Pauline
You are triumphant now, madame, but it will soon be my turn.

Gertrude
The war, then, is to continue?

Pauline
War, madame?  Call it a duel!  One or the other of us must go.

Gertrude
You are tragic.

Vernon (aside) There appears to be no outbreak between them, nor the least misunderstanding!—­But stay, an idea strikes me; suppose I go and look for Ferdinand?

(Vernon prepares to go out.)

Gertrude
Doctor!

Vernon
Madame?

Gertrude
We must have a talk together. (Whispering) I shall not leave you until
you have given me back—­

Vernon
I stated to you the sole condition—­

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.)

Scenethird

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.

Scenefourth

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.