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 Pamel