The Stepmother, A Drama in Five Acts

Godard (aside) It seems that I caught two in my mouse-trap! And all the time the General is so calm, so tranquil, and this household is so peaceful! Things are getting mixed up. I shan't go yet; I wish to have a game of whist! Oh! I give up all thoughts of marriage for the present. (Glancing at Ferdinand) There's a lucky fellow! He is loved by two women – two charming, delightful creatures! He is indeed a factotum! But how is it that he is more successful than I am, who have an income of forty thousand?

Gertrude Pauline, my dear, offer the cards to the gentlemen for a game of whist. It is almost nine o'clock. If they are going to have a game, there is no time to be lost. (Pauline puts out the cards.) Come, Napoleon, bid good-night to the gentlemen, let them see you are a good boy, and don't try to stay up as you usually do.

Napoleon

Good-night, papa. What is justice like?

The General

Justice is blind! Good-night, my pet.

Napoleon

Good-night, M. Vernon! What is justice made of?

Vernon It is made up of all our crimes. When you are naughty, they whip you; that is justice.

Napoleon

They never whip me.

Vernon

Then they never do justice to you!

Napoleon

Good-night, my good friend! Good-night, Pauline! Good-night M. Godard.

Godard

De Rimonville.

Napoleon

Have I been good?

(Gertrude kisses Napoleon.)

The General

I have the king.

Vernon

And I, the queen.

Ferdinand (to Godard)

Monsieur, we are partners.

Gertrude (seeing Marguerite) Be sure to say your prayers, and don't provoke Marguerite. Now, go to bed, dear heart.

Napoleon

Yes, dear heart! What is love made of?

(Exit Napoleon.)

SCENE FIFTH

The same persons, except Napoleon.

The General

When that child begins to ask questions, he is an amusing youngster.

Gertrude

It is often very embarrassing to answer him. (To Pauline) Come,

Pauline, let us go and finish our work.

Vernon

It is your lead, General.

The General Mine? You ought to get married, and we could visit at your house, as you visit here, and you would have all the happiness of a family. Don't forget, Godard, that there is no one in the department happier than I am.

Vernon When a man reaches sixty-seven without reaching happiness, it is impossible to catch up. I shall die a bachelor.

(The two women set to work at the same piece of embroidery.)

Gertrude (seated with Pauline at the front of the stage) How is this, my child! Godard tells me that you received his advances very coldly; yet he is a very good match for you.

Pauline

My father, madame, has given me leave to choose a husband for myself.

Gertrude Do you know what Godard will say? He will say that you refused him because you had already made your choice.

Pauline If it were true, you and my father would know it. What reason have I for not giving you my confidence?

Gertrude I cannot say, and I do not blame you. You see in matters of love women keep their secret with heroic constancy, sometimes in the midst of the most cruel torments.

Pauline (aside, picking up the scissors, which she had let drop) Ferdinand was wise in telling me to distrust her – she is so insinuating!

Gertrude Perhaps you have in your heart a love like that. If such a misfortune has befallen you, you may rely on my help – I love you, remember! I can win your father's consent; he has confidence in me, and I can sway both his mind and affections. Therefore, dear child, you may open your heart to me.