lace, administered to her stepdaughter a dose of opium, and
you, M. Vernon, who were present and saw the criminal attempt, managed
to secure and lock up the cup.

Vernon
It is true, gentlemen, but--

Ramel
How is it, M. Vernon, that when you witnessed this criminal attempt,
you did not check Madame de Grandchamp in the fatal course which she
was then pursuing?

Vernon
Believe me, gentlemen, I did everything which I thought could be done
with prudence, and all that my long experience suggested was attempted
by me.

The Magistrate
Your conduct, sir, was peculiar, and you will be called upon to
explain it. You did your duty yesterday in preserving the cup as
evidence; but why did you not go further?

Ramel
Pardon me, M. Cordier, this gentleman is advanced in years; he is an
honest and trustworthy man. (He takes Vernon aside) You have found
out, I suppose, the cause of this crime.

Vernon
It springs from a rivalry between two women, who have been urged on to
the most violent extremes by their reckless passions. And I was
obliged to keep silence on the subject.

Ramel
I know the whole business.

Vernon
You! sir?

Ramel
Yes, and, like you, I have done everything to prevent this
catastrophe; for Ferdinand was to leave this very night. I knew Mlle.
Gertrude de Meilhac in former years, having met her at the house of my
friend.

Vernon
Oh! sir, show clemency! Have pity on an old soldier, crippled with
wounds, and enslaved by delusions. He is in danger of losing both his
daughter and his wife. Heaven grant he may not lose his honor also!

Ramel
We understand each other. So long as Gertrude does not make such
admissions as force us to see the real situation, I shall endeavor to
persuade the investigating magistrate--who is an extremely sagacious
and honest man of ten years' experience--I shall try to make him
believe that cupidity alone has influenced Madame de Grandchamp. You
must assist me. (The magistrate approaches; Ramel nods to Vernon and
puts on an expression of severity.) Why did Madame de Grandchamp wish
to drug her stepdaughter? You, who are the friend of the household,
ought to know this.

Vernon
Pauline was about to confide her secrets to me. Her stepmother thought
that I was learning certain things which her interest required should
be concealed; and that, sir, is doubtless the reason why she sent me
to treat a workman who was in good health, and not to prevent help
from being brought to Pau