Scene Thirteenth
Pauline, then Vernon.
Pauline (holding in her hand the parcel of poison, which was shown in the first act) Here stands death before me! The doctor told us yesterday, in reference to Champagne’s wife, that this terrible substance required some hours, almost a whole night, to produce its deadly effects, and that it was possible, during the first hours, to nullify these effects; if the doctor remains at the house, he will provide this antidote.
(Some one knocks.)
Vernon (from without)
It is I.
Pauline Come in, doctor! (Aside) Curiosity brings him to see me, curiosity will take him away.
Vernon I see, my child, that between you and your stepmother, there are secrets of life and death?
Pauline
Yes, and, above all, death.
Vernon I was afraid so! And that, of course, I must attend to. But tell me—You must have had some terrible quarrel with your stepmother.
Pauline Let me hear no more of that creature. She deceives my father.
Vernon
I know it.
Pauline
She never loved him.
Vernon
I was quite sure of that!
Pauline
She has sworn to ruin me.
Vernon How? Is it in an affair of your heart that she wishes to do you harm?
Pauline
Rather say, it is my life she threatens.
Vernon What a horrible suspicion! Pauline, my child, I love you well, you know I do. Tell me, can nothing save you?
Pauline In order to change my fate, it would be necessary that my father change his ideas. Listen; I am in love with M. Ferdinand.
Vernon I already know that. But who would hinder you from marrying him?
Pauline Can you keep a secret? Well, he is the son of General Marcandal!
Vernon My God! You may rely on my keeping that secret! Why, your father would fight with him to the death, if for nothing else, because he has had him under his roof for three years.
Pauline You will then see very plainly that there is no hope for me.
(Pauline sinks back overwhelmed with emotion in an armchair.)
Vernon
Poor child! I fear she is going to faint. (He rings and calls)
Marguerite! Marguerite!