he heart of his mother; but the
child who has been stolen, is still living in that heart, dear aunt.

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
Suppose you were overheard!

The Duchess
I should not care. I am setting out on a new life, and I feel strong
enough to resist even the tyranny of De Montsorel.

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
After twenty-two years of mourning, what possible occurrence can give
you ground for hope?

The Duchess
I have much more than hope! After the king's reception, I went to the
Spanish ambassador's, where I was introduced to Madame de Christoval.
There I saw a young man who resembled me, and had my voice. Do you see
what I mean? If I came home late it was because I remained spellbound
in the room, and could not leave until he had gone.

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
Yet what slight warrant you had for your elation!

The Duchess
Is not a revelation such as that more than sufficient warrant for the
rapture of a mother's heart? At the sight of that young stranger a
flame seemed to dart before my yes; his glance gave me new life; I
felt happy once more. If he were not my son, my feelings would be
quite unaccountable.

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
You must have betrayed yourself!

The Duchess
Yes, perhaps I did! People doubtless noticed us; but I was carried
away by an uncontrollable impulse; I saw no one but him, I wished to
hear him talk, and he talked with me, and told me his age. He is
twenty-three, the same age as Fernand!

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
And was the duke present?

The Duchess
Could I give a thought to my husband? I listened only to this young
man, who was talking with Inez. I believe they are in love with each
other.

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
Inez, who is engaged to your son, the marquis? And do you think the
warm reception given by her to his son's rival could escape the duke's
notice?

The Duchess
Of course not, and I quite see the dangers to which Fernand is
exposed. But I must not detain you longer; I could talk to you about
him till morning. You shall see him. I have told him to come at the
hour the duke goes to the king's, and then we will question him about
his childhood.

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
For goodness' sake, calm yourself; you will never be able to sleep
this night. And send Felicite to bed, she is not accustomed to these
late hours. (She rings the bell.)

Felicite (entering the room)
His grace the duke has come in with his lordship the marquis.

The Duchess
I have already