Pamela Giraud: A Play in Five Acts

ACT III SCENE EIGHTH Rousseau, Madame Rousseau, Madame du Brocard (attended by Justine) and Dupre. Mme. Rousseau Poor child! What courage he shows! Dupre I hope to save him for you, madame; but it cannot be done without making great sacrifices. Rousseau Sir, the half of our fortune is at your disposal. Mme. du Brocard And the half of mine. Dupre It is always the half of some fortune or other. I am going to try to do my duty—afterwards, you must do yours; we shall have to make great efforts. You, madame, must rouse yourself, for I have great hopes. Mme. Rousseau Ah! sir, what can you mean? Dupre A little time ago, your son was a ruined man; at the present moment, I believe he can be saved. Mme. Rousseau What must we do? Mme. du Brocard What do you ask? Rousseau You may be sure we will do as you require. Dupre I feel certain you will. This is my plan which will undoubtedly succeed with the jury. Your son had an intrigue with a certain working-girl, Pamela Giraud, the daughter of a porter. Mme. du Brocard What low people! Dupre Yet you will have to humble yourselves to them. Your son was always with this young girl, and in this point lies the sole hope of his deliverance. The very evening on which the public prosecutor avers that he attended a meeting of the conspirators, he was possibly visiting her. If this is a fact, if she declares that he remained with her that night, if her father and her mother, if the rival of Jules confirm the testimony—we shall then have ground for hope. When the choice has to be made between a sentence of guilty and an alibi, the jury prefers the alibi. Mme. Rousseau (aside) Ah! sir, you bring back life to me. Rousseau Sir, we owe you a debt of eternal gratitude. Dupre (looking at them) What sum of money must I offer to the daughter, to the father and to the mother? Mme. du Brocard Are they poor? Dupre They are, but the matter concerns their honor. Mme. du Brocard Oh, she is only a working-girl! Dupre (ironically) It ought to be done very cheaply. Rousseau What do you think? Dupre I think that you are bargaining for the life of your son. Mme. du Brocard Well, M. Dupre, I suppose you may go as high as— Mme. Rousseau As high as— Dupre As high as— Rousseau Upon my word, I don't understand why you hesitate—and you must offer, sir, whatever sum you consider suitable. Dupre Just so, you leave it to my discretion. But what compensation do you offer her if she restores your son to you at the sacrifice of her honor? For possibly he has made love to her. Mme. Rousseau He shall marry her. I come from the people myself, and I am no marchioness. Mme. du Brocard What do you mean by that? You are forgetting Mlle. de Verby. Mme. Rousseau Sister, my son's life must be saved. Dupre (aside) Here we have the beginning of a comedy and the last which I wish to see; but I must keep them to their word. (Aloud) Perhaps it would be well if you secretly paid a visit to the young girl. Mme. Rousseau Oh, yes, I should like to go to see her—to implore her— (she rings) Justine! Antoine! Quick! Order the carriage! At once— Antoine Yes, madame. Mme. Rousseau Sister, will you go with me? Ah, Jules my poor son! Mme. du Brocard They are bringing him back. SCENE NINTH The same persons, Jules (brought in by the police), and later De Verby. Jules (kissing his mother) O mother!—I will not say good-bye; I shall be back very soon. (Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard embrace Jules.) De Verby (going up to Dupre) I will do, monsieur, what you have asked of me. One of my friends, M. Adolph Durand, who facilitated the flight of our dear Jules, will testify that his friend was altogether taken up with a grisette, whom he loved passionately, and with whom he was taking measures to elope. Dupre That is enough; success now depends upon the way we set about things. The magistrate (to Jules) We must be going, monsieur. Jules I will follow you. Be of good courage, mother! (He bids farewell to Rousseau and Dupre; De Verby signs to him to be cautious.) Mme. Rousseau (to Jules, as he is being led away) Jules! Jules! Do not give up hope—we are going to save you! (The police lead Jules away.) Curtain to the Second Act. ACT III SCENE FIRST (The stage represents the room of Pamela.) Pamela, Giraud and Madame Giraud. (Pamela is standing near her mother, who is knitting; Giraud is at work at a table on the left.) Mme. Giraud The fact of the matter is this, my poor daughter; I do not mean to reproach you, but you are the cause of all our trouble. Giraud No doubt about it! We came to Paris because in the country tailoring is no sort of a business, and we had some ambition for you, our Pamela, such a sweet, pretty little thing as you were. We said to each other: "We will go into service; I will work at my trade; we will give a good position to our child; and as she will be good, industrious and pretty, we can take care of our old age by marrying her well." Pamela O father! Mme. Giraud Half of our plans were already carried out. Giraud Yes, certainly. We had a good position; you made as fine flowers as any gardener could grow; and Joseph Binet, your neighbor, was to be the husband of our choice. Mme. Giraud Instead of all this, the scandal which has arisen in the house has caused the landlord to dismiss us; the talk of the neighborhood was incessant, for the young man was arrested in your room. Pamela And yet I have been guilty of nothing! Giraud Come, now, we know that well enough! Do you think if it were otherwise that we would stay near you? And that I would embrace you? After all, Pamela, there is nothing like a father and a mother! And when the whole world is against you, if a girl can look into her parents' face without a blush it is enough. SCENE SECOND The same persons and Joseph Binet. Mme. Giraud Well, well! Here is Joseph Binet. Pamela M. Binet, what are you doing here? But for your want of common-sense, M. Jules would not have been found here. Joseph I am come to tell you about him. Pamela What! Really? Well, let us hear, Joseph. Joseph Ah! you won't send me away now, will you? I have seen his lawyer, and I have offered him all that I possess if he would get him off! Pamela Do you mean it? Joseph Yes. Would you be satisfied if he was merely transported? Pamela Ah! you are a good fellow, Joseph, and I see that you love me! Let us be friends. Joseph (aside) I have good hopes that we shall be. (A knock at the door is heard.) SCENE THIRD The preceding, M. de Verby and Madame du Brocard. Mme. Giraud (opening the door) There are some people here! Giraud A lady and a gentleman. Joseph What did you say? (Pamela rises from her seat and takes a step toward M. de Verby, who bows to her.) Mme. du Brocard Is this Mlle. Pamela Giraud? Pamela It is, madame. De Verby Forgive us, mademoiselle, for presenting ourselves without previous announcement— Pamela There is no harm done. May I know the object of this visit? Mme. du Brocard And you, good people, are her father and mother? Mme. Giraud Yes, madame. Joseph She calls them good people—she must be one of the swells. Pamela Will you please be seated. (Mme. Giraud offers them seats.) Joseph (to Giraud) My eye! The gentleman has on the ribbon of the Legion of Honor! He belongs to high society. Giraud (looking at De Verby) By my faith, that's true! Mme. du Brocard I am the aunt of M. Jules Rousseau. Pamela You, madame? Then this gentleman must be his father? Mme. du Brocard He is merely a friend of the family. We are come, mademoiselle, to ask a favor of you. (Looking at Binet with embarrassment.) Your brother? Giraud No, madame, just a neighbor of ours. Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) Send him away. Joseph (aside) Send him away, indeed. I'd like to know what right she has— (Pamela makes a sign to Joseph.) Giraud (to Joseph) My friend, you had better leave us. It seems this is a private matter. Joseph Very well. (Exit.) SCENE FOURTH The same persons excepting Binet. Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) You are acquainted with my nephew. I do not intend to reproach you. Your parents alone have the right. Mme. Giraud But, thank God, they have no reason. Giraud It is your nephew who has caused all this talk about her, but she is blameless! De Verby (interrupting him) But suppose that we wish her to be guilty? Pamela What do you mean, sir? Giraud and Mme. Giraud To think of it! Mme. du Brocard (seizing De Verby's meaning) Yes, suppose, to save the life of a poor young man— De Verby It were necessary to declare that M. Jules Rousseau spent nearly the whole night of the twenty-fourth of August here with you? Pamela Ah! sir! De Verby (to Giraud and his wife) Yes, suppose it were necessary to testify against your daughter, by alleging this? Mme. Giraud I would never say such a thing. Giraud What! Insult my child! Sir, I have had all possible troubles. I was once a tailor, now I am reduced to nothing. I am a porter! But I have remained a father. My daughter is our sole treasure, the glory of our old age, and you ask us to dishonor her? Mme. du Brocard Pray listen to me, sir. Giraud No, madame, I will listen to nothing. My daughter is the hope of my gray hairs. Pamela Calm yourself, father, I implore you. Mme. Giraud Keep quite, Giraud! Do let this lady and gentleman speak! Mme. du Brocard A family in deep affliction implores you to save them. Pamela (aside) Poor Jules! De Verby (in a low voice to Pamela) His fate is in your hands. Mme. Giraud We are respectable people and know what it is for parents, for a mother, to be in despair. But what you ask is out of the question. (Pamela puts a handkerchief to her eyes.) Giraud We must stop this! You see the girl is in tears. Mme. Giraud She has done nothing but weep for several days. Giraud I know my daughter; she would be capable of going and making the declaration they ask, in spite of us. Mme. Giraud Yes,—for you must see, she loves him, she loves your nephew! And to save his life—Well! Well! I would have done as much in her place. Mme. du Brocard Have compassion on us! De Verby Grant this request of ours— Mme. du Brocard (to Pamela) If it is true that you love Jules— Mme. Giraud (leading Giraud up to Pamela) Did you hear that? Well! Listen to me. She is in love with this youth. It is quite certain that he also is in love with her. If she should make a sacrifice like that, as a return, he ought to marry her. Pamela (with vehemence) Never! (Aside) These people would not wish it, not they. De Verby (to Mme. du Brocard) They are consulting about it. Mme. du Brocard (in a low voice to De Verby) It will be absolutely necessary for us to make a sacrifice. We must appeal to their interest. It is the only plan! De Verby In venturing to ask of you so great a sacrifice, we are quite aware of the claims that you will have on our gratitude. The family of Jules, who might have blamed you on account of your relations with him, are, on the contrary, anxious to discharge the obligations which bind them to you. Mme. Giraud Ah! Did I not tell you so? Pamela Can it be possible that Jules— De Verby I am authorized to make a promise to you. Pamela (with emotion) Oh! De Verby Tell me, how much do you ask for the sacrifice required of you? Pamela (in consternation) What do you mean? How much—I ask—for saving Jules? What do you take me for? Mme. du Brocard Ah! Mademoiselle! De Verby You misunderstand me. Pamela No, it is you who misunderstand us! You are come here, to the house of poor people, and you are quite unaware of what you ask from them. You, madame, ought to know that whatever be the rank or the education of a woman, her honor is her sole treasure! And that which you in your own families guard with so much care, with so much reverence, you actually believe that people here, living in an attic, would be willing to sell! And you have said to yourselves: "Let us offer them money! We need just now the sacrifice of a working-girl's honor!" Giraud That is excellent! I recognize my own blood there. Mme. du Brocard My dear child, do not be offended! Money is money, after all. De Verby (addressing Giraud) Undoubtedly! And six thousand francs for a solid annual income as a price of—a— Pamela As the price of a lie! For I must out with it. But thank God I haven't yet lost my self-respect! Good-bye, sir. (Pamela makes a low bow to Mme. du Brocard, then goes into her bed- chamber.) De Verby What is to be done? Mme. du Brocard I am quite nonplussed. Giraud I quite admit that an income of six thousand francs is no trifle, but our daughter has a high spirit, you see; she takes after me— Mme. Giraud And she will never yield. SCENE FIFTH The same persons, Joseph Binet, Dupre and Mme. Rousseau. Joseph This way, sir. This way, madame. (Dupre and Mme. Rousseau enter.) These are the father and mother of Pamela Giraud! Dupre (to De Verby) I am very sorry, sir, that you have got here before me! Mme. Rousseau My sister has doubtless told you, madame, the sacrifice which we expect your daughter to make for us. Only an angel would make it. Joseph What sacrifice? Mme. Giraud It is no business of yours. De Verby We have just had an interview with Mlle. Pamela— Mme. du Brocard She has refused! Mme. Rousseau Oh, heavens! Dupre Refused what? Mme. du Brocard An income of six thousand francs. Dupre I could have wagered on it. To think of offering money! Mme. du Brocard But it was the only way— Dupre To spoil everything. (To Mme. Giraud) Madame, kindly tell your daughter that the counsel of M. Jules Rousseau is here and desires to see her. Mme. Giraud Oh, as for that you will gain nothing. Giraud Either from her or from us. Joseph But what is it they want? Giraud Hold your tongue. Mme. du Brocard (to Mme. Giraud) Madame, offer her— Dupre Now, Mme. du Brocard, I must beg you— (To Mme. Giraud) It is in the name of the mother of Jules that I ask of you permission to see your daughter. Mme. Giraud It will be of no use at all, sir! And to think that they point-blank offered her money when the young man a little time before had spoken of marrying her! Mme. Rousseau (with excitement) Well, why not? Mme. Giraud (with vehemence) How was that, madame? Dupre (seizing the hand of Mme. Giraud) Come, come! Bring me your daughter. (Exit Mme. Giraud.) De Verby and Mme. du Brocard You have then made up your mind? Dupre It is not I, but madame who has made up her mind. De Verby (questioning Mme. du Brocard) What has she promised? Dupre (seeing that Joseph is listening) Be silent, general; stay for a moment, I beg you, with these ladies. Here she comes. Now leave us alone, if you please. (Pamela is brought in by her mother. She makes a curtsey to Mme. Rousseau, who gazes at her with emotion; then Dupre leads all but Pamela into the other room; Joseph remains behind.) Joseph (aside) I wonder what they mean. They all talk of a sacrifice! And old Giraud won't say a word to me! Well, I can bide my time. I promised the advocate that I would give him my fourteen hundred francs, but before I do so, I would like to see how he acts with regard to me. Dupre (going up to Joseph) Joseph Binet, you must leave the room. Joseph And not hear what you say about me? Dupre You must go away. Joseph (aside) It is evident that they are concealing something from me. (To Dupre) I have prepared her mind; she is much taken with the idea of transportation. Stick to that point. Dupre All right! But you must leave the room. Joseph (aside) Leave the room! Oh, indeed! Not I. (Joseph makes as if he had withdrawn, but, quietly returning, hides himself in a closet.) Dupre (to Pamela) You have consented to see me, and I thank you for it. I know exactly what has recently taken place here, and I am not going to address you in the same way as you have been recently addressed. Pamela Your very presence assures me of that, sir. Dupre You are in love with this fine young man, this Joseph? Pamela I am aware, sir, that advocates are like confessors! Dupre My child, they have to be just as safe confidants. You may tell me everything without reserve. Pamela Well, sir, I did love him; that is to say, I thought I loved him, and I would very willingly have become his wife. I thought that with his energy Joseph would have made a good business, and that we could lead together a life of toil. When prosperity came, we would have taken with us my father and my mother; it was all very clear—it would have been a united family! Dupre (aside) The appearance of this young girl is in her favor! Let us see whether she is sincere or not. (Aloud) What are you thinking about? Pamela I was thinking about these past days, which seemed to me so happy in comparison with the present. A fortnight ago my head was turned by the sight of M. Jules; I fell in love with him, as young girls do fall in love, as I have seen other young girls fall in love with young men— with a love which would endure everything for those they loved! I used to say to myself: shall I ever be like that? Well, at this moment I do not know anything that I would not endure for M. Jules. A few moments ago they offered me money,—they, from whom I expected such nobleness, such greatness; and I was disgusted! Money! I have plenty of it, sir! I have twenty thousand francs! They are here, they are yours! That is to say, they are his! I have kept them to use in my efforts to save him, for I have betrayed him, because I doubted him, while he was so confident, so sure of me—and I was so distrustful of him! Dupre And he gave you twenty thousand francs? Pamela Ah, sir! He entrusted them with me. Here they are. I shall return them to his family, if he dies; but he shall not die! Tell me? Is it not so? You ought to know. Dupre My dear child, bear in mind that your whole life, perhaps your happiness, depend upon the truthfulness of your answers. Answer me as if you stood in the presence of God. Pamela I will. Dupre You have never loved any one before? Pamela Never! Dupre You seem to be afraid! Come, I am terrifying you. You are not giving me your confidence. Pamela Oh, yes I am, sir; I swear I am! Since we have been in Paris, I have never left my mother, and I have thought of nothing but my work and my duty. I was alarmed and thrown into confusion a few moments ago, sir, but you inspire me with confidence, and I can tell you everything. Well, I acknowledge it,—I am in love with Jules; he is the only one I love, and I would follow him to the end of the world! You told me to speak as in the presence of God. Dupre Well, it is to your heart that I am going to appeal. Do for me what you have refused to do for others. Tell me the truth! You alone have the power to save him before the face of justice! You love him, Pamela; I understand what it would cost you to— Pamela To avow my love for him? Would that be sufficient to save him? Dupre I will answer for that! Pamela Well? Dupre My child! Pamela Well—he is saved. Dupre (earnestly) But—you will be compromised— Pamela But after all it is for him. Dupre (aside) I never expected it, but I shall not die without having seen with my own eyes an example of beautiful and noble candor, destitute alike of self-interest and designing reserve. (Aloud) Pamela, you are a good and generous girl. Pamela To act this way consoles me for many little miseries of life. Dupre My child, that is not everything! You are true as steel, you are high- spirited. But in order to succeed it is necessary to have assurance— determination— Pamela Oh, sir! You shall see! Dupre Do not be over-anxious. Dare to confess everything. Be brave! Imagine that you are before the Court of Assizes, the presiding judge, the public prosecutor, the prisoner at the bar, and me, his advocate; the jury is on one side. The big court-room is filled with people. Do not be alarmed. Pamela You needn't fear for me. Dupre A court officer brings you in; you have given your name and surname! Then the presiding judge asks you "How long have you known the prisoner, Rousseau?"—What would you answer? Pamela The truth!—I met him about a month before his arrest at the Ile d'Amour, Belleville. Dupre Who were with him? Pamela I noticed no one but him. Dupre Did you hear them talk politics? Pamela (in astonishment) Oh, sir! The judges must be aware that politics are matters of indifference at the Ile d'Amour. Dupre Very good, my child! But you must tell them all you know about Jules Rousseau. Pamela Of course. I shall still speak the truth, and repeat my testimony before the police justice. I knew nothing of the conspiracy, and was infinitely surprised when he was arrested in my room; the proof of which is that I feared M. Jules was a thief and afterwards apologized for my suspicion. Dupre You must acknowledge that from the time of your first acquaintance with this young man, he constantly came to see you. You must declare— Pamela I shall stick to the truth—He never left me alone! He came to see me for love, I received him from friendship, and I resisted him from a sense of duty— Dupre And at last? Pamela (anxiously) At last? Dupre You are trembling! Take care! Just now you promised me to tell the truth! Pamela (aside) The truth! Oh my God! Dupre I also am interested in this young man; but I recoil from a possible imposture. If he is guilty, my duty bids me defend him, if he is innocent, his cause shall be mine. Yes, without doubt, Pamela, I am about to demand from you a great sacrifice, but he needs it. The visits which Jules made to you were in the evening, and without the knowledge of your parents. Pamela Why no! never! Dupre How is this? For in that case there would be no hope for him. Pamela (aside) No hope for him! Then either he or I must be ruined. (Aloud) Sir, do not be alarmed; I felt a little fear because the real danger was not before my eyes. But when I shall stand before the judges!—when once I shall see him, see Jules—and feel that his safety depends upon me— Dupre That is good, very good. But what is most necessary to be made known is that on the evening of the twenty-fourth, he came here. If that is once understood, I shall be successful in saving him; otherwise, I can answer for nothing. He is lost! Pamela (murmuring, greatly agitated) Lost!—Jules lost!—No, no, no!—Better that my own good name be lost! (Aloud) Yes, he came here on the twenty-fourth. (Aside) God forgive me! (Aloud) It was my saint's day—my name is Louise Pamela—and he was kind enough to bring me a bouquet, without the knowledge of my father or mother; he came in the evening, late. Ah! you need have no fear, sir—you see I shall tell all. (Aside) And all is a lie! Dupre He will be saved! (Rousseau appears) Ah! sir! (running to the door of the room) Come all of you and thank your deliverer! SCENE SIXTH Rousseau, De Verby, Madame du Brocard, Giraud, Madame Giraud, Dupre, and later Joseph Binet. All Does she consent? Rousseau You have saved my son. I shall never forget it. Mme. du Brocard You have put us under eternal obligations, my child. Rousseau My fortune shall be at your disposal. Dupre I will not say anything to you, my child! We shall meet again! Joseph (coming out of the closet) One moment! One moment! I have heard everything—and do you believe that I am going to put up with that? I was here in concealment all the time. And do you think I am going to let Pamela, whom I have loved and have wished to make my wife, say all that? (To Dupre) This is the way you are going to earn my fourteen hundred francs, eh! Well, I shall go to court myself and testify that the whole thing is a lie. All Great heaven! Dupre You miserable wretch! De Verby If you say a single word— Joseph Oh, I am not afraid! De Verby (to Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard) He shall never go to court! If necessary, I will have him shadowed, and I will put men on the watch to prevent him from entering. Joseph I'd just like to see you try it! (Enter a sheriff's officer, who goes up to Dupre.) Dupre What do you want? The sheriff's officer I am the court officer of the Assizes—Mlle. Pamela Giraud! (Pamela comes forward.) In virtue of discretionary authority of the presiding judge, you are summoned to appear before him to-morrow at ten o'clock. Joseph (to De Verby) I will go also. The officer The porter has told me that you have here a gentleman called Joseph Binet. Joseph Here I am! The officer Please take your summons. Joseph I told you that I would go! (The officer withdraws; every one is alarmed at the threats of Binet. Dupre tries to speak to him and reason with him, but he steals away.) Curtain to the Third Act. ACT IV SCENE FIRST (The stage represents Madame du Brocard's salon, from which can be seen the Court of Assizes.) Madame du Brocard, Madame Rousseau, Rousseau, Joseph Binet, Dupre and Justine. (Dupre is seated reading his note-book.) Mme. Rousseau M. Dupre! Dupre Yes, madame, the court adjourned after the speech of the prosecuting attorney. And I came over to reassure you personally. Mme. du Brocard I told you, sister, that some one was sure to come and keep us informed of things. In my house, here, which is so close to the court house, we are in a favorable position for learning all that goes on at the trial. Ah, M. Dupre! How can we thank you enough! You spoke superbly! (To Justine) Justine, bring in something to drink—Quick! Rousseau Sir, your speech— (To his wife) He was magnificent. Dupre Sir,— Joseph (in tears) Yes, you were magnificent, magnificent! Dupre I am not the person you ought to thank, but that child, that Pamela, who showed such astonishing courage. Joseph And didn't I do well? Mme. Rousseau And he (pointing to Binet), did he carry out the threat he made to us? Dupre No, he took your side. Joseph It was your fault! But for you—Ah!—Well—I reached the court house, having made up my mind to mix up everything; but when I saw all the people, the judge, the jury, the crowd, and the terrible silence, I trembled! Nevertheless I screwed up my courage. When I was questioned, I was just about to answer, when my glance met the eyes of Mlle. Pamela, which were filled with tears—I felt as if my tongue was bound. And on the other side I saw M. Jules—a handsome youth, his fine face conspicuous among them all. His expression was as tranquil as if he had been a mere spectator. That knocked me out! "Don't be afraid," said the judge to me. I was absolutely beside myself! I was afraid of making some mistake; and then I had sworn to keep to the truth; and then M. Dupre fixed his eye on me. I can't tell you what that eye seemed to say to me—My tongue seemed twisted up. I broke out into a sweat—my heart beat hard—and I began to cry, like a fool. You were magnificent. And then in a moment it was all over. He made me do exactly what he wanted. This is the way I lied: I said that on the evening of the twenty-fourth I unexpectedly came to Pamela's room and found M. Jules there—Yes, at Pamela's, the girl whom I was going to marry, whom I still love—and our marriage will be the talk of the whole neighborhood. Never mind, he's a great lawyer! Never mind! (To Justine) Give me something to drink, will you? Rousseau, Mme. Rousseau, Mme. du Brocard (To Joseph) Dear friend! You showed yourself a fine fellow! Dupre The energy shown by Pamela makes me hopeful. I trembled for a moment while she was giving evidence; the prosecuting attorney pressed her very hard and seemed to doubt her veracity; she grew pale and I thought she was going to faint. Joseph And what must my feelings have been? Dupre Her self-sacrifice was wonderful. You don't realize all that she has undergone for you; I, myself even, was deceived by her; she was her own accuser, yet all the time was innocent. Only one moment did she falter; but darting a rapid glance at Jules, she suddenly rallied, a blush took the place of pallor on her countenance, and we felt that she had saved her lover; in spite of the risk she was running, she repeated once more before all those people the story of her own disgrace, and then fell weeping into the arms of her mother. Joseph Yes, she is a fine girl. Dupre But I must leave you; the summing up of the judge will come this afternoon. Rousseau You must be going then. Dupre One moment! Do not forget Pamela! That young girl has compromised her own honor for you and for him. Joseph As for me, I don't ask anything, but I have been led to expect— Mme. du Brocard, Mme. Rousseau We can never pay our debt of gratitude to you. Dupre Very good; come, gentlemen, we must be starting. (Exeunt Dupre and Rousseau.) SCENE SECOND The same persons excepting Dupre and Rousseau. Mme. du Brocard (stopping Joseph on his way out) Listen to me! Joseph What can I do for you? Mme. du Brocard You see in what a state of anxiety we are; don't fail to let us know the least turn in our favor which the trial makes. Mme. Rousseau Yes, keep us well informed on the whole business. Joseph You may rest assured of that—But look here, I needn't leave the court house to do that, I intend to see everything, and to hear everything. But do you see that window there? My seat is just under it; you watch that window, and it if he is declared innocent you will see me wave my handkerchief. Mme. Rousseau Do not forget to do so. Joseph No danger of that; I am a poor chap, but I know what a mother's heart is! I am interested in this case, and for you, and for Pamela, I have said a lot of things! But when you are fond of people you'll do anything, and then I have been promised something—you may count upon me. (Exit.) SCENE THIRD The same persons excepting Joseph. Mme. Rousseau Justine, open this window, and wait for the signal which the young man has promised to give—Ah! but suppose my boy were condemned! Mme. du Brocard M. Dupre has spoken very hopefully about matters. Mme. Rousseau But with regard to this good girl, this admirable Pamela—what must we do for her? Mme. du Brocard We ought to do something to make her happy! I acknowledge that this young person is a succor sent from heaven! Only a noble heart could make the sacrifice that she has made! She deserves a fortune for it! Thirty thousand francs! That is what she ought to have. Jules owes his life to her. (Aside) Poor boy, will his life be saved? (Mme. du Brocard looks toward the window.) Mme. Rousseau Well, Justine, do you see anything? Justine Nothing, madame. Mme. Rousseau Nothing yet! Yes, you are right, sister, it is only the heart that can prompt such noble actions. I do not know what you and my husband would think about it, but if we considered what was right, and had full regard to the happiness of Jules, apart from the brilliant prospect of an alliance with the family of De Verby, if my son loved her and she loved my son—it seems to me reasonable— Mme. du Brocard and Justine No! No! Mme. Rousseau Oh, sister! Say yes! Has she not well deserved it? But there is some one coming. (The two women remain in their seats with clasped hands.) SCENE FOURTH The same persons and De Verby. Justine M. le General de Verby! Mme. Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard Ah! De Verby Everything is going on well! My presence was no longer necessary, so I return to you. There are great hopes of your son's acquittal. The charge of the presiding judge is decidedly in his favor. Mme. Rousseau (joyfully) Thank God! De Verby Jules has behaved admirably! My brother the Comte de Verby is very much interested in his favor. My niece looks upon him as a hero, and I know courage and honorable conduct when I see them. When once this affair has been settled, we will hasten the marriage. Mme. Rousseau We ought to tell you, sir, that we have made certain promises to this young girl. Mme. du Brocard Never mind that, sister. De Verby Doubtless the young girl deserves some recompense, and I suppose you will give her fifteen or twenty thousand francs,—that is due her. Mme. du Brocard You see, sister, that M. de Verby is a noble and generous man, and since he has fixed upon this sum, I think it will be sufficient. Justine M. Rousseau! Mme. du Brocard O brother! Mme. Rousseau Dear husband! SCENE FIFTH The same persons and Rousseau. De Verby (to Rousseau) Have you good news? Mme. Rousseau Is he acquitted? Rousseau No, but it is rumored that he is going to be; the jury are in consultation; I couldn't stay there any longer; I couldn't stand the suspense; I told Antoine to hurry here as soon as the verdict is given. Mme. Rousseau We shall learn what the verdict is from this window; we have agreed upon a signal to be given by that youth, Joseph Binet. Rousseau Ah! keep a good look out, Justine. Mme. Rousseau And how is Jules? What a trying time it must be for him! Rousseau Not at all! The unfortunate boy astonishes me by his coolness. Such courage as he has is worthy of a better cause than that of conspiracy. To think of his having put us in such a position! But for this I might have been appointed President of the Chamber of Commerce. De Verby You forget that, after all, his marriage with a member of my family will make some amends for his trouble. Rousseau (struck by a sudden thought) Ah, general! When I left the court room, Jules stood surrounded by his friends, among whom were M. Dupre and the young girl Pamela. Your niece and Madame de Verby must have noticed it, and I hope that you will try to explain matters to them. (While Rousseau speaks with the general the ladies are watching for the signal.) De Verby Rest assured of that! I will take care that Jules appears as white as snow! It is of very great importance to explain this affair of the working-girl, otherwise the Comtesse de Verby might oppose the marriage. We must explain away this apparent amour, and she must be made to understand that the girl's evidence was a piece of self- sacrifice for which she had been paid. Rousseau I certainly intend to do my duty towards that young girl. I shall give her eight or ten thousand francs. It seems to me that that will be liberal, very liberal! Mme. Rousseau (while Mme. du Brocard tries to restrain her) Ah, sir, but what of her honor? Rousseau Well, I suppose that some one will marry her. SCENE SIXTH The same persons and Joseph. Joseph (dashing in) Monsieur! Madame! Give me some cologne or something, I beg you! All Whatever can be the matter? Joseph M. Antoine, your footman, is bringing Pamela here. Rousseau Has anything happened? Joseph When she saw the jury come in to give their verdict she was taken ill! Her father and mother, who were in the crowd at the other end of the court, couldn't stir. I cried out, and the presiding judge made them put me out of court! Mme. Rousseau But Jules! My son! What did the jury say? Joseph I know nothing! I had no eyes except for Pamela. As for your son, I suppose he is all right, but first with me comes Pamela— De Verby But you must have seen how the jury looked! Joseph Oh, yes! The foreman of the jury looked so gloomy—so severe—that I am quite persuaded— (He shudders.) Mme. Rousseau My poor Jules! Joseph Here comes Antoine and Mlle. Pamela. SCENE SEVENTH The same persons, Antoine and Pamela. (They lead Pamela to a seat and give her smelling salts.) Mme. du Brocard My dear child! Mme. Rousseau My daughter! Rousseau Mademoiselle! Pamela I couldn't stand it any longer, the excitement was too great—and the suspense was so cruel. I tried to brace up my courage by the calmness of M. Jules while the jury was deliberating; the smile which he wore made me share his presentiment of coming release! But I was chilled to the heart when I looked at the pale, impassive countenance of M. Dupre!—And then, the sound of the bell that announced the return of the jury, and the murmur of anxiety that ran through the court—I was quite overcome!—A cold sweat suffused my cheek and I fainted. Joseph As for me, I shouted out, and they threw me into the street. De Verby (to Rousseau) If by mischance— Rousseau Sir! De Verby (to Rousseau and the women) If it should be necessary to appeal the case (pointing to Pamela), could we count upon her? Mme. Rousseau On her? To the end; I am sure of that. Mme. du Brocard Pamela! Rousseau Tell me, you who have shown yourself so good, so generous,—if we should still have need of your unselfish aid, would you be ready? Pamela Quite ready, sir! I have but one object, one single thought!—and that is, to save M. Jules! Joseph (aside) She loves him, she loves him! Rousseau Ah! all that I have is at your disposal. (A murmur and cries are heard; general alarm.) All What a noise they are making! Listen to their shouts! (Pamela totters to her feet. Joseph runs to the window, where Justine is watching.) Joseph There's a crowd of people rushing down the steps of the court,—they are coming here! Justine and Joseph It is M. Jules! Rousseau and Mme. Rousseau My son! Mme. du Brocard and Pamela Jules! (They rush forward to Jules.) De Verby He is acquitted! SCENE EIGHTH The same persons and Jules (brought in by his mother and his aunt and followed by his friends). (Jules flings himself into the arms of his mother; he does not at first see Pamela, who is seated in a corner near Joseph.) Jules O mother! Dear aunt! And my father! Here I am, restored to liberty again! (To General de Verby and the friends who have come with him) Let me thank you, general, and you, my friends, for your kind sympathy. (After general handshaking the friends depart.) Mme. Rousseau And so my son has at last come back to me! It seems too good to be true. Joseph (to Pamela) Well, and what of you? He hasn't said a word to you, and you are the only one he hasn't seen. Pamela Silence, Joseph, silence! (Pamela retires to the end of the stage.) De Verby Not only have you been acquitted, but you have also gained a high place in the esteem of those who are interested in the affair! You have exhibited both courage and discretion, such as have gratified us all. Rousseau Everybody has behaved well. Antoine, you have done nobly; you will end your life in this house. Mme. Rousseau (to Jules) Let me express my gratitude to M. Adolph Durand. (Jules presents his friend.) Jules Yes, but my real deliverer, my guardian angel is poor Pamela! How well she understood my situation and her own also! What self-sacrifice she showed! Can I ever forget her emotion, her terror!—and then she fainted! (Mme. Rousseau, who has been thinking of nothing else but her son, now looks around for Pamela, sees her, and brings her up to Jules.) Ah, Pamela! Pamela! My gratitude to you shall be eternal! Pamela Ah, M. Jules! How happy I feel. Jules We will never part again? Will we, mother? She shall be your daughter! De Verby (to Rousseau with vehemence) My sister and my niece are expecting an answer; you will have to exercise your authority, sir. This young man seems to have a lively and romantic imagination. He is in danger of missing his career through a too scrupulous sense of honor, and a generosity which is tinged with folly! Rousseau (in embarrassment) The fact is— De Verby But I have your word. Mme. du Brocard Speak out, brother! Jules Mother, do you answer them, and show yourself on my side? Rousseau (taking Jules by the hand) Jules! I shall never forget the service which this young girl has done us. I understand the promptings of your gratitude; but as you are aware the Comte de Verby has our promise; it is not right that you should lightly sacrifice your future! You are not wanting in energy, you have given sufficient proof of that! A young conspirator should be quite able to extricate himself from such an affair as this. De Verby (to Jules) Undoubtedly! And our future diplomat will have a splendid chance. Rousseau Moreover my wishes in the matter— Jules O father! Dupre (appearing) Jules, I still have to take up your defence. Pamela and Joseph M. Dupre! Jules My friend! Mme. du Brocard It is the lawyer. Dupre I see! I am no longer "my dear Monsieur Dupre"! Mme. du Brocard Oh, you are always that! But before paying our debt of gratitude to you, we have to think about this young girl. Dupre (coldly) I beg your pardon, madame. De Verby This man is going to spoil everything. Dupre (to Rousseau) I heard all you said. It transcends all I have ever experienced. I could not have believed that ingratitude could follow so soon on the acceptance of a benefit. Rich as you are, rich as your son will be, what fairer task have you to perform than that of satisfying your conscience? In saving Jules, this girl has brought disgrace upon herself! Can it be possible that the fortune which you have so honorably gained should have killed in your heart every generous sentiment, and that self-interest alone— (He sees Mme. du Brocard making signs to her brother.) Ah! that is right, madame! It is you that give the tone in this household! And I forgot while I was pleading to this gentleman, that you would be at his elbow when I was no longer here. Mme. du Brocard We have pledged our word to the Count and Countess of Verby! Mlle. Pamela, whose friend I shall be all my life, did not effect the deliverance of my nephew on the understanding that she should blight his prospects. Rousseau There ought to be some basis of equality in a union by marriage. My son will some day have an income of eighty thousand francs. Joseph (aside) That suits me to a T. I shall marry her now. But this fellow here, he talks more like a Jewish money-changer than a father. De Verby (to Dupre) I think, sir, that your talent and character are such as to claim our highest admiration and esteem. The Rousseau family will always preserve your name in grateful memory; but these private discussions must be carried on without witnesses from outside. M. Rousseau has given me his word and I keep him to his promise! (To Jules) Come, my young friend, come to my brother's house; my niece is expecting you. To-morrow we will sign the marriage contract. (Pamela falls senseless on her chair.) Joseph Ah, what have you done! Mlle. Pamela! Dupre and Jules (darting towards her) Good heavens! De Verby (taking Jules by the hand) Come—come— Dupre Stop a moment! I should have been glad to think that I was not the only protector that was left her! But listen, the matter is not yet ended! Pamela will certainly be arrested as a false witness! (Seizes the hand of De Verby.) And you will all be ruined. (Dupre leads off Pamela.) Joseph (hiding behind a sofa) Don't tell anybody that I am here!

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