The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda - LightNovelsOnl.com
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This night The Cardinal, in litter, will attend.
[_Marion is buried in a deep and painful reverie. Suddenly she pa.s.ses her two hands over her brow and turns, as if wild, toward Laffemas._
MARION.
How could you manage their escape?
LAFFEMAS (_low_).
You mean?
Two of my men could guard this place, by which The Cardinal pa.s.ses-- [_He listens at the small door._ I think some one comes!
MARION (_wringing her hands_).
You'll save him?
LAFFEMAS.
Yes.
[_Low._] To tell you in this place-- The walls have echoes--elsewhere.
MARION (_with despair_).
Come!
[_Laffemas goes toward the large door and signs to her to follow. She falls on her knees, turned toward the grating of the prison; then she arises with a convulsive effort and disappears through the great door after Laffemas. Saverny and Didier enter, surrounded by Guards._
SCENE III
_Didier, Saverny. Saverny, dressed in the latest fas.h.i.+on, enters gayly and petulantly. Didier is in black, walks slowly, is very pale.
A jailer accompanied by Halberdiers conducts them. The Jailer places the two Halberdiers as sentinels beside the black curtain. Didier sits, silently, on the stone bench_
SAVERNY (_to The Jailer, who opens the door for him_).
Thank you.
The air is very good!
THE JAILER (_low, and drawing him aside_).
My lord, two words with you.
SAVERNY.
Four, if you like.
THE JAILER (_lowering his voice still more_).
Will you escape?
SAVERNY (_eagerly_).
Speak! How?
THE JAILER.
That's my affair.
SAVERNY.
Truly? [_The Jailer nods his head._ Lord Cardinal, You meant to keep me from attending b.a.l.l.s, But it appears I am to dance again.
The pleasant thing that life is!
[_To The Jailer._] When, my friend?
THE JAILER.
To-night, as soon as it is dark.
SAVERNY.
My faith!
I shall be charmed to leave these quarters. Whence Comes this a.s.sistance?
THE JAILER.
Marquis de Nangis.
SAVERNY.
My good old uncle!
[_To The Jailer._] 'Tis for both, I hope!
THE JAILER.
I can save only one!
SAVERNY.
For twice as much?
THE JAILER.
I can save only one!
SAVERNY (_tossing his head_).
Just one?
[_Low to The Jailer._] Then listen; Good jailer, that's the one to save!
