The Stepmother, A Drama in Five Acts Part 23

Vernon (aside) What possible motive can there be for a young child to keep silence, when she is the victim of such an act of treachery as this?

Gertrude (in a low voice to Pauline) So you see, Pauline, you didn't long keep in your possession the proofs which you intended taking to your father in your ridiculous accusation of me!

Pauline I understand all; you gave me a narcotic in order to deprive me of them.

Gertrude We are equally inquisitive. I have done to you what you did to me in Ferdinand's apartments.

Pauline You are triumphant now, madame, but it will soon be my turn.

Gertrude The war, then, is to continue?

Pauline War, madame? Call it a duel! One or the other of us must go.

Gertrude You are tragic.

Vernon (aside) There appears to be no outbreak between them, nor the least misunderstanding!--But stay, an idea strikes me; suppose I go and look for Ferdinand?

(Vernon prepares to go out.)

Gertrude Doctor!

Vernon Madame?

Gertrude We must have a talk together. (Whispering) I shall not leave you until you have given me back--

Vernon I stated to you the sole condition--

Pauline Doctor!

Vernon (going to her) My child?

Pauline Are you aware that my sleep just now was not a natural one?

Vernon Yes, you were put to sleep by your stepmother. I have proof of it. But do you know the reason why?

Pauline Oh! doctor, it is--

Gertrude Doctor!

Pauline Later on, I will tell you all.

Vernon Already from each of them I have learned something of what lies beneath. Ah! poor General!

Gertrude I am waiting, doctor.

(Vernon bows and escorts Gertrude out.)

SCENE THIRD

Pauline (alone; she rings) Yes, the only alternative left me is to flee with him; if we continue this conflict, my stepmother and I, it can but result in my father's dishonor. Would it not be better to disobey him? Then I will write to him--I will be generous, because, my triumph over her will be complete--I will let my father still believe in her, and will explain my flight by attributing it to the hatred which he bears to the name of Marcandal and to my love for Ferdinand.

SCENE FOURTH

Pauline and Marguerite.

Marguerite Does mademoiselle feel well again?

Pauline Yes, I am well enough in body; but in mind--Oh, I am in despair! My poor Marguerite, unfortunate is the girl who has lost her mother--

Marguerite And whose father has for his second wife such a woman as Madame de Grandchamp. But tell me, mademoiselle, am I not to you a humble and devoted mother? My affection for you as a nurse has grown in proportion to the hate with which this stepmother regards you.

Pauline Yes, Marguerite, you may believe it, but you delude yourself. Your love can never be as great as her hatred.

Marguerite Oh! mademoiselle! If you would only put me to the proof!

Pauline Really?--Would you leave France for me?

Marguerite To be with you, I would travel to the Indies.

Pauline And would you start at once?

Marguerite At once!--My baggage is not heavy.

Pauline Well, Marguerite, we will start to-night, and secretly.

Marguerite But why is this?

Pauline You ask me why? Do you not know that Madame de Grandchamp put me to sleep with opium?

Marguerite I know it, mademoiselle, and Doctor Vernon knows it also, for Felix told me that he put under lock and key your teacup.--But why did she do it?

Pauline Say not a word about it, if you love me! And if you are as devoted to me as you profess to be, go to your room and gather together all that you possess, so quietly that none shall suspect that you are preparing for a journey. We will start after midnight. You must now take from me here, and carry to your room, my jewels and all that I shall need for a long journey. Use the utmost caution; for if my stepmother had the least idea of what we are doing, I should be ruined.

Marguerite Ruined!--But, mademoiselle, what is come over you? Think seriously before you leave your home.

Pauline Do you wish to see me die?

Marguerite Die!--Oh, mademoiselle, I will at once obey your wishes.

Pauline Marguerite, tell M. Ferdinand to bring me my year's allowance; bid him come this moment.

Marguerite He was under your windows when I came in.