(Gertrude returns to her bedroom.)

Ramel General, we will not wait for the report of the autopsy.  The principal charge, which you will agree with me was very serious, for all the town was talking of it, has been disproved; and we have full confidence in the skill and integrity of Doctor Vernon. (Gertrude returns) Champagne, you are at liberty. (General expression of satisfaction.) But you see, my friend, to what painful suspicions a man exposes himself when his home has a bad name.

Champagne Ask the General, your Honor, if I am not mild as a lamb; but my wife, God forgive her, was the worst that was ever made.  An angel could not have stood her.  If I have sometimes tried to bring her to reason, the anxious moments you have made me pass here, have been punishment enough!  To be taken up for a prisoner, and to know yourself innocent, while you are in the hands of justice. (Weeps.)

The General
Well! well!  You are acquitted now!

Napoleon
Papa, what is justice?

The General
Gentlemen, justice ought not to commit errors of this kind.

Gertrude
There seems to be always something fatal in this justice!  And this
poor man will always bear a bad name from your arrival here.

Ramel Madame, for the innocent there is nothing fatal in criminal justice.  You see that Champagne has been promptly discharged. (Fixing his eyes upon Gertrude.) Those who live without reproach, who indulge no passions, save the noble and the lawful, have nothing to fear from justice.

Gertrude Sir, you do not know the people of this country.  Ten years from this time they will say that Champagne poisoned his wife, that the officers of justice came to investigate and, but for our protection—­

The General
Say no more, Gertrude.  These gentlemen have done only their duty. 
(Felix prepares the coffee.) Gentlemen, can I offer you a cup of
coffee?

The Magistrate
Thank you, General; the urgency of this affair called me away from
home rather suddenly, and my wife is waiting dinner for me at
Louviers. (He goes on the veranda to talk with the doctor.)

The General (to Ramel)
You are a friend of Ferdinand’s, I believe?

Ramel
Yes, General, and you have in him the noblest heart, the most spotless
integrity, the most charming character that I have ever met.

Pauline
This state’s attorney seems to be a very kind man!

Godard (aside)
And why does she say that?  Is it because he praised M. Ferdinand?  Ah!
there’s something there!

Gertrude (to Ramel)
Whenever you have any moments to spare, you must come to see M. de
Charny. (To the General) Would not that be nice, dear?

The Magistrate (coming in from the veranda) M. de la Grandiere, our physician, agrees with Doctor Vernon that this death resulted from Asiatic cholera.  We beg, therefore, that you, countess, and you, count, will excuse us for having disturbed, even for a moment, the tranquillity of your charming household.