Gertrude I hear the strains of church music!  What, is there another trial going on here?  What can be happening? (She goes to the door of Pauline’s chamber and starts back terrified, on the appearance of Marguerite.) Ah!

Marguerite
They are offering prayers over the body of your victim!

Gertrude
Pauline!  Pauline!  Dead!

The Magistrate
And it is you, madame, who have poisoned her.

Gertrude I!  I!  I!  Ah! what is this?  Am I asleep or awake? (To Ramel) Ah!  How extremely fortunate for me in this meeting!  For you know the whole affair, don’t you?  Do you believe me capable of a crime like this?  What!  Am I actually accused of it?  Do you think that I would have made an attack upon her life?  I, the mother of a child, before whom I would not wish to be disgraced?  Justice will vindicate me—­Marguerite, let no one leave the room.  Gentlemen, tell me what has taken place since yesterday evening, when I left Pauline slightly indisposed?

The Magistrate
Madame, collect yourself!  You stand before the tribunal of your
country.

Gertrude
You chill me with such words—­

The Magistrate The administration of justice in France is the most perfect of criminal procedures.  No traps are set, for justice proceeds, acts, and speaks with open face, for she is solely intent upon her mission, which is, the discovery of the truth.  At the present moment, you are merely inculpated, and in me you must see your protector.  But tell the truth, whatever it may be; the final result will be decided at a higher tribunal.

Gertrude
Ah! sir, take me into her chamber, and in presence of Pauline I will
cry out, what I cry out before you—­I am guiltless of her death!

The Magistrate
Madame!

Gertrude Sir, let us have none of those long phrases, with which you blind the eyes of people.  I suffer pains unheard of!  I weep for Pauline as though she were my child, and—­I forgive her everything!  What do you want with me?  Proceed, and I will answer you.

Ramel
What is it that you will forgive her?

Gertrude
I mean—­

Ramel (in a low voice)
Be cautious in your replies.

Gertrude
You are right, for precipices yawn on every side!

The Magistrate (to the sheriff’s officer) Names and titles may be taken later; now write down the notes of the investigation, and the inquiry. (To Gertrude) Did you yesterday forenoon put opium into the tea of Mlle. de Grandchamp?

Gertrude
Ah! doctor—­this is you.

Ramel
Do not accuse the doctor.  He has already too seriously compromised
himself for you!  Answer the magistrate!

Gertrude
It is true.

The Magistrate
Madame recognizes the cup and admits that she put opium in it.  That
will be enough for the present, at this stage of the inquiry.

Gertrude
Do you accuse me then of something further?  What is it?