earned something of what lies
beneath. Ah! poor General!

Gertrude
I am waiting, doctor.

(Vernon bows and escorts Gertrude out.)

SCENE THIRD

Pauline (alone; she rings)
Yes, the only alternative left me is to flee with him; if we continue
this conflict, my stepmother and I, it can but result in my father's
dishonor. Would it not be better to disobey him? Then I will write to
him--I will be generous, because, my triumph over her will be
complete--I will let my father still believe in her, and will explain
my flight by attributing it to the hatred which he bears to the name
of Marcandal and to my love for Ferdinand.

SCENE FOURTH

Pauline and Marguerite.

Marguerite
Does mademoiselle feel well again?

Pauline
Yes, I am well enough in body; but in mind--Oh, I am in despair! My
poor Marguerite, unfortunate is the girl who has lost her mother--

Marguerite
And whose father has for his second wife such a woman as Madame de
Grandchamp. But tell me, mademoiselle, am I not to you a humble and
devoted mother? My affection for you as a nurse has grown in
proportion to the hate with which this stepmother regards you.

Pauline
Yes, Marguerite, you may believe it, but you delude yourself. Your
love can never be as great as her hatred.

Marguerite
Oh! mademoiselle! If you would only put me to the proof!

Pauline
Really?--Would you leave France for me?

Marguerite
To be with you, I would travel to the Indies.

Pauline
And would you start at once?

Marguerite
At once!--My baggage is not heavy.

Pauline
Well, Marguerite, we will start to-night, and secretly.

Marguerite
But why is this?

Pauline
You ask me why? Do you not know that Madame de Grandchamp put me to
sleep with opium?

Marguerite
I know it, mademoiselle, and Doctor Vernon knows it also, for Felix
told me that he put under lock and key your teacup.--But why did she
do it?

Pauline
Say not a word about it, if you love me! And if you are as devoted to
me as you profess to be, go to your room and gather together all that
you possess, so quietly that none shall suspect that you are preparing
for a journey. We will start after midnight. You must now take from me
here, and carry to your room, my jewels and all that I shall need for
a long journey. Use the utmost caution; for if my stepmother had the
least idea of what we are doing, I should be ruined.

Marguerite
Ruined