The General
You told me—­You must have been deceiving me!

Vernon My friend, we have to look this catastrophe in the face, as we had to look towards the batteries through a shower of bullets!  On such occasions, when I hesitated, you always went forward. (Aside) That is a good idea! (Aloud) You had better bring to her the consolations of religion.

The General
Vernon, I wish to see her, to give her my last kiss.

Vernon
Be careful!

The General (kissing her)
Oh!  How icy cold she is!

Vernon That is a peculiarity of her sickness, General.  Hurry to the priest’s house, for in case my remedies fail, it is not right that your daughter, who has been reared as a Christian, should be forgotten by the Church.

The General
Ah! yes.  I will go.

(The General moves towards the bed.)

Vernon (pointing towards the door)
This way!

The General I quite lose my head; I am distracted—­O Vernon, work a miracle for us!  You have saved so many people—­and here you cannot save the life of my child!

Vernon
Come, come, be off. (Aside) I must go with him, for if he meets the
magistrates there will be more trouble still.

(Exit the General and Vernon.)

Scenethird

Pauline and Ferdinand.

Pauline
Ferdinand!

Ferdinand Ah!  My God!  Can this be her last sigh?  Pauline, you are my very life; if Vernon does not save you, I will follow you, and we shall still be united.

Pauline
I shall expire, then, without a single regret.

Ferdinand (takes up the flask)
That which would have saved you, if the doctor had arrived earlier,
shall deliver me from life.

Pauline
No, for you may still be happy.

Ferdinand
Never, without you.

Pauline
Your words revive me.

Scenefourth

The same persons and Vernon.

Ferdinand
She speaks; her eyes once more are open.

Vernon
Poor child!  There she falls asleep again.  What shall the waking be?

(Ferdinand sits down again and takes the hand of Pauline.)

Scenefifth

The same persons, Ramel, the Investigating Magistrate, a Doctor, a
Corporal of Police and Marguerite.

Marguerite
M. Vernon, the magistrates are here.  M. Ferdinand, you must leave the
room.

(Exit Ferdinand.)

Ramel Take care, corporal, that all the entrances of this house are guarded, and observe our orders!  Doctor, can we remain here a few moments without danger to the sick lady?

Vernon
She is asleep, sir; and it is her last slumber.

Marguerite
Here is the cup into which the infusion was poured and which still has
traces of arsenic; I perceived it there as soon as I took hold of it.

The Doctor (examining the cup and tasting the contents)
It is evident that the liquid contains some poisonous substance.