ral--Ah! her son, perhaps--and
the unknown.

Gertrude
This secret, concerning which she is forced to keep silence, even
though it imperilled her life to do so--

Vernon
I don't quite catch your meaning.

Gertrude
In short, the proofs of this secret are now destroyed! And you,
doctor, who love us all, you would be as base, as infamous as she
is--even more so, because you are a man, and have not the insensate
passions of a woman!--You would be a monster if you were to take
another step along the path on which you have now started--

Vernon
You mean that for intimidation? Madame, since civilized society first
sprang into being, the seed which you are sowing has produced a crop
whose name is crime.

Gertrude
But there are four lives at stake; remember that. (Aside) He is giving
way. (Aloud) In spite of this danger I demand that you will assist me
in maintaining peace here, and that you will immediately go and get
something by which Pauline may be roused from her slumber. And you
will explain, if necessary, her drowsiness to the General. Further,
you will give me back the cup, for I am sure you intend to do so, and
each step that we take together in this affair shall be fully
explained to you.

Vernon
Madame!

Gertrude
We must separate now, for the General will soon be back.

Vernon (aside)
I shall still look after you! I have now a weapon that I can use and--

(Exit Vernon.)

SCENE FIFTEENTH

Gertrude (alone, leaning against the closet in which the cup is locked
up)
Where can he have hidden that cup?

Curtain to the Third Act.

ACT IV

SCENE FIRST

(Pauline's chamber.)

Gertrude and Pauline (the latter sleeping on a large armchair on the
left).

Gertrude (cautiously entering)
She is sleeping, and the doctor said that she would wake up at once.
Her slumber alarms me. This then is the girl that he is in love with.
I do not find her pretty at all. Oh, yes, after all, she is beautiful!
But how is it that men do not see that beauty is nothing but a
promise, and that love is the--(someone knocks). How is this; there
are people coming.

Vernon (outside)
May I come in, Pauline?

Gertrude
It is the doctor.

SCENE SECOND

The same persons and Vernon.

Gertrude
You told me that she would soon awake.

Vernon
Don't be alarmed. (Calling aloud) Pauline!