im, and tell him not to go away. (Sits down and
writes.) Here is the letter, madame.

Gertrude (reads)
"I am going to marry M. de Rimonville--so that you may remain here.
Pauline." (Aside) I do not quite understand this--I fear that there is
some trick in it. I am going to let him leave; he will learn of the
marriage when he is far away from this.

(Exit Gertrude.)

SCENE NINTH

Pauline (alone)
Ferdinand is utterly lost to me now--I have always expected it; the
world is either a paradise or a prison cell; and I, a young girl, have
dreamed only of the paradise. But anyway I have the key of the desk,
and I can return it after having taken out something which may serve
to put an end to this terrible situation. Yes, that is what I will do!

SCENE TENTH

Pauline and Marguerite.

Marguerite
Mademoiselle, my trunks are all packed. I am now going to begin
packing here.

Pauline
Yes. (Aside) It is best to let her do so. (Aloud) Come here,
Marguerite, take this gold and conceal it among your things.

Marguerite
You are sure that your reasons for starting away are very urgent?

Pauline
My poor Marguerite, who knows whether I shall be able to get away! But
come, go on with your work.

(Exit Pauline.)

SCENE ELEVENTH

Marguerite (alone)
And to think that I believed this fury was unwilling that mademoiselle
should marry! Is it possible that mademoiselle should have concealed
from me that her real love was being opposed? Yet her father is so
good to her! He leaves her free to choose--Suppose I were to speak to
the General--Oh! no, I would not run the risk of injuring my child.

SCENE TWELFTH

Marguerite and Pauline.

Pauline
No one has seen me. Listen, Marguerite, first of all, take away the
money that I gave you, and then let me think about the resolution
which I have taken.

Marguerite
If I were in your place, mademoiselle, I would tell everything to the
General.

Pauline
To my father? Unhappy woman, do not betray me! And let both of us
respect the illusions, in the midst of which he lives.

Marguerite
Ah! Illusions! That is the very word.

Pauline
You may leave me now.

(Exit Marguerite.)

SCENE THIRTEENTH

Pauline, then Vernon.

Pauline (holding in her hand the parcel of poison, which was shown in
the first act)
Here s