Ramel Here, then, is the result so far of our inquiry, in accordance with the evidence of Felix and Marguerite.  Madame de Grandchamp, in the first place, administered to her stepdaughter a dose of opium, and you, M. Vernon, who were present and saw the criminal attempt, managed to secure and lock up the cup.

Vernon
It is true, gentlemen, but—­

Ramel How is it, M. Vernon, that when you witnessed this criminal attempt, you did not check Madame de Grandchamp in the fatal course which she was then pursuing?

Vernon Believe me, gentlemen, I did everything which I thought could be done with prudence, and all that my long experience suggested was attempted by me.

The Magistrate Your conduct, sir, was peculiar, and you will be called upon to explain it.  You did your duty yesterday in preserving the cup as evidence; but why did you not go further?

Ramel Pardon me, M. Cordier, this gentleman is advanced in years; he is an honest and trustworthy man. (He takes Vernon aside) You have found out, I suppose, the cause of this crime.

Vernon It springs from a rivalry between two women, who have been urged on to the most violent extremes by their reckless passions.  And I was obliged to keep silence on the subject.

Ramel
I know the whole business.

Vernon
You! sir?

Ramel Yes, and, like you, I have done everything to prevent this catastrophe; for Ferdinand was to leave this very night.  I knew Mlle. Gertrude de Meilhac in former years, having met her at the house of my friend.

Vernon Oh! sir, show clemency!  Have pity on an old soldier, crippled with wounds, and enslaved by delusions.  He is in danger of losing both his daughter and his wife.  Heaven grant he may not lose his honor also!

Ramel We understand each other.  So long as Gertrude does not make such admissions as force us to see the real situation, I shall endeavor to persuade the investigating magistrate—­who is an extremely sagacious and honest man of ten years’ experience—­I shall try to make him believe that cupidity alone has influenced Madame de Grandchamp.  You must assist me. (The magistrate approaches; Ramel nods to Vernon and puts on an expression of severity.) Why did Madame de Grandchamp wish to drug her stepdaughter?  You, who are the friend of the household, ought to know this.

Vernon Pauline was about to confide her secrets to me.  Her stepmother thought that I was learning certain things which her interest required should be concealed; and that, sir, is doubtless the reason why she sent me to treat a workman who was in good health, and not to prevent help from being brought to Pauline, for Louviers is not so far off.

The Magistrate What forethought she has!  She won’t be able to escape if we find the proofs of crime in her desk.  She does not expect us here; she will be thunderstruck.

Sceneseventh

The same persons, Gertrude and Marguerite.