Vernon (seated near the table) I have seen thousands of dead men on the field of battle and in the ambulances, yet the death of this young girl under her father’s roof moves me more profoundly than all those heroic sufferings.  Death is perhaps a thing foreseen on the field of battle—­it is even expected there; while here, it is not only the passing away of a single person, but a whole family is plunged in tears and fond hopes vanish.  Here is this child, of whom I was so fond, murdered, poisoned—­and by whom?  Marguerite has rightly guessed the secret of this struggle between two rivals.  It was impossible to refrain from communicating at once with the authorities.  In the meantime, God knows I have used every effort to snatch this young life from the grave. (Ferdinand raises his head and listens to the doctor) I have even brought this poison, which may act as an antidote to the other; but the princes of medical science should have been present to witness the experiment!  No man ought to venture upon such a throw of the dice.

Ferdinand (rises and approaches the doctor) Doctor, when the magistrates arrive, will you explain this experiment of yours; they will be sure to sanction it; and you may be sure that God, yes God, will hear me.  He will work some miracle, He will give her back to me!

Vernon I should have ventured upon it before the action of the poison had wrought its full effects.  If I did so now, I should be looked upon as the poisoner.  No (he places a little flask upon the table), it would be useless now, and to give it with the most disinterested motives would be looked upon as a crime.

Ferdinand (after holding a mirror before Pauline’s lips) Anything, everything is yet possible; she still breathes.

Vernon
She will not live till daylight.

Pauline
Ferdinand!

Ferdinand
She has just uttered my name.

Vernon The vitality of a girl of twenty-two is very tenacious!  Moreover, she will preserve consciousness, even to her last gasp.  She might possibly rise from her bed and talk with us, although the sufferings caused by this terrible poison are inconceivable.

Scenesecond

The same persons and the General.

The General (outside)
Vernon!

Vernon (to Ferdinand) It is the General. (Ferdinand, overcome with grief, falls back on the armchair, where he is concealed by the curtains of the bed.) What do you want?

The General
I want to see Pauline!

Vernon
If you take my advice, you will wait awhile; she is very much worse.

The General (entering)
For that reason I shall come in.

Vernon
Do not come in, General.  Listen to me!

The General
No, no!  Ah, how motionless, how cold she is, Vernon!

Vernon
Listen!  General! (Aside) We must get him away somehow. (Aloud) There
is but a faint hope of saving her.