day--this very instant--in this very room. And then, we can take + measures by which all can obtain deliverance, if indeed you are worth + the trouble it will cost me. + + (Exit Dupre.) + + + SCENE EIGHTH + + The same persons with the exception of Dupre. + + + (They stand looking awkwardly at each other for a moment.) + + Joseph (going up to them) + We are a nice lot of people. (To De Verby) I should like to know when + we are put in prison, whether you are going to look out for me, for my + pocket is as light as my heart is heavy. (De Verby turns his back on + him. To Rousseau) You know well enough that I was promised something + for my services. (Rousseau withdraws from him without answering. To + Mme. du Brocard) Tell me now, wasn't something promised to me? + + Mme. du Brocard + We will see about that later. + + Mme. Rousseau + But what do you fear? What are you doing in this place? Were you + pursued by any one? + + Joseph + Not at all. I have been four days in this house, hidden like so much + vermin in the garret. I came here because the old Giraud people were + not to be found in their quarters. They have been carried off + somewhere. Pamela has also disappeared--she is doubtless in hiding. I + had no particular desire to run any risk; I admit that I lied to the + judge. If I am condemned I will obtain my freedom by making a few + startling revelations; I will tell on everybody!-- + + De Verby (with energy) + It must be done! + + (De Verby sits at the table and writes.) + + Mme. du Brocard + O Jules, Jules! Wretched child, you are the cause of all this! + + Mme. Rousseau (to her husband) + You see, this lawyer has got you all in his power! You will have to + agree to his terms. + + (De Verby rises from the table. Mme. du Brocard takes his place and + begins to write.) + + Mme. Rousseau (to her husband) + My dear, I implore you! + + Rousseau (with decision) + By heavens! I shall promise to this devil of a lawyer all that he asks + of me; but Jules is at Brussels. + + (The door opens, Joseph cries out in alarm, but it is Dupre who + enters.) + + + SCENE NINTH + + The same persons and Dupre. + + + Dupre + How is this? + + (Mme du Brocard hands him the letter she has been writing; De Verby + hands him his; and it is passed over to Rousseau who reads it with + astonishment; De Verby casts a furious glance at Dupre and the + Rousseau family, and dashes out of the room.) + + Dupre (to Rousseau) + And what decision have you made, sir? + + Rousseau + I shall let my son do exactly what he wants in the matter. + + Mme. Rousseau + Dear husband! + + Dupre (aside) + He thinks that Jules is out of town. + + Rousseau + At present Jules is at Brussels, and he must return at once. + + Dupre + That is perfectly fair! It is quite clear that I can't demand anything + at the moment of you, so long as he is away; to do so would be absurd. + + Rousseau + Certainly! We can settle matters later. + + Dupre + Yes, as soon as he returns. + + Rousseau + Oh! as soon as he returns. (Aside) I will take pretty good care that + he remains where he is. + + Dupre (going towards the door on the left) + Come in, young man, and thank your family, who have given their full + consent to your marriage. + + Mme. Rousseau + It is Jules! + + Mme. du Brocard + It is my nephew! + + Jules + Can it be possible? + + Dupre (darting towards another room) + And you, Pamela, my child, my daughter!--embrace your husband. + + (Jules rushes towards her.) + + Mme. du Brocard (to Rousseau) + How has all this come about? + + Dupre + Pamela never was arrested. There is no likelihood of her ever being. I + haven't a title of nobility. I am not the brother of a peer of France, + but still I have some influence. The self-sacrifice of this poor girl + has aroused the sympathy of the government--the indictment has been + quashed. The Keeper of the Seals has sent me word of this by an + orderly on horseback, whom this simpleton took for a regiment of + soldiers in pursuit of him. + + Joseph + It is very hard to see plainly through a garret window. + + Mme. du Brocard + Sir, you have caught me by surprise; I take back my promise. + + Dupre + But I still have possession of your latter. Do you wish to have a + lawsuit about it? Very well, I will appear against you on the other + side. + + Giraud and Mme. Giraud (entering and approaching Dupre) + M. Dupre! + + Dupre + Are you satisfied with me? + + (In the meantime Jules and Mme. Rousseau have been imploring Rousseau + to yield his consent; he hesitates, but at last kisses Pamela on the + forehead. Dupre approaches Rousseau and, seeing him kiss Pamela, + wrings his hand.) + + Dupre + You have done well, sir. (Then turning to Jules) Will you make her + happy? + + Jules + Ah, my friend, you need not ask! + + (Pamela kisses the hand of Dupre.) + + Joseph (to Dupre) + What a fool I have been! Well, he is going to marry her, and I am + actually glad for them! But am I not to get something out of all this? + + Dupre + Certainly, you shall have all the fees that come to me from the + lawsuit. + + Joseph + You may count on my gratitude. + + Dupre + That will be receipt in full! + + + Final curtain. + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pamela Giraud, by Honore de Balzac + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAMELA GIRAUD *** + +***** This file should be named 8079.txt or 8079.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/0/7/8079/ + +Produced by John Bickers and Dagny + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Pamela Giraud + +Author: Honore de Balzac + +Release Date: May, 2005 [EBook #8079] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on June 12, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAMELA GIRAUD *** + + + + +Produced by John Bickers and Dagny + + + + +PAMELA GIRAUD +by Honore de Balzac + +Etext prepared by Dagny, dagnypg@yahoo.com + and John Bickers, jbickers@ihug.co.nz + + + + PAMELA GIRAUD + A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS + + BY + + HONORE DE BALZAC + + + + Presented for the First Time at Paris at the Theatre de la Gaite, + September 26, 1843 + + + + PERSONS OF THE PLAY + +General de Verby +Dupre, a lawyer +Rousseau, a wealthy merchant +Jules Rousseau, his son +Joseph Binet +Giraud, a porter +Chief of Special Police +Antoine, servant to the Rousseaus + +Pamela Giraud +Madame du Brocard, a widow; aunt of Jules Rousseau +Madame Rousseau +Madame Giraud +Justine, chambermaid to Madame Rousseau + +Sheriff +Magistrate +Police Officers +Gendarmes + +SCENE: Paris + +TIME: During the Napoleonic plots under Louis XVIII. (1815-1824) + + + + + + PAMELA GIRAUD + + + + ACT I + + + SCENE FIRST + +(Setting is an attic and workshop of an artificial flower-maker. It is +poorly lighted by means of a candle placed on the work-table. The +ceiling slopes abruptly at the back allowing space to conceal a man. +On the right is a door, on the left a fireplace. Pamela is discovered +at work, and Joseph Binet is seated near her.) + +Pamela, Joseph Binet and later Jules Rousseau. + + +Pamela +Monsieur Joseph Binet! + +Joseph +Mademoiselle Pamela Giraud! + +Pamela +I plainly see that you wish me to hate you. + +Joseph +The idea! What? And this is the beginning of our love--Hate me! + +Pamela +Oh, come! Let us talk sensibly. + +Joseph +You do not wish, then, that I should express how much I love you? + +Pamela +Ah! I may as well tell you plainly, since you compel me to do so, that +I do not wish to become the wife of an upholsterer's apprentice. + +Joseph +Is it necessary to become an emperor, or something like that, in order +to marry a flower-maker? + +Pamela +No. But it is necessary to be loved, and I don't love you in any way +whatever. + +Joseph +In any way! I thought there was only one way of loving. + +Pamela +So there is, but there are many ways of not loving. You can be my +friend, without my loving you. + +Joseph +Oh! + +Pamela +I can look upon you with indifference-- + +Joseph +Ah! + +Pamela +You can be odious to me! And at this moment you weary me, which is +worse! + +Joseph +I weary her! I who would cut myself into fine pieces to do all that +she wishes! + +Pamela +If you would do what I wish, you would not remain here. + +Joseph +And if I go away--Will you love me a little? + +Pamela +Yes, for the only time I like you is when you are away! + +Joseph +And if I never came back? + +Pamela +I should be delighted. + +Joseph +Zounds! Why should I, senior apprentice with M. Morel, instead of +aiming at setting up business for myself, fall in love with this young +lady? It is folly! It certainly hinders me in my career; and yet I +dream of her--I am infatuated with her. Suppose my uncle knew it!--But +she is not the only woman in Paris, and, after all, Mlle. Pamela +Giraud, who are you that you should be so high and mighty? + +Pamela +I am the daughter of a poor ruined tailor, now become a porter. I gain +my own living--if working night and day can be called living--and it +is with difficulty that I snatch a little holiday to gather lilacs in +the Pres-Saint-Gervais; and I certainly recognize that the senior +apprentice of M. Morel is altogether too good for me. I do not wish to +enter a family which believes that it would thus form a mesalliance. +The Binets indeed! + +Joseph +But what has happened to you in the last eight or ten days, my dear +little pet of a Pamela? Up to ten days ago I used to come and cut out +your flowers for you, I used to make the stalks for the roses, and the +hearts for the violets; we used to talk together, we sometimes used to +go to the play, and have a good cry there--and I was "good Joseph," +"my little Joseph"--a Joseph in fact of the right stuff to make your +husband. All of a sudden--Pshaw! I became of no account. + +Pamela +Now you must really go away. Here you are neither in the street, nor +in your own house. + +Joseph +Very well, I'll be off, mademoiselle--yes, I'll go away! I'll have a +talk in the porter's lodge with your mother; she does not ask anything +better than my entrance into the family, not she; she won't change her +mind! + +Pamela +All right! Instead of entering her family, enter her lodge, the +porter's lodge, M. Joseph! Go and talk with my mother, go on!-- (Exit +Joseph.) Perhaps he'll keep their attention so that M. Adolph can get +up stairs without being seen. Adolph Durand! What a pretty name! There +is half a romance in it! And what a handsome young man! For the last +fifteen days he has absolutely persecuted me. I knew that I was rather +pretty; but I never believed I was all he called me. He must be an +artist, or a government official! Whatever he is, I can't help liking +him; he is so aristocratic! But what if his appearance were deceitful, +and there were anything wrong about him!--For the letter which he has +just sent me has an air of mystery about it-- (She draws a letter from +her bosom and reads it) "Expect me this evening. I wish to see you +alone, and, if possible, to enter unnoticed by any one; my life is in +danger, and oh! if you only knew what a terrible misfortune threatens +me! Adolph Durand." He writes in pencil. His life is in danger--Ah! +How anxious I feel! + +Joseph (returning) +Just as I was going down stairs, I said to myself: "Why should Pamela" + +(Jules' head appears at the window.) + +Pamela +Ah! + +Joseph +What's the matter? + +(Jules disappears.) + +Pamela +I thought I saw--I mean--I thought I heard a sound overhead. Just go +into the garret. Some one perhaps has hidden there. You are not +afraid, are you? + +Joseph +No. + +Pamela +Very well! Go up and search! Otherwise I shall be frightened for the +whole night. + +Joseph +I will go at once. I will climb over the roof if you like. + +(He passes through a narrow door that leads to the garret.) + +Pamela (follows him) +Be quick! (Jules enters.) Ah! sir, what trouble you are giving me! + +Jules +It is to save my life, and perhaps you will never regret it. You know +how much I love you! + +(He kisses her hand.) + +Pamela +I know that you have told me so; but you treat me-- + +Jules +As my deliverer. + +Pamela +You wrote to me--and your letter has filled me with trouble--I know +neither who you are-- + +Joseph (from the outer room) +Mademoiselle, I am in the garret. I have looked over the whole roof. + +Jules +He is coming back--Where can I hide? + +Pamela +But you must not stay here! + +Jules +You wish to ruin me, Pamela! + +Pamela +Look, hide yourself there! + +(She points to the cranny under the sloping roof.) + +Joseph (returning) +Are you alone, mademoiselle? + +Pamela +No; for are not you here? + +Joseph +I heard something like the voice of a man. The voice came from below. + +Pamela +Nonsense, more likely it came from above--Look down the staircase-- + +Joseph +Oh! But I am sure-- + +Pamela +Nonsense. Leave me, sir; I wish to be alone. + +Joseph +Alone, with a man's voice? + +Pamela +I suppose you don't believe me? + +Joseph +But I heard it plain enough. + +Pamela +You heard nothing. + +Joseph +Ah! Pamela! + +Pamela +If you prefer to believe the sounds which you say reached your ears, +rather than the words I speak, you would make a very bad husband. That +is quite sufficient for me. + +Joseph +That doesn't prove that I did not hear-- + +Pamela +Since I can't convince you, you can believe what you like. Yes! you +did hear a voice, the voice of a young man, who is in love with me, +and who does whatever I wish--He disappears when he is asked, and +comes when he is wanted. And now what are you waiting for? Do you +think that while he is here, your presence can be anything but +disagreeable to us? Go and ask my father and mother what his name is. +He must have told them when he came up stairs--he, and the voice you +heard. + +Joseph +Mlle. Pamela, forgive a poor youth who is mad with love. It is not +only my heart that I have lost, but my head also, when I think of you. +I know that you are just as good as you are beautiful, I know that you +have in your soul more treasures of sweetness than you ever show, and +so I know that you are right, and were I to hear ten voices, were I to +see ten men here, I would care nothing about it. But one-- + +Pamela +Well, what of it? + +Joseph +A single one--that is what wounds me. But I must be off; it seems +funny that I should have said all that to you. I know quite well that +there is no one here but you. Till we meet again, Mlle. Pamela; I am +going--I trust you. + +Pamela (aside) +He evidently does not feel quite sure. + +Joseph (aside) +There is some one here! I will run down and tell the whole matter to +her father and mother. (Aloud) Adieu, Mlle. Pamela. (Exit.) + + + SCENE SECOND + +Pamela and Jules. + + +Pamela +M. Adolph, you see to what you are exposing me. That poor lad is a +workman, a most kind-hearted fellow; he has an uncle rich enough to +set him up in business; he wishes to marry me, and in one moment I +have lost my prospects--and for whom? I do not know you, and from the +manner in which you imperil the reputation of a young girl who has no +capital but her good behavior, I conclude that you think you have the +right to do so. You are rich and you make sport of poor people! + +Jules +No, my dear Pamela. I know who you are, and I take you at your true +value. I love you, I am rich, and we will never leave one another. My +traveling carriage is with a friend, at the gate of St. Denis; we will +proceed on foot to catch it; I intend embarking for England. You must +come with me. I cannot explain my intentions now, for the least delay +may prove fatal to me. + +Pamela +What do you mean? + +Jules +You shall see-- + +Pamela +Are you in your right senses, M. Adolph? After having followed me +about for a month, seen me twice at a dance, written me several +declarations, such as young men of your sort write to any and every +woman, you point-blank propose an elopement! + +Jules +Oh, I beg of you, don't delay an instant! You'll repent of this for +the rest of your life, and you will see too late what mischief you +have done. + +Pamela +But, my dear sir, you can perhaps explain yourself in a couple of +words. + +Jules +No,--for the secret is a matter of life and death to several persons. + +Pamela +If it were only to save your life, whoever you are, I would do a good +deal; but what assistance could I be to you in your flight! Why do you +want to take me to England? + +Jules +What a child you are! No one, of course, would suspect anything of two +runaway lovers! And, let me tell you, I love you well enough to +disregard everything else, and even to brave the anger of my parents-- +Once we are married at Gretna Green-- + +Pamela +Oh, /mon Dieu/! I am quite non-plussed! Here's a handsome young man +urges you--implores you--and talks of marriage-- + +Jules +They are mounting the staircase--I am lost!--You have betrayed me!-- + +Pamela +M. Adolph, you alarm me! What is going to happen? Wait a moment, I +will go and see. + +Jules +In any case, take and keep this twenty thousand francs. It will be +safer with you than in the hands of the police--I have only half an +hour longer and all will be over. + +Pamela +There is nothing to fear--It is only my father and mother. + +Jules +You have the kindness of an angel. I trust my fate with you. But you +must know that both of us must leave this house at once; and I swear +on my honor, that nothing but good shall result to you. + +(He hides again under the roof.) + + + SCENE THIRD + +Pamela, M. Giraud and Mme. Giraud. + + +Pamela (who stands in such a way as to prevent her parents from +entering fully into the room; aside) +Evidently here is a man in danger--and a man who loves me--two reasons +why I should be interested in him. + +Mme. Giraud +How is this, Pamela--you the solace of all our misfortunes, the prop +of our old age, our only hope! + +Giraud +A girl brought up on the strictest principles. + +Mme. Giraud +Keep quiet, Giraud! You don't know what you are talking about. + +Giraud +Certainly, Madame Giraud. + +Mme. Giraud +And besides all this, Pamela, your example was cited in all the +neighborhood as a girl who'd be useful to your parents in their +declining years! + +Giraud +And worthy to receive the prize of virtue! + +Pamela +Then what is the meaning of all these reproaches? + +Mme. Giraud +Joseph has just told us that you had a man hidden in your room. + +Giraud +Yes--he heard the voice. + +Mme. Giraud +Silence, Giraud!--Pamela--pay no attention to your father-- + +Pamela +And do you, mother, pay no attention to Joseph. + +Giraud +What did I tell you on the stairs, Madame Giraud? Pamela knows how we +count upon her. She wishes to make a good match as much on our account +as on her own; her heart bleeds to see us porters, us, the authors of +her life! She is too sensible to blunder in this matter. Is it not so, +my child, you would not deceive your father? + +Mme. Giraud +There is nobody here, is there, my love? For a young working-girl to +have any one in her room, at ten o'clock at night--well--she runs a +risk of losing-- + +Pamela +But it seems to me that if I had any one you would have seen him on +his way up. + +Giraud +She is right. + +Mme. Giraud +She does not answer straight out. Please open the door of this room. + +Pamela +Mother, stop! Do not come in here,--you shall not come in here!-- +Listen to me; as I love you, mother, and you, father, I have nothing +to reproach myself with!--and I swear to it before God!--Do not in a +moment withdraw from your daughter the confidence which you have had +in her for so long a time. + +Mme. Giraud +But why not tell us? + +Pamela (aside) +Impossible! If they were to see this young man every one would soon +know all about it. + +Giraud (interrupting her) +We are your father and mother, and we must see! + +Pamela +For the first time in my life, I refuse to obey you!--But you force me +to it!--These lodgings are rented by me from the earnings of my work! +I am of age and mistress of my own actions. + +Mme. Giraud +Oh, Pamela! Can this be you, on whom we have placed all our hopes? + +Giraud +You will ruin yourself!--and I shall remain a porter to the end of my +days. + +Pamela +You needn't be afraid of that! Well--I admit that there is some one +here; but silence! You must go down stairs again to your lodge. You +must tell Joseph that he does not know what he is talking about, that +you have searched everywhere, that there is no one in my lodging; you +must send him away--then you shall see this young man; you shall learn +what I purpose doing. But you must keep everything the most profound +secret. + +Giraud +Unhappy girl! What do you take us for? (He sees the banknotes on the +table.) Ah! what is this? Banknotes! + +Mme. Giraud +Banknotes! (She recoils from Pamela.) Pamela, where did you get them? + +Pamela +I will tell you when I write. + +Giraud +When you write! She must be going to elope! + + + SCENE FOURTH + +The same persons, and Joseph Binet. + + +Joseph (entering) +I was quite sure that there was something wrong about him!--He is a +ringleader of thieves! The gendarmes, the magistrate, all the +excitement she showed mean something--and now the house is surrounded! + +Jules (appearing) +I am lost! + +Pamela +I have done all that I could! + +Giraud +And you, sir, who are you? + +Joseph +Are you a--? + +Mme. Giraud +Speak! + +Jules +But for this idiot, I would have escaped! You will now have the ruin +of an innocent man on your consciences. + +Pamela +M. Adolph, are you innocent? + +Jules +I am! + +Pamela +What shall we do? (Pointing to the dormer window.) You can elude +their pursuit that way out. + +(She opens the dormer window and finds the police agents on the roof +outside.) + +Jules +It is too late. All you can do is to confirm my statement. You must +declare that I am your daughter's lover; that I have asked you to give +her in marriage to me; that I am of age; that my name is Adolph +Durand, son of a rich business man of Marseilles. + +Giraud +He offers her lawful love and wealth!--Young man, I willingly take you +under my protection. + + + SCENE FIFTH + + +The same persons, a sheriff, a police officer and gendarmes. + + +Giraud +Sir, what right have you to enter an occupied dwelling--the domicile +of a peaceable young girl? + +Joseph +Yes, what right have you--? + +The sheriff +Young man, don't you worry about our right!--A few moments ago you +were very friendly and slowed us where the unknown might be found, but +now you have suddenly changed your tune. + +Pamela +Bit what are you looking for? What do you want? + +The sheriff +You seem to be well aware that we are looking for somebody. + +Giraud +Sir, my daughter has no one with her but her future husband, M.-- + +The sheriff +Rousseau. + +Pamela +M. Adolph Durand. + +Giraud +Rousseau I don't know.--The gentleman I refer to is M. Adolph Durand. + +Mme. Giraud +Son of a respectable merchant of Marseilles. + +Joseph +Ah! you have been deceiving me! Ah!--That is the secret of your +coldness, and he is-- + +The sheriff (to the officer of the police) +This does not seem to be the man? + +The officer +Oh, yes, I am sure of it! (to the gendarmes) Carry out my orders. + +Jules +Monsieur, I am the victim of some mistake; my name is not Jules +Rousseau. + +The officer +Oh! but you know his first name, which none of us has as yet +mentioned. + +Jules +But I heard some one say it. Here are my papers, which are perfectly +correct. + +The sheriff +Let me see them, please. + +Giraud +Gentlemen, I assure you and declare to you-- + +The officer +If you go on in this way, and wish to make us believe that this +gentleman is Adolph Durand, son of a merchant of-- + +Mme. Giraud +Of Marseilles-- + +The officer +You may all be arrested as his accomplices, locked up in jail this +evening, and implicated in an affair from which you will not easily +get off. Have you any regard for the safety of your neck? + +Giraud +A great deal! + +The officer +Very well! Hold your tongue, then. + +Mme. Giraud +Do hold your tongue, Giraud! + +Pamela +Merciful heaven! Why did I not believe him at once! + +The sheriff (to his agents) +Search the gentleman! + +(The agent takes out Jules' pocket handkerchief.) + +The officer +It is marked with a J and an R. My dear sir, you are not very clever! + +Joseph +What can he have done? Have you anything to do with it, mademoiselle? + +Pamela +You are the sole cause of the trouble. Never speak to me again! + +The officer +Monsieur, here we have the check for your dinner--you dined at the +Palais Royal. While you were there you wrote a letter in pencil. One +of your friends brought the letter here. His name was M. Adolph +Durand, and he lent you his passport. We are certain of your identity; +you are M. Jules Rousseau. + +Joseph +The son of the rich M. Rousseau, whose house we are furnishing? + +The sheriff +Hold your tongue! + +The officer +You must come with us. + +Jules +Certainly, monsieur. (To Giraud and his wife) Forgive the annoyance I +have caused you--and you, Pamela, do not forget me! If you do not see +me again, you may keep what I gave into your hands, and may it bring +you happiness! + +Giraud +O Lord! + +Pamela +Poor Adolph! + +The sheriff (to his agents) +Remain here. We are going to search this attic, and question every one +of these people. + +Joseph (with a gesture of horror) +Ah!--she prefers a criminal to me! + +(Jules is put in charge of the agents.) + + +Curtain to the First Act. + + + + ACT II + + + SCENE FIRST + +(The setting is a drawing-room in the Rousseau mansion. Antoine is +looking through the newspapers.) + +Antoine and Justine. + + +Justine +Well, Antoine, have you read the papers? + +Antoine +I am reading them. Isn't it a pity that we servants cannot learn, +excepting through the papers, what is going on in the trial of M. +Jules? + +Justine +And yet the master and mistress and Mme. du Brocard, their sister, +know nothing. M. Jules has been for three months--in--what do they +call it?--in close confinement. + +Antoine +The arrest of the young man has evidently attracted great attention-- + +Justine +It seems absurd to think that a young man who had nothing to do but +amuse himself, who would some day inherit his aunt's income of twenty +thousand francs, and his father's and mother's fortune, which is quite +double that amount, should be mixed up in a conspiracy! + +Antoine +I admire him for it, for they were plotting to bring back the emperor! +You may cause my throat to be cut if you like. We are alone here--you +don't belong to the police; long live the emperor! say I. + +Justine +For mercy's sake, hold your tongue, you old fool!--If any one heard +you, you would get us all arrested. + +Antoine +I am not afraid of that, thank God! The answers I made to the +magistrate were non-committal; I never compromised M. Jules, like the +traitors who informed against him. + +Justine +Mme. du Brocard with all her immense savings ought to be able to buy +him off. + +Antoine +Oh, nonsense! Since the escape of Lavalette such a thing is +impossible! They have become extremely particular at the gates of the +prison, and they were never particularly accommodating. M. Jules will +have to take his dose you see; he will be a martyr. I shall go and see +him executed. + +(Some one rings. Exit Antoine.) + +Justine +We will go and see him! When one has known a condemned man I don't see +how they can have the heart to--As for me I shall go to the Court of +Assizes. I feel, poor boy, I owe him that! + + + SCENE SECOND + +Dupre, Antoine and Justine. + + +Antoine (aside, as he ushers in Dupre) +Ah! The lawyer. (Aloud) Justine, go and tell madame that Monsieur +Dupre is waiting. (Aside) The lawyer is a hard nut to crack, I'm +thinking. (Aloud) Sir, is there any hope of saving our poor M. Jules? + +Dupre +I perceive that you are very fond of your young master? + +Antoine +Naturally enough! + +Dupre +What would you do to save him? + +Antoine +Anything, sir! + +Dupre +That means nothing. + +Antoine +Nothing?--I will give whatever evidence you like. + +Dupre +If you are caught in contradicting yourself and convicted of perjury, +do you know what you run the risk of? + +Antoine +No, sir. + +Dupre +The galleys. + +Antoine +That is rather severe, sir. + +Dupre +You would prefer to serve him without compromising yourself? + +Antoine +Is there any other way? + +Dupre +No. + +Antoine +Well! I'll run the risk of the galleys. + +Dupre (aside) +What devotion is here! + +Antoine +My master would be sure to settle a pension on me. + +Justine +Here is madame. + + + SCENE THIRD + +The same persons and Madame Rousseau. + + +Mme. Rousseau (to Dupre) +Ah! Monsieur, we have been impatiently expecting this visit. (To +Antoine) Antoine! Quick, inform my husband. (To Dupre) Sir, I trust in +your efforts, alone. + +Dupre +You may be sure, madame, that I shall employ every energy-- + +Mme. Rousseau +Oh! Thank you! But of course Jules is not guilty. To think of him as a +conspirator! Poor child, how could any one suspect him, who trembles +before me at the slightest reproach--me, his mother! Ah, monsieur, +promise that you will restore him to me! + +Rousseau (entering the room) +(To Antoine) Yes, carry the letter to General de Verby. I shall wait +for him here. (To Dupre) I am glad to see you, my dear M. Dupre-- + +Dupre +The battle will doubtless begin to-morrow; to-day preparations are +being made, and the indictment drawn. + +Rousseau +Has my poor Jules made any admissions? + +Dupre +He has denied everything, and has played to perfection the part of an +innocent man; but we are not able to oppose any testimony to that +which is being brought against him. + +Rousseau +Ah! Monsieur, save my son, and the half of my fortune shall be yours! + +Dupre +If I had every half of a fortune that has been promised to me, I +should be too rich for anything. + +Rousseau +Do you question the extent of my gratitude? + +Dupre +We will wait till the result of the trial is known, sir. + +Mme. Rousseau +Take pity on a poor mother! + +Dupre +Madame, I swear to you nothing so much excites my curiosity and my +sympathy, as a genuine sentiment. And at Paris sincerity is so rare +that I cannot be indifferent to the grief of a family threatened with +the loss of an only son. You may therefore rely upon me. + +Rousseau +Ah! Monsieur! + + + SCENE FOURTH + +The same persons, General de Verby and Madame du Brocard. + + +Mme. du Brocard (showing in De Verby) +Come in, my dear general. + +De Verby (bowing to Rousseau) +Monsieur--I simply came to learn-- + +Rousseau (presenting Dupre to De Verby) +General, M. Dupre. + +(Dupre and De Verby exchange bows.) + +Dupre (aside, while De Verby talks with Rousseau) +He is general of the antechamber, holding the place merely through the +influence of his brother, the lord chamberlain; he doesn't seem to me +to have come here without some object. + +De Verby (to Dupre) +I understand, sir, that you are engaged for the defence of M. Jules +Rousseau in this deplorable affair-- + +Dupre +Yes, sir, it is a deplorable affair, for the real culprits are not in +prison; thus it is that justice rages fiercely against the rank and +file, but the chiefs are always passed by. You are General Vicomte de +Verby, I presume? + +De Verby +Simple General Verby--I do not take the title--my opinions of course. +--Doubtless you are acquainted with the evidence in this case? + +Dupre +I have been in communication with the accused only for the last three +days. + +De Verby +And what do you think of the affair? + +All +Yes, tell us. + +Dupre +According to my experience of the law courts, I believe it possible to +obtain important revelations by offering commutation of sentence to +the condemned. + +De Verby +The accused are all men of honor. + +Rousseau +But-- + +Dupre +Characters sometime change at the prospect of the scaffold, especially +when there is much at stake. + +De Verby (aside) +A conspiracy ought not to be entered upon excepting with penniless +accomplices. + +Dupre +I shall induce my client to tell everything. + +Rousseau +Of course. + +Mme. du Brocard +Certainly. + +Mme. Rousseau +He ought to do so. + +De Verby (anxiously) +I presume there is no other way of escape for him? + +Dupre +None whatever; it can be proved that he was of the number of those who +had begun to put in execution the plot. + +De Verby +I would rather lose my head than my honor. + +Dupre +I should consider which of the two was worth more. + +De Verby +You have your views in the matter. + +Rousseau +Those are mine. + +Dupre +And they are the opinions of the majority. I have seen many things +done by men to escape the scaffold. There are people who push others +to the front, who risk nothing, and yet reap all the fruits of +success. Have such men any honor? Can one feel any obligation towards +them? + +De Verby +No, they are contemptible wretches. + +Dupre (aside) +He has well said it. This is the fellow who has ruined poor Jules! I +must keep my eye on him. + + + SCENE FIFTH + +The same persons, Antoine and Jules (the latter led in by police +agents.) + + +Antoine +Sir, a carriage stopped at the door. Several men got out. M. Jules is +with them; they are bringing him in. + +M. and Mme. Rousseau +My son! + +Mme. du Brocard +My nephew! + +Dupre +Yes, I see what it is--doubtless a search-warrant. They wish to look +over his papers. + +Antoine +Here he is. + +(Jules appears in the centre, followed by the police and a magistrate; +he rushes up to his mother.) + +Jules +O mother! My good mother! (He embraces his mother.) Ah! I see you once +more! (To Mme. du Brocard) Dear aunt! + +Mme. Rousseau +My poor child! Come! Come--close to me; they will not dare-- (To the +police, who approach her) Leave him, leave him here! + +Rousseau (rushing towards the police) +Be kind enough-- + +Dupre (to the magistrate) +Monsieur! + +Jules +My dear mother, calm yourself! I shall soon be free; yes, be quite +sure of that, and we will not part again. + +Antoine (to Rousseau) +Sir, they wish to visit M. Jules's room. + +Rousseau (to the magistrate) +In a moment, monsieur. I will go with you myself. (To Dupre, pointing +to Jules) Do not leave him! + +(He goes out conducting the magistrate, who makes a sign to the police +to keep guard on Jules.) + +Jules (seizing the hand of De Verby) +Ah, general! (To Dupre) And how good and generous of you, M. Dupre, to +come here and comfort my mother. (In a low voice) Ah! conceal from her +my danger. (Aloud, looking at his mother) Tell her the truth. Tell her +that she has nothing to fear. + +Dupre +I will tell her that it is in her power to save you. + +Mme. Rousseau +In my power? + +Mme. du Brocard +How can that be? + +Dupre (to Mme. Rousseau) +By imploring him to disclose the names of those who have led him on. + +De Verby (to Dupre) +Monsieur! + +Mme. Rousseau +Yes, and you ought to do it. I, your mother, demand it of you. + +Mme. du Brocard +Oh, certainly! My nephew shall tell everything. He has been led on by +people who now abandon him to his fate, and he in his turn ought-- + +De Verby (in a low voice to Dupre) +What, sir! Would you advise your client to betray--? + +Dupre (quickly) +Whom? + +De Verby (in a troubled voice) +But--can't we find some other method? M. Jules knows what a man of +high spirit owes to himself. + +Dupre (aside) +He is the man--I felt sure of it! + +Jules (to his mother and aunt) +Never, though I should die for it--never will I compromise any one +else. + +(De Verby shows his pleasure at this declaration.) + +Mme. Rousseau +Ah! my God! (Looking at the police.) And there is no chance of our +helping him to escape here! + +Mme. du Brocard +No! that is out of the question. + +Antoine (coming into the room) +M. Jules, they are asking for you. + +Jules +I am coming! + +Mme. Rousseau +Ah! I cannot let you go. + +(She turns to the police with a supplicating look.) + +Mme. du Brocard (to Dupre, who scrutinizes De Verby) +M. Dupre, I have thought that it would be a good thing-- + +Dupre (interrupting her) +Later, madame, later. + +(He leads her to Jules, who goes out with his mother, followed by the +agents.) + + + SCENE SIXTH + +Dupre and De Verby. + + +De Verby (aside) +These people have hit upon a lawyer who is rich, without ambition--and +eccentric. + +Dupre (crossing the stage and gazing at De Verby, aside) +Now is my time to learn your secret. (Aloud) You are very much +interested in my client, monsieur? + +De Verby +Very much indeed. + +Dupre +I have yet to understand what motive could have led him, young, rich +and devoted to pleasure as he is, to implicate himself in a +conspiracy-- + +De Verby +The passion for glory. + +Dupre +Don't talk in that way to a lawyer who for twenty years has practiced +in the courts; who has studied men and affairs well enough to know +that the finest motives are only assumed as a disguise for trumpery +passions, and has never yet met a man whose heart was free from the +calculations of self-interest. + +De Verby +Do you ever take up a case without charging anything? + +Dupre +I often do so; but I never act contrary to my convictions. + +De Verby +I understand that you are rich? + +Dupre +I have some fortune. Without it, in the world as at present +constituted, I should be on the straight road for the poor-house. + +De Verby +It is then from conviction, I suppose, that you have undertaken the +defence of young Rousseau? + +Dupre +Certainly. I believe him to be the dupe of others in a higher station, +and I like those who allow themselves to be duped from generous +motives and not from self-interest; for in these times the dupe is +often as greedy after gain as the man who exploits him. + +De Verby +You belong, I perceive, to the sect of misanthropes. + +Dupre +I do not care enough for mankind to hate them, for I have never yet +met any one I could love. I am contented with studying my fellow-men; +for I see that they are all engaged in playing each, with more or less +success, his own little comedy. I have no illusion about anything, it +is true, but I smile at it all like a spectator who sits in a theatre +to be amused. One thing I never do; I hiss at nothing; for I have not +sufficient feeling about things for that. + +De Verby (aside) +How is it possible to influence such a man? (Aloud) Nevertheless, +monsieur, you must sometimes need the services of others? + +Dupre +Never! + +De Verby +But you are sometimes sick? + +Dupre +Then I like to be alone. Moreover, at Paris, anything can be bought, +even attendance on the sick; believe me I live because it is my duty +to do so. I have tested everything--charity, friendship, unselfish +devotion. Those who have received benefits have disgusted me with the +doing of kindnesses. Certain philanthropists have made me feel a +loathing for charity. And of all humbugs that of sentiment is the most +hateful. + +De Verby +And what of patriotism, monsieur? + +Dupre +That is a very trifling matter, since the cry of humanity has been +raised. + +De Verby (somewhat discouraged) +And so you take Jules Rousseau for a young enthusiast? + +Dupre +No, sir, nothing of the sort. He presents a problem which I have to +solve, and with your assistance I shall reach the solution. (De Verby +changes countenance.) Come, let us speak candidly. I believe that you +know something about all this. + +De Verby +What do you mean, sir? + +Dupre +You can save the young man. + +De Verby +I? What can I do? + +Dupre +You can give testimony which Antoine will corroborate-- + +De Verby +I have reasons for not appearing as a witness. + +Dupre +Just so. You are one of the conspirators! + +De Verby +Monsieur! + +Dupre +It is you who have led on this poor boy. + +De Verby +Monsieur, this language--! + +Dupre +Don't attempt to deceive me, but tell me how you managed to gain this +bad influence over him? He is rich, he is in need of nothing. + +De Verby +Listen!--If you say another word-- + +Dupre +Oh! my life is of no consideration with me! + +De Verby +Sir, you know very well that Jules will get off; and that if he does +not behave properly, he will lose, through your fault, the chance of +marriage with my niece, and thus the succession to the title of my +brother, the Lord Chamberlain. + +Dupre +Ah, that's what he was after, then! He's like all the rest of the +schemers. Now consider, sir, what I am going to propose to you. You +have powerful friends, and it is your duty-- + +De Verby +My duty! I do not understand you, sir. + +Dupre +You have been able to effect his ruin, and can you not bring about his +release? (Aside) I have him there. + +De Verby +I shall give my best consideration to the matter. + +Dupre +Don't consider for a moment that you can escape me. + +De Verby +A general who fears no danger can have no fear of a lawyer-- + +Dupre +As you will! + +(Exit De Verby, who jostles against Joseph.) + + + SCENE SEVENTH + +Dupre and Joseph Binet. + + +Joseph +I heard only yesterday, monsieur, that you were engaged for the +defence of M. Jules Rousseau; I have been to your place, and have +waited for you until I could wait no later. This morning I found that +you had left your home, and as I am working for this house, a happy +inspiration sent me here. I thought you would be coming here, and I +waited for you-- + +Dupre +What do you want with me? + +Joseph +I am Joseph Binet. + +Dupre +Well, proceed. + +Joseph +Let me say without offence, sir, that I have fourteen hundred francs +of my own--quite my own!--earned sou by sou. I am a journeyman +upholsterer, and my uncle, Du Mouchel, a retired wine merchant, has +plenty of the metal. + +Dupre +Speak out openly! What is the meaning of this mysterious preamble? + +Joseph +Fourteen hundred francs is of course a mere trifle, and they say that +lawyers have to be well paid, and that it is because they are well +paid that there are so many of them. I should have done better if I +had been a lawyer--then she would have married me! + +Dupre +Are you crazy? + +Joseph +Not at all. I have here my fourteen hundred francs; take them, sir--no +humbug! They are yours. + +Dupre +And on what condition? + +Joseph +You must save M. Jules--I mean, of course, from death--and you must +have him transported. I don't want him to be put to death; but he must +go abroad. He is rich, and he will enjoy himself. But save his life. +Procure a sentence of simple transportation, say for fifteen years, +and my fourteen hundred francs are yours. I will give them to you +gladly, and I will moreover make you an office chair below the market +price. There now! + +Dupre +What is your object in speaking to me in this way? + +Joseph +My object? I want to marry Pamela. I want to have my little Pamela. + +Dupre +Pamela? + +Joseph +Pamela Giraud. + +Dupre +What connection has Pamela Giraud with Jules Rousseau? + +Joseph +Well I never! Why! I thought that advocates were paid for learning and +knowing everything. But you don't seem to know anything, sir. I am not +surprised that there are those who say advocates are know-nothings. +But I should like to have back my fourteen hundred francs. Pamela is +accused, that is to say, she accuses me of having betrayed his head to +the executioner, and you will understand that if after all he escapes, +and is transported, I can marry, can wed Pamela; and as the +transported man will not be in France, I need fear no disturbance in +my home. Get him fifteen years; that is nothing; fifteen years for +traveling and I shall have time to see my children grow up, and my +wife old enough--you understand-- + +Dupre (aside) +He is candid, at any rate--Those who make their calculations aloud and +in such evident excitement are not the worst of people. + +Joseph +I say! Do you know the proverb--"A lawyer who talks to himself is like +a pastry cook who eats his own wares,"--eh, sir? + +Dupre +I understand you to say that Pamela is in love with M. Jules? + +Joseph +Ah! I see, you understand matters. + +Dupre +They used frequently to meet I suppose? + +Joseph +Far too frequently! Oh! if I had only known it, I would have put a +stop to it! + +Dupre +Is she pretty? + +Joseph +Who?--Pamela?--My eye! My Pamela! She is as pretty as the Apollo +Belvidere! + +Dupre +Keep your fourteen hundred francs, my friend, and if you have courage, +you and your Pamela, you will be able to help me in effecting his +deliverance; for the question is absolutely whether we must let him go +to the scaffold, or save him from it. + +Joseph +I beg you, sir, do not think of saying one word to Pamela; she is in +despair. + +Dupre +Nevertheless you must bring it about that I see her this morning. + +Joseph +I will send word to her through her parents. + +Dupre +Ah! she has a father and mother living then? (Aside) This will cost a +lot of money. (Aloud) Who are they? + +Joseph +They are respectable porters. + +Dupre +That is good. + +Joseph +Old Giraud is a ruined tailor. + +Dupre +Very well, go and inform them of my intended visit, and above all +things preserve the utmost secrecy, or M. Jules will be sacrificed. + +Joseph +I shall be dumb. + +Dupre +And let it be thought that we have never met. + +Joseph +We have never seen each other. + +Dupre +Now go. + +Joseph +I am going. + +(He mistakes the door.) + +Dupre +This is the way. + +Joseph +This is the way, great advocate--but let me give you a bit of advice-- +a slight taste of transportation will not do him any harm; in fact, it +will teach him to leave the government in peace. (Exit.) + + + SCENE EIGHTH + +Rousseau, Madame Rousseau, Madame du Brocard (attended by Justine) and +Dupre. + + +Mme. Rousseau +Poor child! What courage he shows! + +Dupre +I hope to save him for you, madame; but it cannot be done without +making great sacrifices. + +Rousseau +Sir, the half of our fortune is at your disposal. + +Mme. du Brocard +And the half of mine. + +Dupre +It is always the half of some fortune or other. I am going to try to +do my duty--afterwards, you must do yours; we shall have to make great +efforts. You, madame, must rouse yourself, for I have great hopes. + +Mme. Rousseau +Ah! sir, what can you mean? + +Dupre +A little time ago, your son was a ruined man; at the present moment, I +believe he can be saved. + +Mme. Rousseau +What must we do? + +Mme. du Brocard +What do you ask? + +Rousseau +You may be sure we will do as you require. + +Dupre +I feel certain you will. This is my plan which will undoubtedly +succeed with the jury. Your son had an intrigue with a certain +working-girl, Pamela Giraud, the daughter of a porter. + +Mme. du Brocard +What low people! + +Dupre +Yet you will have to humble yourselves to them. Your son was always +with this young girl, and in this point lies the sole hope of his +deliverance. The very evening on which the public prosecutor avers +that he attended a meeting of the conspirators, he was possibly +visiting her. If this is a fact, if she declares that he remained with +her that night, if her father and her mother, if the rival of Jules +confirm the testimony--we shall then have ground for hope. When the +choice has to be made between a sentence of guilty and an alibi, the +jury prefers the alibi. + +Mme. Rousseau (aside) +Ah! sir, you bring back life to me. + +Rousseau +Sir, we owe you a debt of eternal gratitude. + +Dupre (looking at them) +What sum of money must I offer to the daughter, to the father and to +the mother? + +Mme. du Brocard +Are they poor? + +Dupre +They are, but the matter concerns their honor. + +Mme. du Brocard +Oh, she is only a working-girl! + +Dupre (ironically) +It ought to be done very cheaply. + +Rousseau +What do you think? + +Dupre +I think that you are bargaining for the life of your son. + +Mme. du Brocard +Well, M. Dupre, I suppose you may go as high as-- + +Mme. Rousseau +As high as-- + +Dupre +As high as-- + +Rousseau +Upon my word, I don't understand why you hesitate--and you must offer, +sir, whatever sum you consider suitable. + +Dupre +Just so, you leave it to my discretion. But what compensation do you +offer her if she restores your son to you at the sacrifice of her +honor? For possibly he has made love to her. + +Mme. Rousseau +He shall marry her. I come from the people myself, and I am no +marchioness. + +Mme. du Brocard +What do you mean by that? You are forgetting Mlle. de Verby. + +Mme. Rousseau +Sister, my son's life must be saved. + +Dupre (aside) +Here we have the beginning of a comedy and the last which I wish to +see; but I must keep them to their word. (Aloud) Perhaps it would be +well if you secretly paid a visit to the young girl. + +Mme. Rousseau +Oh, yes, I should like to go to see her--to implore her-- (she rings) +Justine! Antoine! Quick! Order the carriage! At once-- + +Antoine +Yes, madame. + +Mme. Rousseau +Sister, will you go with me? Ah, Jules my poor son! + +Mme. du Brocard +They are bringing him back. + + + SCENE NINTH + +The same persons, Jules (brought in by the police), and later De +Verby. + + +Jules (kissing his mother) +O mother!--I will not say good-bye; I shall be back very soon. + +(Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard embrace Jules.) + +De Verby (going up to Dupre) +I will do, monsieur, what you have asked of me. One of my friends, M. +Adolph Durand, who facilitated the flight of our dear Jules, will +testify that his friend was altogether taken up with a grisette, whom +he loved passionately, and with whom he was taking measures to elope. + +Dupre +That is enough; success now depends upon the way we set about things. + +The magistrate (to Jules) +We must be going, monsieur. + +Jules +I will follow you. Be of good courage, mother! + +(He bids farewell to Rousseau and Dupre; De Verby signs to him to be +cautious.) + +Mme. Rousseau (to Jules, as he is being led away) +Jules! Jules! Do not give up hope--we are going to save you! + +(The police lead Jules away.) + + +Curtain to the Second Act. + + + + ACT III + + + SCENE FIRST + +(The stage represents the room of Pamela.) + +Pamela, Giraud and Madame Giraud. + +(Pamela is standing near her mother, who is knitting; Giraud is at +work at a table on the left.) + + +Mme. Giraud +The fact of the matter is this, my poor daughter; I do not mean to +reproach you, but you are the cause of all our trouble. + +Giraud +No doubt about it! We came to Paris because in the country tailoring +is no sort of a business, and we had some ambition for you, our +Pamela, such a sweet, pretty little thing as you were. We said to each +other: "We will go into service; I will work at my trade; we will give +a good position to our child; and as she will be good, industrious and +pretty, we can take care of our old age by marrying her well." + +Pamela +O father! + +Mme. Giraud +Half of our plans were already carried out. + +Giraud +Yes, certainly. We had a good position; you made as fine flowers as +any gardener could grow; and Joseph Binet, your neighbor, was to be +the husband of our choice. + +Mme. Giraud +Instead of all this, the scandal which has arisen in the house has +caused the landlord to dismiss us; the talk of the neighborhood was +incessant, for the young man was arrested in your room. + +Pamela +And yet I have been guilty of nothing! + +Giraud +Come, now, we know that well enough! Do you think if it were otherwise +that we would stay near you? And that I would embrace you? After all, +Pamela, there is nothing like a father and a mother! And when the +whole world is against you, if a girl can look into her parents' face +without a blush it is enough. + + + SCENE SECOND + +The same persons and Joseph Binet. + + +Mme. Giraud +Well, well! Here is Joseph Binet. + +Pamela +M. Binet, what are you doing here? But for your want of common-sense, +M. Jules would not have been found here. + +Joseph +I am come to tell you about him. + +Pamela +What! Really? Well, let us hear, Joseph. + +Joseph +Ah! you won't send me away now, will you? I have seen his lawyer, and +I have offered him all that I possess if he would get him off! + +Pamela +Do you mean it? + +Joseph +Yes. Would you be satisfied if he was merely transported? + +Pamela +Ah! you are a good fellow, Joseph, and I see that you love me! Let us +be friends. + +Joseph (aside) +I have good hopes that we shall be. + +(A knock at the door is heard.) + + + SCENE THIRD + +The preceding, M. de Verby and Madame du Brocard. + + +Mme. Giraud (opening the door) +There are some people here! + +Giraud +A lady and a gentleman. + +Joseph +What did you say? + +(Pamela rises from her seat and takes a step toward M. de Verby, who +bows to her.) + +Mme. du Brocard +Is this Mlle. Pamela Giraud? + +Pamela +It is, madame. + +De Verby +Forgive us, mademoiselle, for presenting ourselves without previous +announcement-- + +Pamela +There is no harm done. May I know the object of this visit? + +Mme. du Brocard +And you, good people, are her father and mother? + +Mme. Giraud +Yes, madame. + +Joseph +She calls them good people--she must be one of the swells. + +Pamela +Will you please be seated. + +(Mme. Giraud offers them seats.) + +Joseph (to Giraud) +My eye! The gentleman has on the ribbon of the Legion of Honor! He +belongs to high society. + +Giraud (looking at De Verby) +By my faith, that's true! + +Mme. du Brocard +I am the aunt of M. Jules Rousseau. + +Pamela +You, madame? Then this gentleman must be his father? + +Mme. du Brocard +He is merely a friend of the family. We are come, mademoiselle, to ask +a favor of you. (Looking at Binet with embarrassment.) Your brother? + +Giraud +No, madame, just a neighbor of ours. + +Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) +Send him away. + +Joseph (aside) +Send him away, indeed. I'd like to know what right she has-- + +(Pamela makes a sign to Joseph.) + +Giraud (to Joseph) +My friend, you had better leave us. It seems this is a private matter. + +Joseph +Very well. (Exit.) + + + SCENE FOURTH + +The same persons excepting Binet. + + +Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) +You are acquainted with my nephew. I do not intend to reproach you. +Your parents alone have the right. + +Mme. Giraud +But, thank God, they have no reason. + +Giraud +It is your nephew who has caused all this talk about her, but she is +blameless! + +De Verby (interrupting him) +But suppose that we wish her to be guilty? + +Pamela +What do you mean, sir? + +Giraud and Mme. Giraud +To think of it! + +Mme. du Brocard (seizing De Verby's meaning) +Yes, suppose, to save the life of a poor young man-- + +De Verby +It were necessary to declare that M. Jules Rousseau spent nearly the +whole night of the twenty-fourth of August here with you? + +Pamela +Ah! sir! + +De Verby (to Giraud and his wife) +Yes, suppose it were necessary to testify against your daughter, by +alleging this? + +Mme. Giraud +I would never say such a thing. + +Giraud +What! Insult my child! Sir, I have had all possible troubles. I was +once a tailor, now I am reduced to nothing. I am a porter! But I have +remained a father. My daughter is our sole treasure, the glory of our +old age, and you ask us to dishonor her? + +Mme. du Brocard +Pray listen to me, sir. + +Giraud +No, madame, I will listen to nothing. My daughter is the hope of my +gray hairs. + +Pamela +Calm yourself, father, I implore you. + +Mme. Giraud +Keep quite, Giraud! Do let this lady and gentleman speak! + +Mme. du Brocard +A family in deep affliction implores you to save them. + +Pamela (aside) +Poor Jules! + +De Verby (in a low voice to Pamela) +His fate is in your hands. + +Mme. Giraud +We are respectable people and know what it is for parents, for a +mother, to be in despair. But what you ask is out of the question. + +(Pamela puts a handkerchief to her eyes.) + +Giraud +We must stop this! You see the girl is in tears. + +Mme. Giraud +She has done nothing but weep for several days. + +Giraud +I know my daughter; she would be capable of going and making the +declaration they ask, in spite of us. + +Mme. Giraud +Yes,--for you must see, she loves him, she loves your nephew! And to +save his life--Well! Well! I would have done as much in her place. + +Mme. du Brocard +Have compassion on us! + +De Verby +Grant this request of ours-- + +Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) +If it is true that you love Jules-- + +Mme. Giraud (leading Giraud up to Pamela) +Did you hear that? Well! Listen to me. She is in love with this youth. +It is quite certain that he also is in love with her. If she should +make a sacrifice like that, as a return, he ought to marry her. + +Pamela (with vehemence) +Never! (Aside) These people would not wish it, not they. + +De Verby (to Mme. du Brocard) +They are consulting about it. + +Mme. du Brocard (in a low voice to De Verby) +It will be absolutely necessary for us to make a sacrifice. We must +appeal to their interest. It is the only plan! + +De Verby +In venturing to ask of you so great a sacrifice, we are quite aware of +the claims that you will have on our gratitude. The family of Jules, +who might have blamed you on account of your relations with him, are, +on the contrary, anxious to discharge the obligations which bind them +to you. + +Mme. Giraud +Ah! Did I not tell you so? + +Pamela +Can it be possible that Jules-- + +De Verby +I am authorized to make a promise to you. + +Pamela (with emotion) +Oh! + +De Verby +Tell me, how much do you ask for the sacrifice required of you? + +Pamela (in consternation) +What do you mean? How much--I ask--for saving Jules? What do you take +me for? + +Mme. du Brocard +Ah! Mademoiselle! + +De Verby +You misunderstand me. + +Pamela +No, it is you who misunderstand us! You are come here, to the house of +poor people, and you are quite unaware of what you ask from them. You, +madame, ought to know that whatever be the rank or the education of a +woman, her honor is her sole treasure! And that which you in your own +families guard with so much care, with so much reverence, you actually +believe that people here, living in an attic, would be willing to +sell! And you have said to yourselves: "Let us offer them money! We +need just now the sacrifice of a working-girl's honor!" + +Giraud +That is excellent! I recognize my own blood there. + +Mme. du Brocard +My dear child, do not be offended! Money is money, after all. + +De Verby (addressing Giraud) +Undoubtedly! And six thousand francs for a solid annual income as a +price of--a-- + +Pamela +As the price of a lie! For I must out with it. But thank God I haven't +yet lost my self-respect! Good-bye, sir. + +(Pamela makes a low bow to Mme. du Brocard, then goes into her bed- +chamber.) + +De Verby +What is to be done? + +Mme. du Brocard +I am quite nonplussed. + +Giraud +I quite admit that an income of six thousand francs is no trifle, but +our daughter has a high spirit, you see; she takes after me-- + +Mme. Giraud +And she will never yield. + + + SCENE FIFTH + +The same persons, Joseph Binet, Dupre and Mme. Rousseau. + + +Joseph +This way, sir. This way, madame. (Dupre and Mme. Rousseau enter.) +These are the father and mother of Pamela Giraud! + +Dupre (to De Verby) +I am very sorry, sir, that you have got here before me! + +Mme. Rousseau +My sister has doubtless told you, madame, the sacrifice which we +expect your daughter to make for us. Only an angel would make it. + +Joseph +What sacrifice? + +Mme. Giraud +It is no business of yours. + +De Verby +We have just had an interview with Mlle. Pamela-- + +Mme. du Brocard +She has refused! + +Mme. Rousseau +Oh, heavens! + +Dupre +Refused what? + +Mme. du Brocard +An income of six thousand francs. + +Dupre +I could have wagered on it. To think of offering money! + +Mme. du Brocard +But it was the only way-- + +Dupre +To spoil everything. (To Mme. Giraud) Madame, kindly tell your +daughter that the counsel of M. Jules Rousseau is here and desires to +see her. + +Mme. Giraud +Oh, as for that you will gain nothing. + +Giraud +Either from her or from us. + +Joseph +But what is it they want? + +Giraud +Hold your tongue. + +Mme. du Brocard (to Mme. Giraud) +Madame, offer her-- + +Dupre +Now, Mme. du Brocard, I must beg you-- (To Mme. Giraud) It is in the +name of the mother of Jules that I ask of you permission to see your +daughter. + +Mme. Giraud +It will be of no use at all, sir! And to think that they point-blank +offered her money when the young man a little time before had spoken +of marrying her! + +Mme. Rousseau (with excitement) +Well, why not? + +Mme. Giraud (with vehemence) +How was that, madame? + +Dupre (seizing the hand of Mme. Giraud) +Come, come! Bring me your daughter. + +(Exit Mme. Giraud.) + +De Verby and Mme. du Brocard +You have then made up your mind? + +Dupre +It is not I, but madame who has made up her mind. + +De Verby (questioning Mme. du Brocard) +What has she promised? + +Dupre (seeing that Joseph is listening) +Be silent, general; stay for a moment, I beg you, with these ladies. +Here she comes. Now leave us alone, if you please. + +(Pamela is brought in by her mother. She makes a curtsey to Mme. +Rousseau, who gazes at her with emotion; then Dupre leads all but +Pamela into the other room; Joseph remains behind.) + +Joseph (aside) +I wonder what they mean. They all talk of a sacrifice! And old Giraud +won't say a word to me! Well, I can bide my time. I promised the +advocate that I would give him my fourteen hundred francs, but before +I do so, I would like to see how he acts with regard to me. + +Dupre (going up to Joseph) +Joseph Binet, you must leave the room. + +Joseph +And not hear what you say about me? + +Dupre +You must go away. + +Joseph (aside) +It is evident that they are concealing something from me. (To Dupre) I +have prepared her mind; she is much taken with the idea of +transportation. Stick to that point. + +Dupre +All right! But you must leave the room. + +Joseph (aside) +Leave the room! Oh, indeed! Not I. + +(Joseph makes as if he had withdrawn, but, quietly returning, hides +himself in a closet.) + +Dupre (to Pamela) +You have consented to see me, and I thank you for it. I know exactly +what has recently taken place here, and I am not going to address you +in the same way as you have been recently addressed. + +Pamela +Your very presence assures me of that, sir. + +Dupre +You are in love with this fine young man, this Joseph? + +Pamela +I am aware, sir, that advocates are like confessors! + +Dupre +My child, they have to be just as safe confidants. You may tell me +everything without reserve. + +Pamela +Well, sir, I did love him; that is to say, I thought I loved him, and +I would very willingly have become his wife. I thought that with his +energy Joseph would have made a good business, and that we could lead +together a life of toil. When prosperity came, we would have taken +with us my father and my mother; it was all very clear--it would have +been a united family! + +Dupre (aside) +The appearance of this young girl is in her favor! Let us see whether +she is sincere or not. (Aloud) What are you thinking about? + +Pamela +I was thinking about these past days, which seemed to me so happy in +comparison with the present. A fortnight ago my head was turned by the +sight of M. Jules; I fell in love with him, as young girls do fall in +love, as I have seen other young girls fall in love with young men-- +with a love which would endure everything for those they loved! I used +to say to myself: shall I ever be like that? Well, at this moment I do +not know anything that I would not endure for M. Jules. A few moments +ago they offered me money,--they, from whom I expected such nobleness, +such greatness; and I was disgusted! Money! I have plenty of it, sir! +I have twenty thousand francs! They are here, they are yours! That is +to say, they are his! I have kept them to use in my efforts to save +him, for I have betrayed him, because I doubted him, while he was so +confident, so sure of me--and I was so distrustful of him! + +Dupre +And he gave you twenty thousand francs? + +Pamela +Ah, sir! He entrusted them with me. Here they are. I shall return them +to his family, if he dies; but he shall not die! Tell me? Is it not +so? You ought to know. + +Dupre +My dear child, bear in mind that your whole life, perhaps your +happiness, depend upon the truthfulness of your answers. Answer me as +if you stood in the presence of God. + +Pamela +I will. + +Dupre +You have never loved any one before? + +Pamela +Never! + +Dupre +You seem to be afraid! Come, I am terrifying you. You are not giving +me your confidence. + +Pamela +Oh, yes I am, sir; I swear I am! Since we have been in Paris, I have +never left my mother, and I have thought of nothing but my work and my +duty. I was alarmed and thrown into confusion a few moments ago, sir, +but you inspire me with confidence, and I can tell you everything. +Well, I acknowledge it,--I am in love with Jules; he is the only one I +love, and I would follow him to the end of the world! You told me to +speak as in the presence of God. + +Dupre +Well, it is to your heart that I am going to appeal. Do for me what +you have refused to do for others. Tell me the truth! You alone have +the power to save him before the face of justice! You love him, +Pamela; I understand what it would cost you to-- + +Pamela +To avow my love for him? Would that be sufficient to save him? + +Dupre +I will answer for that! + +Pamela +Well? + +Dupre +My child! + +Pamela +Well--he is saved. + +Dupre (earnestly) +But--you will be compromised-- + +Pamela +But after all it is for him. + +Dupre (aside) +I never expected it, but I shall not die without having seen with my +own eyes an example of beautiful and noble candor, destitute alike of +self-interest and designing reserve. (Aloud) Pamela, you are a good +and generous girl. + +Pamela +To act this way consoles me for many little miseries of life. + +Dupre +My child, that is not everything! You are true as steel, you are high- +spirited. But in order to succeed it is necessary to have assurance-- +determination-- + +Pamela +Oh, sir! You shall see! + +Dupre +Do not be over-anxious. Dare to confess everything. Be brave! Imagine +that you are before the Court of Assizes, the presiding judge, the +public prosecutor, the prisoner at the bar, and me, his advocate; the +jury is on one side. The big court-room is filled with people. Do not +be alarmed. + +Pamela +You needn't fear for me. + +Dupre +A court officer brings you in; you have given your name and surname! +Then the presiding judge asks you "How long have you known the +prisoner, Rousseau?"--What would you answer? + +Pamela +The truth!--I met him about a month before his arrest at the Ile +d'Amour, Belleville. + +Dupre +Who were with him? + +Pamela +I noticed no one but him. + +Dupre +Did you hear them talk politics? + +Pamela (in astonishment) +Oh, sir! The judges must be aware that politics are matters of +indifference at the Ile d'Amour. + +Dupre +Very good, my child! But you must tell them all you know about Jules +Rousseau. + +Pamela +Of course. I shall still speak the truth, and repeat my testimony +before the police justice. I knew nothing of the conspiracy, and was +infinitely surprised when he was arrested in my room; the proof of +which is that I feared M. Jules was a thief and afterwards apologized +for my suspicion. + +Dupre +You must acknowledge that from the time of your first acquaintance +with this young man, he constantly came to see you. You must declare-- + +Pamela +I shall stick to the truth--He never left me alone! He came to see me +for love, I received him from friendship, and I resisted him from a +sense of duty-- + +Dupre +And at last? + +Pamela (anxiously) +At last? + +Dupre +You are trembling! Take care! Just now you promised me to tell the +truth! + +Pamela (aside) +The truth! Oh my God! + +Dupre +I also am interested in this young man; but I recoil from a possible +imposture. If he is guilty, my duty bids me defend him, if he is +innocent, his cause shall be mine. Yes, without doubt, Pamela, I am +about to demand from you a great sacrifice, but he needs it. The +visits which Jules made to you were in the evening, and without the +knowledge of your parents. + +Pamela +Why no! never! + +Dupre +How is this? For in that case there would be no hope for him. + +Pamela (aside) +No hope for him! Then either he or I must be ruined. (Aloud) Sir, do +not be alarmed; I felt a little fear because the real danger was not +before my eyes. But when I shall stand before the judges!--when once I +shall see him, see Jules--and feel that his safety depends upon me-- + +Dupre +That is good, very good. But what is most necessary to be made known +is that on the evening of the twenty-fourth, he came here. If that is +once understood, I shall be successful in saving him; otherwise, I can +answer for nothing. He is lost! + +Pamela (murmuring, greatly agitated) +Lost!--Jules lost!--No, no, no!--Better that my own good name be lost! +(Aloud) Yes, he came here on the twenty-fourth. (Aside) God forgive +me! (Aloud) It was my saint's day--my name is Louise Pamela--and he +was kind enough to bring me a bouquet, without the knowledge of my +father or mother; he came in the evening, late. Ah! you need have no +fear, sir--you see I shall tell all. (Aside) And all is a lie! + +Dupre +He will be saved! (Rousseau appears) Ah! sir! (running to the door of +the room) Come all of you and thank your deliverer! + + + SCENE SIXTH + +Rousseau, De Verby, Madame du Brocard, Giraud, Madame Giraud, Dupre, +and later Joseph Binet. + + +All +Does she consent? + +Rousseau +You have saved my son. I shall never forget it. + +Mme. du Brocard +You have put us under eternal obligations, my child. + +Rousseau +My fortune shall be at your disposal. + +Dupre +I will not say anything to you, my child! We shall meet again! + +Joseph (coming out of the closet) +One moment! One moment! I have heard everything--and do you believe +that I am going to put up with that? I was here in concealment all the +time. And do you think I am going to let Pamela, whom I have loved and +have wished to make my wife, say all that? (To Dupre) This is the way +you are going to earn my fourteen hundred francs, eh! Well, I shall go +to court myself and testify that the whole thing is a lie. + +All +Great heaven! + +Dupre +You miserable wretch! + +De Verby +If you say a single word-- + +Joseph +Oh, I am not afraid! + +De Verby (to Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard) +He shall never go to court! If necessary, I will have him shadowed, +and I will put men on the watch to prevent him from entering. + +Joseph +I'd just like to see you try it! + +(Enter a sheriff's officer, who goes up to Dupre.) + +Dupre +What do you want? + +The sheriff's officer +I am the court officer of the Assizes--Mlle. Pamela Giraud! (Pamela +comes forward.) In virtue of discretionary authority of the presiding +judge, you are summoned to appear before him to-morrow at ten o'clock. + +Joseph (to De Verby) +I will go also. + +The officer +The porter has told me that you have here a gentleman called Joseph +Binet. + +Joseph +Here I am! + +The officer +Please take your summons. + +Joseph +I told you that I would go! + +(The officer withdraws; every one is alarmed at the threats of Binet. +Dupre tries to speak to him and reason with him, but he steals away.) + + +Curtain to the Third Act. + + + + ACT IV + + + SCENE FIRST + +(The stage represents Madame du Brocard's salon, from which can be +seen the Court of Assizes.) + +Madame du Brocard, Madame Rousseau, Rousseau, Joseph Binet, Dupre and +Justine. + + +(Dupre is seated reading his note-book.) + +Mme. Rousseau +M. Dupre! + +Dupre +Yes, madame, the court adjourned after the speech of the prosecuting +attorney. And I came over to reassure you personally. + +Mme. du Brocard +I told you, sister, that some one was sure to come and keep us +informed of things. In my house, here, which is so close to the court +house, we are in a favorable position for learning all that goes on at +the trial. Ah, M. Dupre! How can we thank you enough! You spoke +superbly! (To Justine) Justine, bring in something to drink--Quick! + +Rousseau +Sir, your speech-- (To his wife) He was magnificent. + +Dupre +Sir,-- + +Joseph (in tears) +Yes, you were magnificent, magnificent! + +Dupre +I am not the person you ought to thank, but that child, that Pamela, +who showed such astonishing courage. + +Joseph +And didn't I do well? + +Mme. Rousseau +And he (pointing to Binet), did he carry out the threat he made to us? + +Dupre +No, he took your side. + +Joseph +It was your fault! But for you--Ah!--Well--I reached the court house, +having made up my mind to mix up everything; but when I saw all the +people, the judge, the jury, the crowd, and the terrible silence, I +trembled! Nevertheless I screwed up my courage. When I was questioned, +I was just about to answer, when my glance met the eyes of Mlle. +Pamela, which were filled with tears--I felt as if my tongue was +bound. And on the other side I saw M. Jules--a handsome youth, his +fine face conspicuous among them all. His expression was as tranquil +as if he had been a mere spectator. That knocked me out! "Don't be +afraid," said the judge to me. I was absolutely beside myself! I was +afraid of making some mistake; and then I had sworn to keep to the +truth; and then M. Dupre fixed his eye on me. I can't tell you what +that eye seemed to say to me--My tongue seemed twisted up. I broke out +into a sweat--my heart beat hard--and I began to cry, like a fool. You +were magnificent. And then in a moment it was all over. He made me do +exactly what he wanted. This is the way I lied: I said that on the +evening of the twenty-fourth I unexpectedly came to Pamela's room and +found M. Jules there--Yes, at Pamela's, the girl whom I was going to +marry, whom I still love--and our marriage will be the talk of the +whole neighborhood. Never mind, he's a great lawyer! Never mind! (To +Justine) Give me something to drink, will you? + +Rousseau, Mme. Rousseau, Mme. du Brocard (To Joseph) +Dear friend! You showed yourself a fine fellow! + +Dupre +The energy shown by Pamela makes me hopeful. I trembled for a moment +while she was giving evidence; the prosecuting attorney pressed her +very hard and seemed to doubt her veracity; she grew pale and I +thought she was going to faint. + +Joseph +And what must my feelings have been? + +Dupre +Her self-sacrifice was wonderful. You don't realize all that she has +undergone for you; I, myself even, was deceived by her; she was her +own accuser, yet all the time was innocent. Only one moment did she +falter; but darting a rapid glance at Jules, she suddenly rallied, a +blush took the place of pallor on her countenance, and we felt that +she had saved her lover; in spite of the risk she was running, she +repeated once more before all those people the story of her own +disgrace, and then fell weeping into the arms of her mother. + +Joseph +Yes, she is a fine girl. + +Dupre +But I must leave you; the summing up of the judge will come this +afternoon. + +Rousseau +You must be going then. + +Dupre +One moment! Do not forget Pamela! That young girl has compromised her +own honor for you and for him. + +Joseph +As for me, I don't ask anything, but I have been led to expect-- + +Mme. du Brocard, Mme. Rousseau +We can never pay our debt of gratitude to you. + +Dupre +Very good; come, gentlemen, we must be starting. + +(Exeunt Dupre and Rousseau.) + + + SCENE SECOND + +The same persons excepting Dupre and Rousseau. + + +Mme. du Brocard (stopping Joseph on his way out) +Listen to me! + +Joseph +What can I do for you? + +Mme. du Brocard +You see in what a state of anxiety we are; don't fail to let us know +the least turn in our favor which the trial makes. + +Mme. Rousseau +Yes, keep us well informed on the whole business. + +Joseph +You may rest assured of that--But look here, I needn't leave the court +house to do that, I intend to see everything, and to hear everything. +But do you see that window there? My seat is just under it; you watch +that window, and it if he is declared innocent you will see me wave my +handkerchief. + +Mme. Rousseau +Do not forget to do so. + +Joseph +No danger of that; I am a poor chap, but I know what a mother's heart +is! I am interested in this case, and for you, and for Pamela, I have +said a lot of things! But when you are fond of people you'll do +anything, and then I have been promised something--you may count upon +me. (Exit.) + + + SCENE THIRD + +The same persons excepting Joseph. + + +Mme. Rousseau +Justine, open this window, and wait for the signal which the young man +has promised to give--Ah! but suppose my boy were condemned! + +Mme. du Brocard +M. Dupre has spoken very hopefully about matters. + +Mme. Rousseau +But with regard to this good girl, this admirable Pamela--what must we +do for her? + +Mme. du Brocard +We ought to do something to make her happy! I acknowledge that this +young person is a succor sent from heaven! Only a noble heart could +make the sacrifice that she has made! She deserves a fortune for it! +Thirty thousand francs! That is what she ought to have. Jules owes his +life to her. (Aside) Poor boy, will his life be saved? + +(Mme. du Brocard looks toward the window.) + +Mme. Rousseau +Well, Justine, do you see anything? + +Justine +Nothing, madame. + +Mme. Rousseau +Nothing yet! Yes, you are right, sister, it is only the heart that can +prompt such noble actions. I do not know what you and my husband would +think about it, but if we considered what was right, and had full +regard to the happiness of Jules, apart from the brilliant prospect of +an alliance with the family of De Verby, if my son loved her and she +loved my son--it seems to me reasonable-- + +Mme. du Brocard and Justine +No! No! + +Mme. Rousseau +Oh, sister! Say yes! Has she not well deserved it? But there is some +one coming. + +(The two women remain in their seats with clasped hands.) + + + SCENE FOURTH + +The same persons and De Verby. + + +Justine +M. le General de Verby! + +Mme. Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard +Ah! + +De Verby +Everything is going on well! My presence was no longer necessary, so I +return to you. There are great hopes of your son's acquittal. The +charge of the presiding judge is decidedly in his favor. + +Mme. Rousseau (joyfully) +Thank God! + +De Verby +Jules has behaved admirably! My brother the Comte de Verby is very +much interested in his favor. My niece looks upon him as a hero, and I +know courage and honorable conduct when I see them. When once this +affair has been settled, we will hasten the marriage. + +Mme. Rousseau +We ought to tell you, sir, that we have made certain promises to this +young girl. + +Mme. du Brocard +Never mind that, sister. + +De Verby +Doubtless the young girl deserves some recompense, and I suppose you +will give her fifteen or twenty thousand francs,--that is due her. + +Mme. du Brocard +You see, sister, that M. de Verby is a noble and generous man, and +since he has fixed upon this sum, I think it will be sufficient. + +Justine +M. Rousseau! + +Mme. du Brocard +O brother! + +Mme. Rousseau +Dear husband! + + + SCENE FIFTH + +The same persons and Rousseau. + + +De Verby (to Rousseau) +Have you good news? + +Mme. Rousseau +Is he acquitted? + +Rousseau +No, but it is rumored that he is going to be; the jury are in +consultation; I couldn't stay there any longer; I couldn't stand the +suspense; I told Antoine to hurry here as soon as the verdict is +given. + +Mme. Rousseau +We shall learn what the verdict is from this window; we have agreed +upon a signal to be given by that youth, Joseph Binet. + +Rousseau +Ah! keep a good look out, Justine. + +Mme. Rousseau +And how is Jules? What a trying time it must be for him! + +Rousseau +Not at all! The unfortunate boy astonishes me by his coolness. Such +courage as he has is worthy of a better cause than that of conspiracy. +To think of his having put us in such a position! But for this I might +have been appointed President of the Chamber of Commerce. + +De Verby +You forget that, after all, his marriage with a member of my family +will make some amends for his trouble. + +Rousseau (struck by a sudden thought) +Ah, general! When I left the court room, Jules stood surrounded by his +friends, among whom were M. Dupre and the young girl Pamela. Your +niece and Madame de Verby must have noticed it, and I hope that you +will try to explain matters to them. + +(While Rousseau speaks with the general the ladies are watching for +the signal.) + +De Verby +Rest assured of that! I will take care that Jules appears as white as +snow! It is of very great importance to explain this affair of the +working-girl, otherwise the Comtesse de Verby might oppose the +marriage. We must explain away this apparent amour, and she must be +made to understand that the girl's evidence was a piece of self- +sacrifice for which she had been paid. + +Rousseau +I certainly intend to do my duty towards that young girl. I shall give +her eight or ten thousand francs. It seems to me that that will be +liberal, very liberal! + +Mme. Rousseau (while Mme. du Brocard tries to restrain her) +Ah, sir, but what of her honor? + +Rousseau +Well, I suppose that some one will marry her. + + + SCENE SIXTH + +The same persons and Joseph. + + +Joseph (dashing in) +Monsieur! Madame! Give me some cologne or something, I beg you! + +All +Whatever can be the matter? + +Joseph +M. Antoine, your footman, is bringing Pamela here. + +Rousseau +Has anything happened? + +Joseph +When she saw the jury come in to give their verdict she was taken ill! +Her father and mother, who were in the crowd at the other end of the +court, couldn't stir. I cried out, and the presiding judge made them +put me out of court! + +Mme. Rousseau +But Jules! My son! What did the jury say? + +Joseph +I know nothing! I had no eyes except for Pamela. As for your son, I +suppose he is all right, but first with me comes Pamela-- + +De Verby +But you must have seen how the jury looked! + +Joseph +Oh, yes! The foreman of the jury looked so gloomy--so severe--that I +am quite persuaded-- (He shudders.) + +Mme. Rousseau +My poor Jules! + +Joseph +Here comes Antoine and Mlle. Pamela. + + + SCENE SEVENTH + +The same persons, Antoine and Pamela. + + +(They lead Pamela to a seat and give her smelling salts.) + +Mme. du Brocard +My dear child! + +Mme. Rousseau +My daughter! + +Rousseau +Mademoiselle! + +Pamela +I couldn't stand it any longer, the excitement was too great--and the +suspense was so cruel. I tried to brace up my courage by the calmness +of M. Jules while the jury was deliberating; the smile which he wore +made me share his presentiment of coming release! But I was chilled to +the heart when I looked at the pale, impassive countenance of M. +Dupre!--And then, the sound of the bell that announced the return of +the jury, and the murmur of anxiety that ran through the court--I was +quite overcome!--A cold sweat suffused my cheek and I fainted. + +Joseph +As for me, I shouted out, and they threw me into the street. + +De Verby (to Rousseau) +If by mischance-- + +Rousseau +Sir! + +De Verby (to Rousseau and the women) +If it should be necessary to appeal the case (pointing to Pamela), +could we count upon her? + +Mme. Rousseau +On her? To the end; I am sure of that. + +Mme. du Brocard +Pamela! + +Rousseau +Tell me, you who have shown yourself so good, so generous,--if we +should still have need of your unselfish aid, would you be ready? + +Pamela +Quite ready, sir! I have but one object, one single thought!--and that +is, to save M. Jules! + +Joseph (aside) +She loves him, she loves him! + +Rousseau +Ah! all that I have is at your disposal. + +(A murmur and cries are heard; general alarm.) + +All +What a noise they are making! Listen to their shouts! + +(Pamela totters to her feet. Joseph runs to the window, where Justine +is watching.) + +Joseph +There's a crowd of people rushing down the steps of the court,--they +are coming here! + +Justine and Joseph +It is M. Jules! + +Rousseau and Mme. Rousseau +My son! + +Mme. du Brocard and Pamela +Jules! + +(They rush forward to Jules.) + +De Verby +He is acquitted! + + + SCENE EIGHTH + +The same persons and Jules (brought in by his mother and his aunt and +followed by his friends). + + +(Jules flings himself into the arms of his mother; he does not at +first see Pamela, who is seated in a corner near Joseph.) + +Jules +O mother! Dear aunt! And my father! Here I am, restored to liberty +again! (To General de Verby and the friends who have come with him) +Let me thank you, general, and you, my friends, for your kind +sympathy. + +(After general handshaking the friends depart.) + +Mme. Rousseau +And so my son has at last come back to me! It seems too good to be +true. + +Joseph (to Pamela) +Well, and what of you? He hasn't said a word to you, and you are the +only one he hasn't seen. + +Pamela +Silence, Joseph, silence! + +(Pamela retires to the end of the stage.) + +De Verby +Not only have you been acquitted, but you have also gained a high +place in the esteem of those who are interested in the affair! You +have exhibited both courage and discretion, such as have gratified us +all. + +Rousseau +Everybody has behaved well. Antoine, you have done nobly; you will end +your life in this house. + +Mme. Rousseau (to Jules) +Let me express my gratitude to M. Adolph Durand. + +(Jules presents his friend.) + +Jules +Yes, but my real deliverer, my guardian angel is poor Pamela! How well +she understood my situation and her own also! What self-sacrifice she +showed! Can I ever forget her emotion, her terror!--and then she +fainted! (Mme. Rousseau, who has been thinking of nothing else but her +son, now looks around for Pamela, sees her, and brings her up to +Jules.) Ah, Pamela! Pamela! My gratitude to you shall be eternal! + +Pamela +Ah, M. Jules! How happy I feel. + +Jules +We will never part again? Will we, mother? She shall be your daughter! + +De Verby (to Rousseau with vehemence) +My sister and my niece are expecting an answer; you will have to +exercise your authority, sir. This young man seems to have a lively +and romantic imagination. He is in danger of missing his career +through a too scrupulous sense of honor, and a generosity which is +tinged with folly! + +Rousseau (in embarrassment) +The fact is-- + +De Verby +But I have your word. + +Mme. du Brocard +Speak out, brother! + +Jules +Mother, do you answer them, and show yourself on my side? + +Rousseau (taking Jules by the hand) +Jules! I shall never forget the service which this young girl has done +us. I understand the promptings of your gratitude; but as you are +aware the Comte de Verby has our promise; it is not right that you +should lightly sacrifice your future! You are not wanting in energy, +you have given sufficient proof of that! A young conspirator should be +quite able to extricate himself from such an affair as this. + +De Verby (to Jules) +Undoubtedly! And our future diplomat will have a splendid chance. + +Rousseau +Moreover my wishes in the matter-- + +Jules +O father! + +Dupre (appearing) +Jules, I still have to take up your defence. + +Pamela and Joseph +M. Dupre! + +Jules +My friend! + +Mme. du Brocard +It is the lawyer. + +Dupre +I see! I am no longer "my dear Monsieur Dupre"! + +Mme. du Brocard +Oh, you are always that! But before paying our debt of gratitude to +you, we have to think about this young girl. + +Dupre (coldly) +I beg your pardon, madame. + +De Verby +This man is going to spoil everything. + +Dupre (to Rousseau) +I heard all you said. It transcends all I have ever experienced. I +could not have believed that ingratitude could follow so soon on the +acceptance of a benefit. Rich as you are, rich as your son will be, +what fairer task have you to perform than that of satisfying your +conscience? In saving Jules, this girl has brought disgrace upon +herself! Can it be possible that the fortune which you have so +honorably gained should have killed in your heart every generous +sentiment, and that self-interest alone-- (He sees Mme. du Brocard +making signs to her brother.) Ah! that is right, madame! It is you +that give the tone in this household! And I forgot while I was +pleading to this gentleman, that you would be at his elbow when I was +no longer here. + +Mme. du Brocard +We have pledged our word to the Count and Countess of Verby! Mlle. +Pamela, whose friend I shall be all my life, did not effect the +deliverance of my nephew on the understanding that she should blight +his prospects. + +Rousseau +There ought to be some basis of equality in a union by marriage. My +son will some day have an income of eighty thousand francs. + +Joseph (aside) +That suits me to a T. I shall marry her now. But this fellow here, he +talks more like a Jewish money-changer than a father. + +De Verby (to Dupre) +I think, sir, that your talent and character are such as to claim our +highest admiration and esteem. The Rousseau family will always +preserve your name in grateful memory; but these private discussions +must be carried on without witnesses from outside. M. Rousseau has +given me his word and I keep him to his promise! (To Jules) Come, my +young friend, come to my brother's house; my niece is expecting you. +To-morrow we will sign the marriage contract. + +(Pamela falls senseless on her chair.) + +Joseph +Ah, what have you done! Mlle. Pamela! + +Dupre and Jules (darting towards her) +Good heavens! + +De Verby (taking Jules by the hand) +Come--come-- + +Dupre +Stop a moment! I should have been glad to think that I was not the +only protector that was left her! But listen, the matter is not yet +ended! Pamela will certainly be arrested as a false witness! (Seizes +the hand of De Verby.) And you will all be ruined. + +(Dupre leads off Pamela.) + +Joseph (hiding behind a sofa) +Don't tell anybody that I am here! + + +Curtain to the Fourth Act. + + + + ACT V + + + SCENE FIRST + +(The stage setting represents the private study in Dupre's house. On +one side is a bookcase, on the other a desk. On the left is a window +hung with heavy, sweeping silk curtains.) + +Dupre, Pamela, Giraud and Madame Giraud. + + +(Pamela is seated on a chair reading; her mother is standing in front +of her; Giraud is examining the pictures on the wall; Dupre is +striding up and down the room.) + +Dupre (stopping, addresses Giraud) +Did you take your usual precautions in coming here this morning? + +Giraud +You may rest assured of that, sir; when I come here I walk with my +head turned backwards! I know well enough that the least want of +caution quickly results in misfortune. Your heart, my daughter, has +led you astray this time; perjury is a terrible thing and I am afraid +you are in a serious mess. + +Mme. Giraud +I agree with you. You must be very careful, Giraud, for if any one +were to follow you and discover that our poor daughter was here in +concealment, through the generosity of M. Dupre-- + +Dupre +Come now, enough of that! (He continues to stride hastily about the +room.) What ingratitude! The Rousseau family are ignorant of what +steps I have taken. They believe that Pamela has been arrested, and +none of them trouble their heads about it! They have sent Jules off to +Brussels; De Verby is in the country; and Rousseau carries on his +business at the Bourse as if nothing else was worth living for. Money, +ambition, are their sole objects. The higher feelings count for +nothing! They all worship the golden calf. Money makes them dance +round their idol; the sight of it blinds them. + +(Pamela has been watching him, she rises and approaches him.) + +Pamela +M. Dupre, you are agitated, you seem unwell. I fear it is on my +account. + +Dupre +Have you not shared my disgust at the hateful want of feeling +manifested by this family, who, as soon as their son is acquitted, +throw you aside as a mere tool that has served their purpose? + +Pamela +But what can we do about it, sir? + +Dupre +Dear child, does your heart feel no bitterness against them? + +Pamela +No, sir! I am happier than any of them; for I feel that I have done a +good deed. + +Mme. Giraud (embracing Pamela) +My poor dear daughter! + +Giraud +This is the happiest moment of my life. + +Dupre (addressing Pamela) +Mademoiselle, you are a noble girl! No one has better ground for +saying it than I, for it was I who came to you imploring you to speak +the truth; and pure and honorable as you are, you have compromised +your character for the sake of another. And now they repulse you and +treat you with contempt; but I look upon you with hearty admiration-- +you shall yet be happy, for I will make full reparation to you! +Pamela, I am forty-eight years old. I have some reputation, and a +fortune. I have spent my life as an honest man, and will finish it as +such; will you be my wife? + +Pamela (much moved) +I, sir? + +Giraud +His wife! Our daughter his wife! What do you say to that, Mme. Giraud? + +Mme. Giraud +Can it be possible? + +Dupre +Why should you wonder at this? Let us have no idle phrases. Put the +question to your own heart--and answer yes or no--Will you be my wife? + +Pamela +You are a great man, sir, and I owe everything to you. Do you really +wish to add to the debt? Ah! my gratitude--! + +Dupre +Don't let me hear you use that word,--it spoils everything! The world +is something that I despise! And I render to it no account of my +conduct, my hatred or my love. From the moment I saw your courage and +your resignation--I loved you. Try to love me in return! + +Pamela +Ah, sir, indeed I will! + +Mme. Giraud +Could any one help loving you? + +Giraud +Sir, I am only a poor porter. I repeat it, I am nothing but a porter. +You love our daughter, you have told her so. Forgive me--my eyes are +full of tears--and that checks my utterance. (He wipes his eyes.) +Well, well, you do right to love her! It proves that you have brains! +For Pamela--there are a great many landowners' children who are her +inferiors. But it is humiliating for her to have parents such as us. + +Pamela +O father! + +Giraud +You are a leader among men! Well, I and my wife, we will go and hide +ourselves somewhere far into the country! And on Sunday, at the hour +of mass, you will say, "They are praying to God for us!" + +(Pamela kisses her parents.) + +Dupre +You are good people, and to think that such as you have neither title +nor fortune! And if you are pining for your country home, you shall +return there and live there in happiness and tranquillity, and I will +make provision for you. + +Giraud and Mme. Giraud +Oh! our gratitude-- + +Dupre +That word again--I should like to cut it out of the dictionary! +Meanwhile I intend to take you both with me into the country, so set +about packing up. + +Giraud +Sir! + +Dupre +Well, what is it? + +Giraud +Poor Joseph Binet is also in danger. He does not know that we are all +here. But three days ago, he came to see your servant and seemed +scared almost to death, and he is hidden here, as in a sanctuary, up +in the attic. + +Dupre +Call him down-stairs. + +Giraud +He will not come, sir; he is too much afraid of being arrested--they +pass him up food through a hole in the ceiling! + +Dupre +He will soon be at liberty, I hope. I am expecting a letter which will +relieve all your minds. + +Giraud +At once? + +Dupre +I expect the letter this evening. + +Giraud (to his wife) +I am going to make my way cautiously to the house. + +(Madame Giraud accompanies him, and gives him advice. Pamela arises to +follow her.) + +Dupre (restraining Pamela) +You are not in love with this Binet, are you? + +Pamela +Oh, never! + +Dupre +And the other? + +Pamela (struggling with her feelings) +I shall love none but you! + +(Pamela starts to leave the room. A noise is heard in the antechamber. +Jules appears.) + + + SCENE SECOND + +Pamela, Dupre and Jules. + + +Jules (to the servants) +Let me pass! I tell you--I must speak to him at once! (Noticing Dupre) +Ah, sir! What has become of Pamela? Is she at liberty? Is she safe? + +Pamela (stopping at the door) +Jules! + +Jules +Good heavens! You here? + +Dupre +And you, sir, I thought you were at Brussels? + +Jules +Yes, they sent me away against my will, and I yielded to them! Reared +as I have been in obedience, I still tremble before my family! But I +carried away with me the memory of what I had left behind! It has +taken me six months to realize the situation, and I now acknowledge +that I risked my life in order to obtain the hand of Mlle. de Verby, +that I might gratify the ambition of my family, or, if you like, might +honor my own vanity. I hoped some day to be a man of title, I, the son +of a rich stock-broker! Then I met Pamela, and I fell in love with +her! The rest you know! What was a mere sentiment has now become a +duty, and every hour that has kept me from her I have felt that +obedience to my family was rank cowardice; and while they believe I am +far away, I have returned! You told me she had been arrested--and to +think that I should run away (to both of them) without coming to see +you, who had been my deliverer, and will be hers also. + +Dupre (looking at them) +Good! Very good! He is an honorable fellow after all. + +Pamela (aside, drying her tears) +Thank God for that! + +Dupre +What do you expect to do? What are your plans? + +Jules +What are my plans? To unite my fortune with hers. If necessary, to +forfeit everything for her, and under God's protection to say to her, +"Pamela, will you be mine?" + +Dupre +The deuce you say! But there is a slight difficulty in the way--for I +am going to marry her myself. + +Jules (in great astonishment) +You? + +Dupre +Yes, I! (Pamela casts down her eyes.) I have no family to oppose my +wishes. + +Jules +I will win over mine. + +Dupre +They will send you off to Brussels again. + +Jules +I must run and find my mother; my courage has returned! Were I to +forfeit the favor of my father, were my aunt to cut me off with a sou, +I would stand my ground. If I did otherwise, I should be destitute of +self-respect, I should prove myself a soulless coward.--After that, is +there any hope for me? + +Dupre +Do you ask such a question of me? + +Jules +Pamela, answer, I implore you! + +Pamela (to Dupre) +I have given you my word, sir. + + + SCENE THIRD + +The same persons and a servant. + + +(The servant hands a card to Dupre.) + +Dupre (looking at the card with great surprise) +How is this? (To Jules) Do you know where M. de Verby is? + +Jules +He is in Normandy, staying with his brother, Comte de Verby. + +Dupre (looking at the card) +Very good. Now you had better go and find your mother. + +Jules +But you promise me? + +Dupre +I promise nothing. + +Jules +Good-bye, Pamela! (Aside, as he goes out) I will come back soon. + +Dupre (turning towards Pamela, after the departure of Jules) +Must he come back again? + +Pamela (with great emotion, throwing herself into his arms) +Ah! sir! (Exit.) + +Dupre (looking after her and wiping away a tear) +Gratitude, forsooth! (Opening a narrow secret door.) Come in, general; +come in! + + + SCENE FOURTH + +Dupre and De Verby. + + +Dupre +Strange, sir, to find you here, when every one believes that you are +fifty leagues away from Paris. + +De Verby +I arrived this morning. + +Dupre +Without doubt some powerful motive brought you here? + +De Verby +No selfish motive; but I couldn't remain wholly indifferent to the +affairs of others! You may prove useful to me. + +Dupre +I shall be only too happy to have an opportunity of serving you. + +Du Verby +M. Dupre, the circumstances under which we have become acquainted have +put me in a position fully to appreciate your value. You occupy the +first place among the men whose talents and character claim my +attention. + +Dupre +Ah! sir, you compel me to say that you, a veteran of the Empire, have +always seemed to me by your loyalty and your independence to be a +fitting representative of that glorious epoch. (Aside) I hope I have +paid him back in full. + +De Verby +I suppose I may rely upon you for assistance? + +Dupre +Certainly. + +De Verby +I would like to ask for some information with regard to young Pamela +Giraud. + +Dupre +I felt sure that was your object. + +De Verby +The Rousseau family have behaved abominably. + +Dupre +Would you have behaved any better? + +De Verby +I intend to espouse her cause! Since her arrest as a perjurer, how do +things go on? + +Dupre +That can have very little interest for you. + +De Verby +That may be true, but-- + +Dupre (aside) +He is trying to make me talk in order to find out whether he is likely +to be compromised in the case. (Aloud) General de Verby, there are +some men who cannot be seen through, either in their plans or in their +thoughts; the actions and events which they give rise to alone reveal +and explain such men. These are the strong men. I humbly beg that you +will pardon my frankness when I say that I don't look upon you as +being one of them. + +De Verby +Sir! What language to use to me! You are a singular man! + +Dupre +More than that! I believe that I am an original man! Listen to me. You +throw out hints to me, and you think that as a future ambassador you +can try on me your diplomatic methods; but you have chosen the wrong +man and I am going to tell you something, which you will take no +pleasure in learning. You are ambitious, but you are also prudent, and +you have taken the lead in a certain conspiracy. The plot failed, and +without worrying yourself about those whom you had pushed to the +front, and who eagerly strove for success, you have yourself sneaked +out of the way. As a political renegade you have proved your +independence by burning incense to the new dynasty! And you expect as +a reward to be made ambassador to Turin! In a month's time you will +receive your credentials; meanwhile Pamela is arrested, you have been +seen at her house, you may possibly be compromised by her trial for +perjury! Then you rush to me, trembling with the fear of being +unmasked, of losing the promotion which has caused you so many efforts +to attain! You come to me with an air of obsequiousness, and with the +words of flattery, expecting to make me your dupe, and thus to show +your sincerity! Well, you have sufficient reason for alarm--Pamela is +in the hands of justice, and she has told all. + +De Verby +What then is to be done? + +Dupre +I have one suggestion to make: Write to Jules that you release him +from his engagement, and the Mlle. de Verby withdraws her promise to +be his wife. + +De Verby +Is that your advice? + +Dupre +You find that the Rousseau family have behaved abominably, and you +ought to despise them! + +De Verby +But you know--engagements of this sort-- + +Dupre +I'll tell you what I know; I know that your private fortune is not +equal to the position which you aspire to. Mme. du Brocard, whose +wealth is equal to her pride, ought to come to your assistance, if +this alliance-- + +De Verby +Sir! How dare you to affront my dignity in this way? + +Dupre +Whether what I say be true or false, do what I tell you! If you agree, +I will endeavor to save you from being compromised. But write--or get +out of the difficulty the best way you can. But stay, I hear some +clients coming. + +De Verby +I don't want to see anybody! Everybody, even the Rousseau family, +believes that I have left the city. + +A servant (announcing a visitor) +Madame du Brocard! + +De Verby +Oh, heavens! + +(De Verby rushes into an office on the right.) + + + SCENE FIFTH + +Dupre and Madame du Brocard. + + +(Madame du Brocard enters, her face hidden by a heavy black veil which +she cautiously raises.) + +Mme. du Brocard +I have been here several times without being lucky enough to find you +in. We are quite alone here? + +Dupre (smiling) +Quite alone! + +Mme. du Brocard +And so this harrowing affair has broken out afresh? + +Dupre +It has, unhappily! + +Mme. du Brocard +That wretched young man! If I had not superintended his education, I +would disinherit him! My life at present is not worth living. Is it +possible that I, whose conduct and principles have won the esteem of +all, should be involved in all this trouble? And yet on this occasion +the only thing that gives me any anxiety is my conduct towards the +Girauds! + +Dupre +I can well believe it, for it was you who led astray and who induced +Pamela to act as she did! + +Mme. du Brocard +I feel, sir, that it is always a mistake to associate with people of a +certain class--say, with a Bonapartist--a man who has neither +conscience nor heart. + +(De Verby, who has been listening, shrinks back with a gesture of +rage.) + +Dupre +You always seemed to have such a high opinion of him! + +Mme. du Brocard +His family was highly thought of! And the prospect of this brilliant +marriage! I always dreamt of a distinguished future for my nephew. + +Dupre +But you are forgetting the general's affection for you, his +unselfishness. + +Mme. du Brocard +His affection! His unselfishness! The general does not possess a sou, +and I had promised him a hundred thousand francs, when once the +marriage contract was signed. + +Dupre (coughs loudly, as he turns in the direction of De Verby) +Oh! indeed! + +Mme. du Brocard +I am come to you secretly, and in confidence, in spite of all that has +been said by this M. de Verby, who avers that you are a half-rate +lawyer! He has said the most frightful things about you, and I come +now to beg that you will extricate me from this difficulty. I will +give you whatever money you demand. + +Dupre +What I wish above all is that you promise to let your nephew marry +whom he chooses, and give him the fortune you had designed for him, in +case he married Mlle. de Verby. + +Mme. du Brocard +One moment; you said, whom he pleased? + +Dupre +Give me your answer! + +Mme. du Brocard +But I ought to know. + +Dupre +Very well then, you must extricate yourself without my assistance. + +Mme. du Brocard +You are taking advantage of my situation! Ah! some one is coming. + +Dupre (looking towards the newcomers) +It is some of your own family! + +Mme. du Brocard (peering cautiously) +It is my brother-in-law Rousseau--What is he up to now? He swore to me +that he would keep quiet! + +Dupre +You also took an oath. In fact, there has been a great deal of +swearing in your family lately. + +Mme. du Brocard +I hope I shall be able to hear what he has to say! + +(Rousseau appears with his wife. Mme. du Brocard conceals herself +behind the curtain.) + +Dupre (looking at her) +Very good! But if these two want to hide themselves, I don't know +where I shall put them! + + + SCENE SIXTH + +Dupre, Rousseau and Madame Rousseau. + + +Rousseau +Sir, we are at our wits' end--Madame du Brocard, my sister-in-law, +came this morning and told us all sorts of stories. + +Mme. Rousseau +Sir, I am in the most serious alarm. + +Dupre (offering her a seat) +Pray be seated, madame. + +Rousseau +If all she says be true, my son is still in difficulties. + +Dupre +I pity you; I do indeed! + +Rousseau +It seems as if I should never get free! This unfortunate affair has +lasted for six months, and it seems to have cut ten years off my life. +I have been forced to neglect the most magnificent speculations, +financial combinations of absolute certitude, and to let them pass +into the hands of others. And then came the trial! But when I thought +the affair was all over, I have been compelled once more to leave my +business, and to spend my precious time in these interviews and +solicitations. + +Dupre +I pity you; I do indeed! + +Mme. Rousseau +Meanwhile it is impossible for me-- + +Rousseau +It is all your fault, and that of your family. Mme. du Brocard, who at +first used always to call me "my dear Rousseau"--because I had a few +hundred thousand crowns-- + +Dupre +Such a sum is a fine varnish for a man. + +Rousseau +From pride and ambition, she threw herself at the head of M. de Verby. +(De Verby and Mme. du Brocard listen.) Pretty couple they are! Two +charming characters, one a military lobbyist, and the other an old +hypocritical devotee! + +(The two withdraw their heads quickly.) + +Mme. Rousseau +Sir, she is my sister! + +Dupre +Really, you are going too far! + +Rousseau +You do not know them! Sir, I address you once again, there is sure to +be a new trial. What has become of that girl? + +Dupre +That girl is to be my wife, sir. + +Rousseau and Mme. Rousseau +Your wife! + +De Verby and Mme. du Brocard +His wife! + +Dupre +Yes, I shall marry her as soon as she regains her liberty--that is, +provided she doesn't become the wife of your son! + +Rousseau +The wife of my son!-- + +Mme. Rousseau +What did he say? + +Dupre +What is the matter? Does that astonish you? You're bound to entertain +this proposal--and I demand that you do so. + +Rousseau (ironically) +Ah! M. Dupre, I don't care a brass button about my son's union with +Mlle. de Verby--the niece of a disreputable man! It was that fool of a +Madame du Brocard who tried to bring about this grand match. But to +come down to a daughter of a porter-- + +Dupre +Her father is no longer that, sir! + +Rousseau +What do you mean? + +Dupre +He lost his place through your son, and he intends returning to the +country, to live on the money-- (Rousseau listens attentively) on the +money which you have promised to give him. + +Rousseau +Ah! you are joking! + +Dupre +On the contrary, I am quite serious. Your son will marry their +daughter--and you will provide a pension for the old people. + +Rousseau +Sir-- + + + SCENE SEVENTH + +The same persons and Joseph (coming in pale and faint). + + +Joseph +M. Dupre, M. Dupre, save me! + +All three +What has happened? What is the matter? + +Joseph +Soldiers! Mounted soldiers are coming to arrest me! + +Dupre +Hold your tongue! Hold your tongue! (Everybody seems alarmed. Dupre +looks with anxiety towards the room where Pamela is. To Joseph) To +arrest you? + +Joseph +I saw one of them. Don't you hear him? He is coming up-stairs. Hide +me! + +(Joseph tries to hide himself in the small room, from which De Verby +comes out with a cry.) + +De Verby +Ah! + +(Joseph gets behind the curtain and Mme. du Brocard rushes forth with +a shriek.) + +Mme. du Brocard +Oh, heavens! + +Mme. Rousseau +My sister! + +Rousseau +M. de Verby! + +(The door opens.) + +Joseph (falling exhausted over a chair) +We are all nabbed. + +The servant (entering, to Dupre) +A message from the Keeper of the Seals. + +Joseph +The Keeper of the Seals! That must be about me! + +Dupre (advancing with a serious face and addressing the four others) +I shall now leave you all four face to face--you whose mutual love and +esteem is so great. Ponder well all I have said to you; she who +sacrificed all for you, has been despised and humiliated, both for you +and by you. It is yours to make full reparation to her--to make it +to-day--this very instant--in this very room. And then, we can take +measures by which all can obtain deliverance, if indeed you are worth +the trouble it will cost me. + +(Exit Dupre.) + + + SCENE EIGHTH + +The same persons with the exception of Dupre. + + +(They stand looking awkwardly at each other for a moment.) + +Joseph (going up to them) +We are a nice lot of people. (To De Verby) I should like to know when +we are put in prison, whether you are going to look out for me, for my +pocket is as light as my heart is heavy. (De Verby turns his back on +him. To Rousseau) You know well enough that I was promised something +for my services. (Rousseau withdraws from him without answering. To +Mme. du Brocard) Tell me now, wasn't something promised to me? + +Mme. du Brocard +We will see about that later. + +Mme. Rousseau +But what do you fear? What are you doing in this place? Were you +pursued by any one? + +Joseph +Not at all. I have been four days in this house, hidden like so much +vermin in the garret. I came here because the old Giraud people were +not to be found in their quarters. They have been carried off +somewhere. Pamela has also disappeared--she is doubtless in hiding. I +had no particular desire to run any risk; I admit that I lied to the +judge. If I am condemned I will obtain my freedom by making a few +startling revelations; I will tell on everybody!-- + +De Verby (with energy) +It must be done! + +(De Verby sits at the table and writes.) + +Mme. du Brocard +O Jules, Jules! Wretched child, you are the cause of all this! + +Mme. Rousseau (to her husband) +You see, this lawyer has got you all in his power! You will have to +agree to his terms. + +(De Verby rises from the table. Mme. du Brocard takes his place and +begins to write.) + +Mme. Rousseau (to her husband) +My dear, I implore you! + +Rousseau (with decision) +By heavens! I shall promise to this devil of a lawyer all that he asks +of me; but Jules is at Brussels. + +(The door opens, Joseph cries out in alarm, but it is Dupre who +enters.) + + + SCENE NINTH + +The same persons and Dupre. + + +Dupre +How is this? + +(Mme du Brocard hands him the letter she has been writing; De Verby +hands him his; and it is passed over to Rousseau who reads it with +astonishment; De Verby casts a furious glance at Dupre and the +Rousseau family, and dashes out of the room.) + +Dupre (to Rousseau) +And what decision have you made, sir? + +Rousseau +I shall let my son do exactly what he wants in the matter. + +Mme. Rousseau +Dear husband! + +Dupre (aside) +He thinks that Jules is out of town. + +Rousseau +At present Jules is at Brussels, and he must return at once. + +Dupre +That is perfectly fair! It is quite clear that I can't demand anything +at the moment of you, so long as he is away; to do so would be absurd. + +Rousseau +Certainly! We can settle matters later. + +Dupre +Yes, as soon as he returns. + +Rousseau +Oh! as soon as he returns. (Aside) I will take pretty good care that +he remains where he is. + +Dupre (going towards the door on the left) +Come in, young man, and thank your family, who have given their full +consent to your marriage. + +Mme. Rousseau +It is Jules! + +Mme. du Brocard +It is my nephew! + +Jules +Can it be possible? + +Dupre (darting towards another room) +And you, Pamela, my child, my daughter!--embrace your husband. + +(Jules rushes towards her.) + +Mme. du Brocard (to Rousseau) +How has all this come about? + +Dupre +Pamela never was arrested. There is no likelihood of her ever being. I +haven't a title of nobility. I am not the brother of a peer of France, +but still I have some influence. The self-sacrifice of this poor girl +has aroused the sympathy of the government--the indictment has been +quashed. The Keeper of the Seals has sent me word of this by an +orderly on horseback, whom this simpleton took for a regiment of +soldiers in pursuit of him. + +Joseph +It is very hard to see plainly through a garret window. + +Mme. du Brocard +Sir, you have caught me by surprise; I take back my promise. + +Dupre +But I still have possession of your latter. Do you wish to have a +lawsuit about it? Very well, I will appear against you on the other +side. + +Giraud and Mme. Giraud (entering and approaching Dupre) +M. Dupre! + +Dupre +Are you satisfied with me? + +(In the meantime Jules and Mme. Rousseau have been imploring Rousseau +to yield his consent; he hesitates, but at last kisses Pamela on the +forehead. Dupre approaches Rousseau and, seeing him kiss Pamela, +wrings his hand.) + +Dupre +You have done well, sir. (Then turning to Jules) Will you make her +happy? + +Jules +Ah, my friend, you need not ask! + +(Pamela kisses the hand of Dupre.) + +Joseph (to Dupre) +What a fool I have been! Well, he is going to marry her, and I am +actually glad for them! But am I not to get something out of all this? + +Dupre +Certainly, you shall have all the fees that come to me from the +lawsuit. + +Joseph +You may count on my gratitude. + +Dupre +That will be receipt in full! + + +Final curtain. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pamela Giraud, by Honore de Balzac + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAMELA GIRAUD *** + +This file should be named pamel10.txt or pamel10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, pamel11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, pamel10a.txt + +Produced by John Bickers and Dagny + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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