Scene Fifteenth
The same persons (except Vernon) and Marguerite.
Gertrude (to the General, who seems as if he were bewildered by the last words of Vernon) What is the matter with you?
The General (passing before Gertrude to the side of Pauline) Nothing, nothing! Tell me, my little Pauline, is your engagement with Godard to be quite voluntary?
Pauline
Quite voluntary.
Gertrude (aside)
Ah!
The General
He will be here soon.
Pauline
I am expecting him.
The General (aside)
There is a tremendous amount of bitterness in her tone.
(Marguerite appears with a tea-cup.)
Gertrude
It is too soon, Marguerite, the infusion can’t yet be strong enough!
(She tastes it.) I must go and prepare it myself.
Marguerite I have always been in the habit of waiting upon Mlle. Pauline.
Gertrude
What do you mean by speaking to me in this tone?
Marguerite
But—madame—
The General
Marguerite, if you say another word, we shall fall out.
Pauline Marguerite, you may just as well let Madame de Grandchamp have her way.
(Gertrude goes out with Marguerite.)
The General And so my little girl has not much confidence in the father who loves her so? Come now! Tell me why you so distinctly refused Godard yesterday, and yet, accept him to-day?
Pauline
I suppose it is a young girl’s whim.
The General
Are you in love with anybody else?
Pauline It is because I am not in love with anybody else that I consent to marry your friend M. Godard!
(Gertrude comes in with Marguerite.)
The General
Ah!
Gertrude Take this, my darling, but be careful, for it is a little hot.
Pauline
Thank you, mother!
The General Mother! Truly, this is enough to drive one crazy with perplexity!
Pauline
Marguerite, bring me the sugar basin!
(While Marguerite goes out and Gertrude talks with the General, Pauline drops the poison into the cup and lets fall the paper which contained it.)
Gertrude (to the General)
You seem to be indisposed?
The General
My dear, I cannot understand women; I am like Godard.
(Marguerite comes back.)
Gertrude
You are like all other men.
Pauline (hurriedly drinking the poisoned cup)
Ah!
Gertrude
How are you now, my child?
Pauline
I am better.
Gertrude
I am going to prepare another cup for you.
Pauline Oh, no, madame, this will be quite enough! I would sooner wait for the doctor.
(Pauline sets down the empty cup on the table.)