man, a most kind-hearted fellow; he has an uncle rich enough to
set him up in business; he wishes to marry me, and in one moment I
have lost my prospects--and for whom? I do not know you, and from the
manner in which you imperil the reputation of a young girl who has no
capital but her good behavior, I conclude that you think you have the
right to do so. You are rich and you make sport of poor people!

Jules
No, my dear Pamela. I know who you are, and I take you at your true
value. I love you, I am rich, and we will never leave one another. My
traveling carriage is with a friend, at the gate of St. Denis; we will
proceed on foot to catch it; I intend embarking for England. You must
come with me. I cannot explain my intentions now, for the least delay
may prove fatal to me.

Pamela
What do you mean?

Jules
You shall see--

Pamela
Are you in your right senses, M. Adolph? After having followed me
about for a month, seen me twice at a dance, written me several
declarations, such as young men of your sort write to any and every
woman, you point-blank propose an elopement!

Jules
Oh, I beg of you, don't delay an instant! You'll repent of this for
the rest of your life, and you will see too late what mischief you
have done.

Pamela
But, my dear sir, you can perhaps explain yourself in a couple of
words.

Jules
No,--for the secret is a matter of life and death to several persons.

Pamela
If it were only to save your life, whoever you are, I would do a good
deal; but what assistance could I be to you in your flight! Why do you
want to take me to England?

Jules
What a child you are! No one, of course, would suspect anything of two
runaway lovers! And, let me tell you, I love you well enough to
disregard everything else, and even to brave the anger of my parents--
Once we are married at Gretna Green--

Pamela
Oh, _mon Dieu_! I am quite non-plussed! Here's a handsome young man
urges you--implores you--and talks of marriage--

Jules
They are mounting the staircase--I am lost!--You have betrayed me!--

Pamela
M. Adolph, you alarm me! What is going to happen? Wait a moment, I
will go and see.

Jules
In any case, take and keep this twenty thousand francs. It will be
safer with you than in the hands of the police--I have only half an
hour longer and all will be over.

Pamela
There is nothing to fear--I