The Stepmother, A Drama in Five Acts

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Оноре де Бальзак

Жанр

Зарубежная классика

Год написания книги

2017

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Pauline

Doctor!

Vernon (going to her)

My child?

Pauline

Are you aware that my sleep just now was not a natural one?

Vernon Yes, you were put to sleep by your stepmother. I have proof of it. But do you know the reason why?

Pauline

Oh! doctor, it is —

Gertrude

Doctor!

Pauline

Later on, I will tell you all.

Vernon Already from each of them I have learned something of what lies beneath. Ah! poor General!

Gertrude

I am waiting, doctor.

(Vernon bows and escorts Gertrude out.)

SCENE THIRD

Pauline (alone; she rings) Yes, the only alternative left me is to flee with him; if we continue this conflict, my stepmother and I, it can but result in my father's dishonor. Would it not be better to disobey him? Then I will write to him – I will be generous, because, my triumph over her will be complete – I will let my father still believe in her, and will explain my flight by attributing it to the hatred which he bears to the name of Marcandal and to my love for Ferdinand.

SCENE FOURTH

Pauline and Marguerite.

Marguerite

Does mademoiselle feel well again?

Pauline Yes, I am well enough in body; but in mind – Oh, I am in despair! My poor Marguerite, unfortunate is the girl who has lost her mother —

Marguerite And whose father has for his second wife such a woman as Madame de Grandchamp. But tell me, mademoiselle, am I not to you a humble and devoted mother? My affection for you as a nurse has grown in proportion to the hate with which this stepmother regards you.

Pauline Yes, Marguerite, you may believe it, but you delude yourself. Your love can never be as great as her hatred.

Marguerite

Oh! mademoiselle! If you would only put me to the proof!

Pauline

Really? – Would you leave France for me?

Marguerite

To be with you, I would travel to the Indies.

Pauline

And would you start at once?

Marguerite

At once! – My baggage is not heavy.

Pauline

Well, Marguerite, we will start to-night, and secretly.

Marguerite

But why is this?

Pauline You ask me why? Do you not know that Madame de Grandchamp put me to sleep with opium?

Marguerite I know it, mademoiselle, and Doctor Vernon knows it also, for Felix told me that he put under lock and key your teacup. – But why did she do it?

Pauline Say not a word about it, if you love me! And if you are as devoted to me as you profess to be, go to your room and gather together all that you possess, so quietly that none shall suspect that you are preparing for a journey. We will start after midnight. You must now take from me here, and carry to your room, my jewels and all that I shall need for a long journey. Use the utmost caution; for if my stepmother had the least idea of what we are doing, I should be ruined.

Marguerite Ruined! – But, mademoiselle, what is come over you? Think seriously before you leave your home.

Pauline

Do you wish to see me die?

Marguerite

Die! – Oh, mademoiselle, I will at once obey your wishes.

Pauline Marguerite, tell M. Ferdinand to bring me my year's allowance; bid him come this moment.

Marguerite