Comedy Of Marriage And Other Tales Part 35

He alone is the judge of his own actions. We have no right to hide anything from him.

MARTINEL

Supposing he consults me?

LeON

He will not do it. In such situations a man consults only his conscience.

MARTINEL

But he treats me like a father. If he hesitates a moment between his attention to his wife and the effacement of his happiness, what shall I tell him to do?

LeON

Just what you would do yourself in like case.

MARTINEL

My impulse would be to go to the woman. What would be yours?

LeON [_resolutely_]

I should go.

MARTINEL

But how about your sister?

LeON [_sadly, seating himself by the table_]

Yes, my poor little sister! What an awakening for her!

MARTINEL [_after a few seconds' hesitation, crosses abruptly from_ L.

_to_ R.]

No; it is too hard a thing to do. I shall not give him this letter. I shall be blamed perhaps, but so much the worse. In any case, I save him.

LeON

You cannot do such a thing, sir. We both know my sister, poor little girl, and I am sure that if this marriage is annulled, she will die.

[_Rises_.] When a man has for three years enjoyed the love of such a woman as the one who sends for him, he cannot refuse to see her on her deathbed whatever may happen.

MARTINEL

What will Gilberte do?

LeON

She wors.h.i.+ps Jean--but you know how proud she is.

MARTINEL

Will she accept the situation? Will she forgive it?

LeON

Of that I am very doubtful, especially after all that has been said about this poor girl in the family circle. But what does that matter?

Jean must be warned at once. I am going to find him and bring him to you. [_Rises as if to go out_ C.]

MARTINEL

Well, how would you like me to tell him?

LeON Simply give him the letter. [_Exit_ Leon C.]

SCENE VII.

MARTINEL [_alone_]

Poor children! in the midst of their happiness and at the zenith of joy!

And that other poor girl, who is now suffering and slowly dying!

Heavens! How unjust and how cruel life is at times.

SCENE VIII.

(_Re-enter_ Leon _with_ Jean)

JEAN [_walks briskly to_ C. _of stage_]

What is it all about?

MARTINEL

One minute, my poor boy; read this, and forgive me for having opened your letter. I opened it because I thought it was intended for me.

[_Gives letter to_ Jean, _and watches him read it._ Leon _also watches him, standing_ L.]

JEAN [_after reading the letter, speaks to himself in a low tone, touched with deep but contained emotion_]

I must do it! I owe it to her! [_To Martinel._] Uncle, I leave my wife in your charge. Say nothing until I return, and remain here till I come back. Wait for me. [_Turns to_ Leon.] I know you well enough to realize that you do not disapprove of what I am doing. To you I confide my future. I am going. [_Turns to the door_ R., _but after casting a glance at the door_ L., _which leads to his wife's chamber, says to_ Leon.] To you I owe the love your sister has bestowed upon me. Help me now to preserve it.

[_Exit quickly_ R.]