s your son will be,
what fairer task have you to perform than that of satisfying your
conscience? In saving Jules, this girl has brought disgrace upon
herself! Can it be possible that the fortune which you have so
honorably gained should have killed in your heart every generous
sentiment, and that self-interest alone-- (He sees Mme. du Brocard
making signs to her brother.) Ah! that is right, madame! It is you
that give the tone in this household! And I forgot while I was
pleading to this gentleman, that you would be at his elbow when I was
no longer here.

Mme. du Brocard
We have pledged our word to the Count and Countess of Verby! Mlle.
Pamela, whose friend I shall be all my life, did not effect the
deliverance of my nephew on the understanding that she should blight
his prospects.

Rousseau
There ought to be some basis of equality in a union by marriage. My
son will some day have an income of eighty thousand francs.

Joseph (aside)
That suits me to a T. I shall marry her now. But this fellow here, he
talks more like a Jewish money-changer than a father.

De Verby (to Dupre)
I think, sir, that your talent and character are such as to claim our
highest admiration and esteem. The Rousseau family will always
preserve your name in grateful memory; but these private discussions
must be carried on without witnesses from outside. M. Rousseau has
given me his word and I keep him to his promise! (To Jules) Come, my
young friend, come to my brother's house; my niece is expecting you.
To-morrow we will sign the marriage contract.

(Pamela falls senseless on her chair.)

Joseph
Ah, what have you done! Mlle. Pamela!

Dupre and Jules (darting towards her)
Good heavens!

De Verby (taking Jules by the hand)
Come--come--

Dupre
Stop a moment! I should have been glad to think that I was not the
only protector that was left her! But listen, the matter is not yet
ended! Pamela will certainly be arrested as a false witness! (Seizes
the hand of De Verby.) And you will all be ruined.

(Dupre leads off Pamela.)

Joseph (hiding behind a sofa)
Don't tell anybody that I am here!

Curtain to the Fourth Act.

ACT V

SCENE FIRST

(The stage setting represents the private study in Dupre's house. On
one side is a bookcase, on the other a desk. On the left is a window
hung with heavy, sweepin