The Stepmother, A Drama in Five Acts Part 9

(Felix appears.)

Gertrude The coffee.

(Felix brings in the tray.)

G.o.dard (who has taken Napoleon aside) Would you like to play a nice trick on somebody?

Napoleon That I would. Do you know one?

G.o.dard Come with me, and I'll tell you how you must do it.

(G.o.dard goes on the veranda with Napoleon.)

The General Pauline, my coffee. (Pauline brings it to him.) It isn't sweet enough.

(Pauline gives him some sugar.) Thank you, dear.

Gertrude M. de Rimonville?

The General G.o.dard?

Gertrude M. de Rimonville?

The General G.o.dard, my wife wants to know if you would like some coffee?

G.o.dard Yes, thank you.

(G.o.dard places himself in such a way as to watch Pauline.)

The General It is pleasant to sit down and take a little coffee in quiet.

Napoleon (running in) Mamma, mamma! My good friend Ferdinand has just fallen down; he has broken his leg and they are carrying him into the house.

Vernon That's dreadful!

The General How very unfortunate!

Pauline Oh!

(Pauline falls back on her chair.)

Gertrude What is that you said?

Napoleon It is all a joke! I only wished to see if you all loved my good friend.

Gertrude It is very naughty of you to act in that way; how did you come to think of such a trick?

Napoleon (whispering) It was G.o.dard.

G.o.dard (aside) She loves him! She was nicely caught by my trap, which I have never known to fail.

Gertrude (to G.o.dard, as she offers him some coffee) Are you aware, sir, that you would make a very indifferent preceptor?

It is very bad of you to teach a child such mischievous tricks.

G.o.dard You will come to the conclusion that I did pretty well, when you learn that I have been enabled by this little stratagem to discover my rival.

(G.o.dard points to Ferdinand who is entering the room.)

Gertrude (letting fall the sugar basin) He!

G.o.dard (aside) She is in the same box!

Gertrude (aloud) You startled me.

The General (who has risen from his seat) What is the matter with you, my dear child?

Gertrude Nothing; it is G.o.dard's nonsense; he told me that the public prosecutor had come back. Felix, take away this sugar basin, and bring me another one.

Vernon This is a day of surprises.

Gertrude M. Ferdinand, they are going to bring some sugar for you. (Aside) He is not looking at her. (Aloud) How is it, Pauline, you did not put any sugar in your father's coffee?

Napoleon Why, of course, it was because she was too scared; didn't you hear her say "oh!"?

Pauline Won't you hold your tongue, you little story-teller! You are always teasing me.

(Pauline sits on her father's knee, and puts sugar in his cup.)

Gertrude Can it be true? And to think that I have taken such pains in dressing her! (To G.o.dard) If you are right, your marriage will take place in a fortnight. (Aloud) M. Ferdinand, here is your coffee.

G.o.dard (aside) It seems that I caught two in my mouse-trap! And all the time the General is so calm, so tranquil, and this household is so peaceful!

Things are getting mixed up. I shan't go yet; I wish to have a game of whist! Oh! I give up all thoughts of marriage for the present.

(Glancing at Ferdinand) There's a lucky fellow! He is loved by two women--two charming, delightful creatures! He is indeed a factotum!

But how is it that he is more successful than I am, who have an income of forty thousand?

Gertrude Pauline, my dear, offer the cards to the gentlemen for a game of whist. It is almost nine o'clock. If they are going to have a game, there is no time to be lost. (Pauline puts out the cards.) Come, Napoleon, bid good-night to the gentlemen, let them see you are a good boy, and don't try to stay up as you usually do.

Napoleon Good-night, papa. What is justice like?

The General Justice is blind! Good-night, my pet.

Napoleon Good-night, M. Vernon! What is justice made of?

Vernon It is made up of all our crimes. When you are naughty, they whip you; that is justice.

Napoleon They never whip me.

Vernon Then they never do justice to you!