you are going to look out for me, for my
pocket is as light as my heart is heavy. (De Verby turns his back on
him. To Rousseau) You know well enough that I was promised something
for my services. (Rousseau withdraws from him without answering. To
Mme. du Brocard) Tell me now, wasn't something promised to me?

Mme. du Brocard
We will see about that later.

Mme. Rousseau
But what do you fear? What are you doing in this place? Were you
pursued by any one?

Joseph
Not at all. I have been four days in this house, hidden like so much
vermin in the garret. I came here because the old Giraud people were
not to be found in their quarters. They have been carried off
somewhere. Pamela has also disappeared--she is doubtless in hiding. I
had no particular desire to run any risk; I admit that I lied to the
judge. If I am condemned I will obtain my freedom by making a few
startling revelations; I will tell on everybody!--

De Verby (with energy)
It must be done!

(De Verby sits at the table and writes.)

Mme. du Brocard
O Jules, Jules! Wretched child, you are the cause of all this!

Mme. Rousseau (to her husband)
You see, this lawyer has got you all in his power! You will have to
agree to his terms.

(De Verby rises from the table. Mme. du Brocard takes his place and
begins to write.)

Mme. Rousseau (to her husband)
My dear, I implore you!

Rousseau (with decision)
By heavens! I shall promise to this devil of a lawyer all that he asks
of me; but Jules is at Brussels.

(The door opens, Joseph cries out in alarm, but it is Dupre who
enters.)

SCENE NINTH

The same persons and Dupre.

Dupre
How is this?

(Mme du Brocard hands him the letter she has been writing; De Verby
hands him his; and it is passed over to Rousseau who reads it with
astonishment; De Verby casts a furious glance at Dupre and the
Rousseau family, and dashes out of the room.)

Dupre (to Rousseau)
And what decision have you made, sir?

Rousseau
I shall let my son do exactly what he wants in the matter.

Mme. Rousseau
Dear husband!

Dupre (aside)
He thinks that Jules is out of town.

Rousseau
At present Jules is at Brussels, and he must return at once.

Dupre
That is perfectly fair! It is quite clear that I can't demand anything
at the moment of you, so long as he is away; to do so would be a