SCENE ELEVENTH

Gertrude, Vernon, Pauline, and later Marguerite.

Gertrude
Doctor, would you like another cup of tea?

Vernon
Thank you, but I am so deep in the election returns that I have not
yet finished my first cup.

Gertrude (pointing to Pauline)
Poor child, you see she is sleeping?

Vernon
How is this? She is sleeping?

Gertrude
It is no wonder. Imagine, doctor, she did not go to sleep until three
o'clock in this morning. We were greatly disturbed last night.

Vernon
Let me assist you to carry her to her room.

Gertrude
It is not necessary. Marguerite, help me put this poor child to bed.
She will be more comfortable there.

(Marguerite comes forward and assists Gertrude to carry Pauline away.)

SCENE TWELFTH

Vernon, Felix (who enters at this juncture) and Marguerite later.

Vernon
Felix!

Felix
Is there anything I can do for you, sir?

Vernon
Is there a closet anywhere here in which I can lock up something?

Felix (pointing to the closet)
Here is a place, sir.

Vernon
Good! Felix, don't say a word of this to a single soul. (Aside) He
will be sure to remember it. (Aloud) I am playing a trick on the
General, and the trick will fail if you say anything.

Felix
I will be as dumb as a fish.

(The doctor takes from him the key of the closet.)

Vernon
And now leave me alone with your mistress, who is coming back here,
and be on the watch that no one interrupts us for a moment.

Felix (going out)
Marguerite was right; there is something in the wind, that's certain.

Marguerite (returning)
There is nothing the matter. Mademoiselle is sleeping quietly.

(Exit Marguerite.)

SCENE THIRTEENTH

Vernon (alone)
What can have set by the ears two women who have hitherto lived in
peace? All doctors, little though they be philosophers, can tell. The
poor General, who all his life has had no other idea excepting that of
escaping the common lot! Yet I see no one here likely to cause him
jealousy, but myself and Ferdinand. It is not probable that I am the
man; but Ferdinand--Yet I have so far noticed nothing--I hear her
coming! Now for the tug-of-war!

SCENE FOURTEENTH

Vernon and Gertrude.

Gertrude (aside)
I have them!--I am going to burn them in my chamber. (She meets
Vernon.) Ah!

Vernon
Madame, I have sent everybody away.

Gertrude
May I ask you why?